Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

A few people asked about haybags, hooks, ropes and the like.  So I'm 
answering them all in one fell swoop.  Here are a couple more 
pics:  http://webpages.charter.net/nvrider/chiefsleeps.jpg 
http://community.webshots.com/photo/95327802/95329984ozmJWj  You can see 
there more how the haybags hang, and the trailer tie ropes are attached.

At the top of the tie arm is the velcro attachment. From that is attached a 
standard nylon trailer tie strap that has a panic snap at one end.  I 
attach the panic snap end to an O ring from the hardware store, it's 
probably about 4" wide across.  To that I put the cotton rope thru it also 
with a quick release tie and then the end of the rope snaps with a bullsnap 
to the horses halter.  Remember, if your horse is on a tie and gets caught 
in it or falls down that you need to approach with caution!  Don't run up 
to try and save your horse and get hurt in the process.  If you do use a 
quick release at some point in your tie system, make sure you KNOW what 
will happen when you release it.  Will the tie arm fly up...then back 
down...onto your head?  (are you wearing a helmet????)  If it is a bungee 
and you release it, will it fly towards you or away from you?  Your 
horse?  A bystander?  DISCLAIMER:  You may need to tie a more secure knot 
with your rope if your horse is a Houdini.  Practice tying them to whatever 
system you use overnight at home in a safe area before going to a ride.

Now for the haybags and bucket hooks.  Here is the link to the hooks I use 
for the haybags: 
http://www.countrysupply.com/product.asp?sku=BRA26&id=04234745662142136308322 
I use the haybags that Trail Rite makes, you can buy them directly from 
them:  http://www.trail-rite.com/meshmangers.html  or from 
Sportack:  http://sportack.com/  I'm sure other vendors sell them as well 
(sorry I don't know them all).  By hanging these haybags on these hooks, I 
just simply put the D-rings from the bags right up onto the hooks.  If you 
have a horse that likes to play with his bag, use duct tape to make the 
opening smaller on the D ring so they can't pull it off.  I mounted the 
hooks down low enough so that the horse is eating in a more natural 
position. This makes it easier for the horse and for me -- the bag is 
easier to refill, easier to put up on the hooks, and take down.  It doesn't 
scratch the side of the trailer all up.  It's QUIET when they 
eat.  DISCLAIMER:  Practice using something new like this at home first and 
be prepared for the possibility of your horse putting a foot or leg thru 
the haybag!  Each time your horse does this, take $30 out of his hay 
allowance and he'll stop doing it rather quickly.  :+P

Bucket 
holders: 
http://www.countrysupply.com/product.asp?sku=BSF49&id=04234745662142136308322 
These are pretty solid.  I put two up for each horse.  If they make noise, 
duct tape will put a stop to it.

Buckets:  Country supply sells 5 and 6 gallon buckets.  The 6 gallon 
buckets are quite nice.  Not only do they hold 1 gallon more, but every 
mis-matched 5 gallon bucket you've got will fit inside of it for 
travel!  Plus, this way I always know which water buckets are for 'water', 
and the others are for 'food'.  (it matters to some horses, trust me)

Check the handles on your buckets and make sure the metal handles where 
they attach to the bucket are nice and tight.  If not, bend them tighter 
yourself, or use duct tape.  You don't want your horse catching a halter 
while rubbing on a bucket and getting into a wreck.  Most accidents can be 
avoided if planned for accordingly.  Since I have very mischievous horses, 
they have taught me all the tricks on how to keep them out of trouble, and 
how to keep them from keeping me up at night.  The only problem I have to 
solve with Rocky now is if I bring him to a ride and don't ride him, what 
to do when he rocks the trailer with his full body weight all night long 
cuz he's annoyed with me.  I am sure duct tape can fix the problem, but 
how???????

Karen
in NV


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