Key Issues with The Cross Tie Ball

Restricts the
Horse’s Behavior

The most prominent researchers and practitioners in Equitation Science have helped us understand why we should not limit horses’ means of communication or their need to bite. Rather we should learn to listen more to what these equine athletes are trying to convey.

Often, it is stressed horses that are more active and bite more when in tie-ups. It could also be bored horses that have been tied up for long periods, or those with a higher score on the “pain scale” (higher pain threshold).
Horses often bite more before, rather than after, exercise etc.

The more we as humans can learn to meet the horses’ needs, the better. Allowing horses to bite is an effective way for them to cope better, releasing cortisol and other substances, helping them feel better.

By using a ball, we restrict the horse’s natural need for chewing and balancing hormone levels, compared to if we use an alternative type of “bite application,” which does not restrict the horse’s need to communicate, chew on something and stay entertained.

With increasing knowledge, more people ensure that horses have access to roughage during grooming sessions. This means they can meet their needs in other ways. However, this is not always rational or feasible in all types of operations.

Extra
Weight

Different types of balls weigh significantly, often around 440 grams each, i.e., 880 grams extra placed on the tie-ups. Any extra weight on the horse’s neck/tie-up is detrimental for the horses wellbeing.

We have tried as much as possible to minimize weight, to make it as comfortable as possible during every use for the horse. So instead of the cross tie ball, we came up with the GnawBuddy weighs 7 grams each, i.e., 14 grams extra. 

Unnecessary
Risk

We evaluated several types of cross tie balls during our assessment.

There are many variations and manufacturers with different types of materials.
Those filled with harder rubber material are in our opinion too heavy. Moreover, they have a hard and unpleasant effect if they swing and hit the horse or staff.

There are also balls with various types of holes, which reduce the weight on the neck. However, we have learned about horses getting stuck in them with their teeth, and people getting their fingers caught, with unpleasant outcomes.

Tying up a horse is always a risk, and therefore it should be optimised and the risk minimised, as much as possible.

We do not want to expose either horses or people to unnecessary risks. The best, of course, would be for the horse to be able to stand loose by itself. This is  often not feasible for a lot of equestrians and their horses for various reasons.

Hinders Smooth and
Quick Handling

The handlers and grooms should be able to slide their hand down and “click” the horse into place. With the cross tie ball the smoothness and speed of the hand using the carabiner decreases. It requires an extra grip or even two hands to pass it through.

We conducted various tests to measure this. Handling just one horse a day is one thing. But for a normal operation, we want to offer the best possible work environment for the staff while minimising non-value-added time.

Over a year, with multiple horses, seconds quickly add up to hours. 

Disruptive
Movement

A cross tie ball adds extra weight to the tie-up system, and thus creates unnecessary pendulum movement or bouncing.

We aimed to create something that provides the calmest environment possible for horses and staff, as quickly and smoothly as possible. Therefore we wanted to minimize movement as much as possible after releasing the EasyConnect.

Thats why we recommend a light solution that won’t get in your way and bounce off of anything, and not any variation of the cross tie ball.

Unappealing
Aesthetics

Many people have resorted to using tennis balls as a cross tie ball. Maybe it is fun to play with for the stable dogs. The cross tie ball should not be around your athletic sport horses, or any horse. 

It looks better without a clumsy and thick cross tie ball on any tie-up. Something lightweight and modern that doesen´t cause any isues, will create a much better image for any facility. Any additions to your tie-ups should be positive and beneficial for you and the horse.

The cross tie ball restricts a horse’s natural need to chew, which is a vital coping mechanism for reducing stress and balancing hormone levels. By limiting this behaviour, we ignore what the horse is trying to communicate.

Instead, alternatives like GnawBuddy allow horses to chew without restrictions, promoting their mental and emotional well-being.

Cross tie balls work against the horse’s natural instincts, creating tension and frustration rather than addressing the underlying cause of biting or pulling behaviors.

Horses tied in this manner may experience heightened stress, which can contribute to physical discomfort or behavioral issues over time.

A more horse-friendly solution, like the GnawBuddy, provides a safe and engaging outlet for natural chewing instincts without exacerbating stress.

Cross tie balls pose several risks, including:

    • Physical injury: Harder designs can hit horses or staff, causing discomfort or harm. Variants with holes have led to horses getting their teeth caught and people injuring their fingers.
    • Extra weight: These attachments add unnecessary weight to the tie-up, potentially causing discomfort or strain.
    • Pendulum effect: The added weight creates disruptive swinging movements, contributing to a less calm environment for horses and handlers.

Prolonged use of cross tie balls can also create an association of discomfort with tie-ups, making the horse increasingly resistant to being tied. This aversion may manifest in future training challenges or more severe behavioral problems. Exploring safer and more adaptable tie-up options, such as EasyConnect, can help mitigate these risks while supporting the horse’s mental and physical health.

Focus on understanding the horse’s natural behaviors and needs:

    1. Allow them access to chewing-friendly alternatives like GnawBuddy, which reduces stress without restricting behavior.
    2. Use lightweight and efficient restraint systems, such as EasyConnect, to minimize handling complications and improve comfort.
    3. Pay close attention to a horse’s communication signals (e.g., ear positioning, tail movement) to address underlying stress or discomfort, fostering trust and reducing anxiety.

Alternatives like the GnawBuddy not only provide safety but also enhance the horse’s experience by encouraging natural behaviors, such as chewing, to alleviate boredom and stress. By combining safety with enrichment, these modern solutions help horses feel more secure and comfortable during tie-ups, reducing the risk of accidents or long-term injuries.