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Uppbindning av hästWatch the TESTING
A controlled experiment to test different types of bale twine in a panic situation using a 1 000 kg crane as our instrument of force to represent the pulling power of a horse.
Key Findings about Bale Twine
Excessive Strength = False Sense of Security
It gives you the belief that it will act as an automatic release, giving you a false sense of security. In reality the bale twine is extremely strong and you have no guarantees that it will actually break.
Some varieties can withstand extreme forces. Potentially causing severe internal injuries to horses during panic situations.
Dangerous Loops at the Halter
If the bale twine is attached as a loop in the halter, eather on the side or underneath, it is a risk for the horse to get stuck in different objects.
We have had reports of horses that have broken their jaw and necks because of this.
Wall Loop
Attachments
Bale twine that is attached at the wall, makes the whole tie-up able to come flying. If that is, for example a chain, then it can cause all kinds of trouble.
We have had reports of horses that have lost their eye, and people breaking their nose, because of this.
Inconsistent
Breaking Points
Different types of twine break at vastly different weights, making it unpredictable and unreliable as a safety measure.
If you don´t know if it is 45 kg or 499 kg you are risking the horses neck – that tells something about your level of interest in your horses body or life.
Inefficient Handling
There’s no built-in safety release mechanism in a bale twine loop. It then requires dangerous manual intervention with tools like knives to free a panicking horse.
After the panic, where the horse still might be a bit worried, it is also fiddly to reattach the bale twine.
Impressions Last
Using baling twine with tie-ups doesn´t reflect the true passion behind your equestrian work. Clients don’t just see a temporary solution; they perceive:
- Your dedication to excellence
- The level of professional pride
- The quality of care their horses might receive.
grooms opinion
Experiences from around the globe, managing delicate horses, she has seen what works and what doesn´t whilst handling horses. Listen to what Paulina has to say about different bale twine:
Horses hanging on their backs!
What bad experiences have you had or seen?
“A lot. A lot.
Dead horses,
horses hanging on their backs.
That happens all the time.”
Baling twine – then the chain or halter comes flying!
Have you been involved in anything that comes flying and such?
“Oh yes. Sometimes they put up baling twine, then the chain or halter comes flying at the person standing down there if the horses throw themselves.
It’s not so good!””
I was almost crushed!
“There was a time at another stable. Someone decided to climb up and fix some things on the ceiling.
Then the horse got scared and it tried to back off, but it was stuck and fixed in place with no release.
I was almost crushed.
That was very dangerous.”
Once you’ve experienced that, you don’t want to go through it again!
“A few years ago, I had a horse that got stuck.
It came to a sudden stop. Eventually, they released, and when the horse reared up, it was a challenging situation.
Once you’ve experienced that, you don’t want to go through it again.
It didn’t feel good.
Panic sets in.
What do I do?
How do I calm it down, etc.?
I was just trying to calm it down when it was so agitated.
I myself was a bit shaky, and it wasn’t easy to reattach it.”
Everything happens so fast!
“The horses, they push their head forwards fast and then they pull backwards and everything happens so fast.
And that’s what I like, is that they (Easy Connect) release here at the wall or pole attachment.”
Suddenly they feel that it’s too tight and then they throw themselves in a panic!
Have you been involved in anything that comes flying and such?
“That there is good space around so you don’t get crowded or stuck anywhere.
It is different from other sports, where the equipment does not attack you!
The most common thing is that it happens when you clinch the nail.
Then the horse moves a little without you really noticing it.
Suddenly they feel that it’s too tight and then they throw themselves in a panic.”
When things come flying!
“I have shod a lot of horses.
I have certainly seen many different types of injuries to horses and halters that have broken.
But the scariest thing is almost when the construction that they are fixed to doesn’t hold.
When things come flying.
I once saw a wall collapse in a stable. And a doorframe once came loose.
So I’m most afraid that they’re tied up to the wrong things.”
Pretty poor mindset in the equestrian sport!
“Overall, there is a pretty poor safety mindset in the equestrian sport – considering that they are large animals weighing 600 kg that can run right over you.”
You can´t predict everything!
“They are also living animals so you can’t predict everything.”
On the old tie ups I can not get close enough to release it at the halter!
“I was close to the horse when it panicked at home.
On the old tie ups (Easy Connect) I can not get close enough to release it at the halter.
With these tie ups, I can easily release it at the fixings so I am not too close.”
He injured his neck because he couldn´t release himself!
“We had a horse at home that backed away a lot when he was tied up and he injured his neck because he couldn´t release himself.”
It’s slippery ground, they fall over, lie and struggle…
“The worst is almost when the horses have thrown themselves and they are stuck.
It’s slippery ground, they fall over, lie and struggle, then they get even more panicked.”
Why is using baling twine for horse tie-ups dangerous?
Using baling twine for horse tie-ups poses several significant dangers.
One major concern is the unknown age and condition of the twine; without knowing how long it has been in use or what environmental factors it has been exposed to, you cannot be certain of its integrity.
Additionally, the breaking strength of baling twine can vary widely, with some thicker versions capable of handling loads exceeding 500kg. This excessive strength is inappropriate for securing horses, as it can lead to severe injuries if a horse panics and pulls against it.
Furthermore, baling twine is not designed for animal use, lacking the safety checks and testing for truly reliable and safe tie-ups.
Perhaps most alarmingly, horses are adept at hiding pain and injuries, meaning that any internal muscular damage they sustain may not be immediately visible. By the time symptoms appear, the injury could already be quite serious, making the use of baling twine a risky choice.
What are the drawbacks of using plastic baling twine instead of natural twine for horse tie-ups?
The drawbacks of using plastic baling twine instead of natural twine for horse tie-ups are considerable.
Plastic twine is significantly stronger than its natural counterpart, with breaking strains that can exceed 500kg. This excessive strength can be dangerous for horses because it does not allow for any give during a panic situation, increasing the risk of severe injuries.
Unlike natural twine, which can break under pressure, plastic twine is designed to withstand heavy loads without snapping. This durability means that in an emergency, a horse tied with plastic twine may experience more serious injuries rather than being freed safely.
Additionally, the environmental impact of plastic twine cannot be overlooked; it is less biodegradable than natural options and contributes to pollution if not disposed of properly.
Overall, while plastic baling twine may be cheaper and stronger for agricultural purposes, it is not suitable for securing horses.
How does the use of baling twine for horse tie-ups affect the professional appearance of a stable?
The use of baling twine for horse tie-ups can significantly detract from the professional appearance of a stable.
Baling twine often gives an improvised and makeshift look that suggests a lack of proper equipment or attention to detail in horse care.
This unprofessional appearance can leave a poor impression on clients or potential customers who visit the facility; they may perceive the use of baling twine as an indication of cutting corners or neglecting safety measures.
For educational stables, where students are learning about proper horse care, using baling twine sets a negative example and undermines the importance of safety practices.
Moreover, the variety of colours and conditions in which baling twine appears can create a cluttered and disorganized environment within the stable, detracting from its overall presentation. In contrast, using appropriate and aesthetically pleasing equipment enhances both safety and the visual appeal of a stable.
