How would a prisoner's hands be tied if they were on horseback?

Question

Can it be done? And if it can, please explain how. For example, would they be able to sit upright? Would their hands be in front, or back? Would the person have to be particularly good at riding? And what kind of saddle would be used? I've tried Googleing this, but can't find enough information.

Oh, and don't worry- I'm not planning on kidnapping someone, ha ha! I'm writing a story. ;P Which reminds me- in the story, there's no galloping, the land is relatively flat, and the horses are docile.

Answer 1

yes, if he usually rides horses.

Answer 2

You could tie them front or back. You could tie their horse to yours and WALK. Riding was mostly walking.

Most people were good at riding--they did it all the time. Some prisoners had to walk, tied behind horses.

For excellent westerns, read Elmore Leonard. He wrote 3:10 to Yuma didn't he?

Answer 3

they would tie the hands together, yet around the reins and horn..then tie that horse to the lawman's

Answer 4

They could have the hands tied in the back, if they were strapped to the saddle.  Tied in the front, they would be able to take the horse's reins and ride away.

Yeah, they would need some experience in riding, but riding is about holding on with the legs, as well as, the hands.

Answer 5

if you really dont want him to get away you tie his hands to his feet around the horse.all the blood will run to his head and make him woozy

Answer 6

Mainly in front of him...AND to the saddlehorn.  Also the feet would be tied to the stirrups occasionally.  I did not get this from a movie...I like to read historical documentations of the "old west."

Answer 7

From movies I have seen, most recently 3:10 to Yuma, I believe they were tied in front of him. This allowed him to hold the reigns of the horse. There was no galloping. He was a skilled rider but I don't think you would need to be.