A controlled experiment to test Plastic Chain in a panic situation using a 1 000 kg crane as our instrument of force to represent the pulling power of a horse.
The plastic chain is extremely noisy to work with.
Potentially causing stress to horses and discomfort for handlers.
Not recommended in a forward thinking working environement.
When broken, the plastic chain shatters into multiple pieces.
This can create dangerous projectiles flying with a lot of force. Potentially risking injuries to both horse and handler.
The cheap look and feel of the plastic chain can negatively impact the perception of the facility. Aesthetically the plastic chain looks and feels cheap. Plastic chains doesn´t reflect the true passion behind your equestrian work.
Clients don’t just see a temporary solution; they perceive:
Reputable equestrian facilities never use plastic chains for horse containment.
This is a fundamental safety principle recognized across all professional horse management protocols.
When open, the carabiner on the plastic chain, has sharp edges and a fishhook-like design that can cut or puncture a horse’s skin, potentially causing severe injuries.
One time usages.
After a panic attack the plastic chain is broken and not possible to attach together and re-use in a sustainable way.
The look and feel of a fish hook carabiner does not meet professional equestrian safety standards.
Horses can accidentally open the carabiner gate on the plastic chain, and get it stuck in their mouth, leading to tearing and more extensive damage.
The standard carabiner is dangerous and should not be close to horses.
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 the plastic chain:
“Plastic chains are worthless. You might as well have the horse loose. The only thing is that the horse thinks it is tied up, but it is not. They just come off for nothing. You might as well have a thread. It is pointless.”
“Having something close to the head is not the solution because you don’t go there.
When a horse panics, you don’t want to be close to the head. It’s too dangerous!
You have to move away from the horse when it panics.
So I’ve seen a lot of accidents when there is no release mechanism on the tie ups.”
“Old buckles and attachments that are rusted and stiff can be hard to take off in an emergency and things can get stuck.”
What bad experiences have you had or seen?
“A lot. A lot.
Dead horses,
horses hanging on their backs.
That happens all the time.”
“Safety costs.
If you’ve been badly injured a few times, what’s safe doesn’t become expensive.”
“They are also living animals so you can’t predict everything.”
“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.”
“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.”
“When it comes to safety I think the equine world is a little bit behind.
There’s a lot of stables around that just have old chains and stuff is rusting away.”
“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.”
“Often you do not know the consequences of a horse being stuck until much later.
Perhaps it has affected the neck, or if they sit on their hind legs it is not what the horse is made for either.
I have seen some injuries to the legs, where the horse has injured itself in panic situations, or when a tool has gotten in between and injured the horses.”
“If a horse panics and they’re rearing up, you don’t want to be at the head, you can’t get there when they panic, it’s too dangerous, so that’s much better that it releases at the attachment.
They have to release!”
Plastic Chains used for horse tie-ups can significantly disrupt the stable environment, primarily due to the excessive noise they generate. When horses are detached, the metal carabiners attached to these chains tend to swing freely, colliding with poles and walls and the plastic chain links create a rattling noise. This creates a cacophony of loud, jarring sounds that can echo throughout the stable area. The constant clanging and rattling can be particularly distressing for horses, given their acute hearing sensitivity. This noise pollution may lead to increased stress levels among the animals, potentially causing behavioural issues or negatively impacting their overall well-being.
For handlers and stable staff, the persistent noise can create an unpleasant and distracting work environment. It may interfere with their ability to concentrate on tasks, communicate effectively or remain relaxed potentially compromising the quality of care and work output. The noise issue extends beyond just being a nuisance; it can also mask other important sounds in the stable, such as a horse in distress or equipment malfunctions, which could lead to delayed responses in emergency situations.
The use of Plastic Chains for horse tie-ups presents significant safety hazards, particularly when these chains break under stress. When a plastic chain snaps, it can send fragments flying in all directions at high speeds. These plastic shards pose a serious risk of injury, especially to the eyes of both horses and handlers in the vicinity. The potential for eye injuries is particularly concerning, as even small plastic fragments can cause severe damage to the delicate structures of the eye. In a panic situation, where a horse might be struggling against the restraint, the likelihood of these fragments hitting sensitive areas increases dramatically.
Another safety issue arises from the manual release mechanism of these chains. In an emergency, a handler must approach a potentially panicking horse to detach the chain. This puts the person at considerable risk, as they need to be in close proximity to a frightened and potentially dangerous animal. The natural human instinct to move away from danger often takes precedence, leaving the horse in a prolonged state of panic and increasing the risk of injury. The combination of flying debris and the need for close human intervention creates a hazardous environment that compromises the safety of both horses and stable personnel.
The use of Plastic Chains for horse tie-ups can significantly detract from the professional appearance and reputation of a stable. These chains, often brightly coloured (Black and Yellow) and clearly not designed for equestrian use, give an impression of improvisation rather than proper horse care equipment. Plastic Chains are more commonly associated with crowd control in parking lots or queues at airports, not with the specialized needs of large animals.
Their presence in a stable environment can suggest a lack of investment in proper equestrian equipment or a misunderstanding of appropriate horse care practices. For clients, visitors, or potential customers, seeing these chains might raise questions about the stable’s commitment to quality and safety. It could create doubts about the facility’s expertise and attention to detail in other aspects of horse care and management.
The unprofessional appearance of Plastic Chains may also impact the stable’s marketability. In an industry where appearance and reputation play crucial roles, the use of such visibly inappropriate equipment can be a significant drawback. It might deter serious horse owners or riders from choosing the facility for their animals or training needs. Ultimately, while Plastic Chains might seem like an economical solution, their use can come at the cost of the stable’s professional image, potentially leading to long-term negative impacts on its reputation and client base.
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