Wednesday, December 17, 2008

I have a winner for giveaway number three! The winner is Duckie!
What does she win, you ask?
A set of rein connectors I made. That's the best name I can think up to call them without stealing a term from a famous trainer. (Rein rope not included, it's useless anyway, only a couple feet long.)

I like them because they're easier to switch back and forth than slobber straps are and they don't clank against the bit like a metal snap. Also, when you use them as a lead rope snap, if your horse pulls back, there's no dangerous broken metal projectile to fly and hurt someone. They're also lighter weight than a metal snap, which comes in handy sometimes. In vertical flexion I sometimes found myself accidentally hitting my horse with the snap when I released tension on the lead rope. Kind of an annoying release...

Here's a picture of them in use on Tonka:
(Click if you want to enlarge)

Duckie, send me your mailing address and I'll get them to you.
andreav at turbonet dot com

Thank you all for your thoughts on warm winter wear!

These guys don't need no stinkin' long underwear:



Scout's sticking out his tongue!

11 comments:

Tracey said...

You're getting mighty handy with that rope there, girl!

You guys surviving the cold?

gtyyup said...

Nice lil' connectors. Did you come up with the design?

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

Someone else came up with the design. I saw them and had to figure out what that other knot is that's not a fiador, then I made myself some. Then I didn't make any more for about a year, but I think I'm going to start replacing all my lead rope snaps with them.

You know, some people use a similar design for hobbles. Seems dangerous to me, this stuff is so thin and strong.

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

Thanks Tracey!

Yep, we're doing just fine here. The work is a bit more tiring with snow to move and trudge through, but other than that it's okay. Nice and warm today, somewhere in the 20's. Our high will be 7 on Saturday though. Going to have to rent some movies or something...

froglander said...

Rent horsey movies! You sure can make snazzy stuff with rope!

Kara said...

Those are awesome! Do you think that you could show me how to make them when I come out to visit? I love making my own rope halters too, although I haven't spent enough time on trying to learn the fiador knot, so all my halters just have a regular knot in them. They still work.

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

Kara, thanks! Yep, I can show you.

annette said...

please could you tell me the knots you used and the length of rope needed to make your rein connectors. I see the feador knot. a slider ring. what are the measurements of the loops. I enjoy making halters out of samson kayak cord. (my favorite rope halter/bridle.) I make lead ropes with spliced eyes. Like you said, these look like they would work great instead of a snap. what do you suppose the strength of one would be.

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

Annette,

The first knot is a fiador and the end knot is a Chinese button knot. I'm not sure on the measurements but I use 6 feet of rope for each one. Leaves some extra, but using 5 feet makes for tougher work. Looks like the finished length, closed, is about 6 1/2 inches.

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

Oh, and I forgot to answer the question about strength. I think they're probably unbreakable (by a person or horse) but can't guarantee it.

annette said...

I know how to make a fiador knot but I am having problems finding the directions for the chinese button knot. Do you know where I can locate some easy to understand directions. Like how you do it. or where did you find the directions for the chinese button knot. Thank you. annette