Important to know about Chain
From a practical perspective chain tie-ups are extremely noisy in the lorries, trailers and stables, creating an unpleasant environment for both horses and handlers. Chain is not very easy to work with when you need to pass back and forth underneath them constantly. The metal is also a bit cold to handle during winter times.
Aesthetically the chain doesn’t paint the best picture of the facilities they are used in, as animals tied in chain typically isn’t considered to be an animal friendly practice. Should it really be accepted in the equine industry in this day and age?
Our crane experiment results demonstrated the strength and potential dangers associated with chain cross ties. During the first test, the chain held an impressive 587 kg before we stopped as our 600 kg weight was beginning to lift off the ground. In a second attempt, the panic hook broke at 359 kg.
These results highlight the immense strength of chain cross ties but also raise concerns about their safety in real-world scenarios in a horse stable. When subjected to such forces, a horse resisting against chain could suffer severe injuries if the chain tie-up does not break or release as intended.
The experiment also revealed practical issues with chain cross ties. They are heavy and awkward for regular use, making them less efficient compared to other materials. If not covered we have heard of several reports from different people that either have had their fingers chopped off, or broken, as well as different horses that have broken their jaw, lost some teeth or even their eyes.
The plastic covering on chains can become jagged over time, increasing the inefficiency to work with, as hair and clothes easily get snagged.
Furthermore, if a chain breaks at the wall fixing point, it can whip around dangerously whilst attached to the halter, like a medieval weapon. There can also be dangerous projectiles, posing a threat to both horses and handlers.
Chain cross-ties offer extreme strength which is far beyond what is needed to work on a horse safely. If nothing breaks during a panic, horses can become trapped, risking serious injury such as pulled muscles, damaged nerves or broken bones.
Other commonly used names for the chain used as tie-ups are: tie chains, stable chains, cross ties, lead chains, safety chains, tether chain, plastic coated chain, plastic coated tie chain, plastic coated stall chain or plastic covered chain.
When you want to use a safe tie-up solution – have a look at the EasyConnect.
Uppbindning av häst
