A hand-held rope tie is operable to releasably hold two side-by-side portions of a rope. Pivotally connected arm members accommodate and hold the rope portions with a selected clamping pressure. The clamping pressure can be adjusted to create drag or resistance on the rope pulled through the arm members during horse pull-backs to relieve horse panic. Rope tie is also adjustable to tightly grip the rope without slippage of the rope through the arms when desired.