Are you aware of the potential danger of injury when a horse pulls back and falls or flips over when they are in cross ties? A simple way to reduce the risk is to attach a few zip ties to the o-ring and attach the end clip your cross tie to the zip ties. It allows for more flexibility should the horse panic or pull back. It will snap more easily if too much pressure is applied while reducing force build-up and decreasing the potential for a horse to fall or flip over when a halter or lead rope breaks.
Injuries Can Include:
- Damage to the vertebra.
- Fractures to the poll area.
- Fractured neck vertebra.
- Fractured withers.
- Pelvic fractures and sacroiliac injury.
- Hamstring muscle injury can occur with hyperextension
In addition, here are some other tips for ensuring safety:
- always use a durable lead rope that won’t break under pressure
- check all fastenings before beginning work with your horse
- never leave your horse unattended while in cross ties, even if they are calm
- pay attention to surroundings and be mindful of any potential dangers (i.e. other horses nearby)
- make sure to give them enough space, so they don’t feel threatened or crowded by other horses
This precautionary step can be taken to ensure your horse’s safety. It takes just moments and could save your horse from injury. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a guaranteed solution – nothing ever is when dealing with animals – but rather an extra precautionary measure.