A railroad tie, crosstie, railway tie or railway sleeper is a rectangular support for the rails in railroad tracks. Generally laid perpendicular to the rails, ties transfer loads to the track ballast and subgrade, hold the rails upright and keep them spaced to the correct gauge.

What are cross ties for horses?

The Tie-Safe Cross Tie is a patented product that is designed to break apart under a panic load, without damaging walls, halters, or your horse! A must have safety item for any barn. The short end of the hook and loop stays on the horse and the remaining long section is still connected to the wall or tie ring.

Are cross ties illegal?

Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: "Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use." So it's actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape. ... There are no approved residential uses of creosote treated wood.