All competing horses have to be stabled the same, tied to the trailer. The reason is so that no horse gets an advantage of having more freedom to roll and move. The requirement for tying (and this really throws alot of people off) is that the lead rope be tied that the snap barely touches the ground. That's really pretty long.But it is the safest lenght (according to NATR) for a horse to be tied and still be able to lay down. And so far I have never seen it be a problem at all the rides I've been. And all the horses I've ever competed on did lay down. I always sleep in my trailer so if somehting happens I'll feel the trailer and could get to them quick.
Becky
Well, guess maybe you need to park the trailer in his paddock and let him get used to eating there or something - to see if it will help. Try tying when he's more comfortable with it.