Safety starts in the stable

Safety is not just about helmets and safety vests
Even before we mount a horse, we need to consider safety. The horse is a large flight animal, and situations can quickly become dangerous if it gets spooked. Things can escalate violently, leading to snapped halters and loose horses if a horse panics while tied in the stable aisle. That is why safety starts with how we tie the horse.

Tie your horse safely
With a safety tying system – such as The Clip or the Blocker Tie Ring – you can largely avoid these dangerous situations. These systems are designed so that the lead rope will slip if the horse pulls hard enough. If the rope is unyielding, the feeling of being "trapped" can cause the horse to panic further and pull even harder. However, when the rope slides through the system, the horse does not feel completely fixed, preventing the panic from escalating. It is, of course, essential that the lead rope is long enough so the horse doesn't pull the entire length through the ring immediately.

Equine neck and poll injuries
When a panicked horse pulls against an unyielding rope, the halter will eventually snap. It takes immense force to break a halter, and this force can cause significant injury to the horse's poll and cervical vertebrae. Using a secure tying system protects the horse from neck injuries and is an easy way to improve the horse’s long-term wellbeing.

The horse will not learn to "pull free"
A common concern is that horses will learn they can simply pull back to get loose – this is generally not the case. The rope must be set with enough resistance so the horse cannot pull it out just by shaking its head or looking around. The Clip features an adjustable screw, allowing you to regulate the resistance based on the horse. A young, inexperienced horse needs the rope to slide more easily to avoid panicking at the resistance, while a more experienced horse can be tied with more tension.

Trailer training, hay nets, and transport
Safety tying systems can be used anywhere a horse is tied, including inside a trailer. This is a major advantage if a horse loses its balance and ends up "hanging" in the halter. You can also use The Clip to hang hay nets (both in the trailer and the stall). Horses can occasionally get stuck in hay nets, creating a very dangerous situation if the net cannot be released quickly.

Benefits:

• Safe tying is a great advantage for young and inexperienced horses learning to stand tied – both in the barn and the trailer.

• You protect the horse from poll and neck injuries, as it is less likely to be caught in a fixed position.

• The Clip and Blocker Tie Ring do not escalate dangerous situations, as the horse does not feel restrained when the rope is fitted correctly.