Re: Corrals Vs. Field Trial Stakeout

["Dolores Arste" <darste@emi.com>]

Well, I had trouble finding it so I copped it and am pasting to the list
again. I must say we've staked out our 45 racing sled dogs this way for
years and the race around at top speed on it never get tangled and never
get hurt. So here it is, I hop you don't mind me re-sending it.

I can't stand it,and so I must type.First,the materials:One junk 
truck axle shaft,free,from Joe,your neighborhood mechanic.One junk brake 
disc(rotor),free,from Joe.He's going to give you this stuff for free 
because you are so kind as to haul your loaded horse trailer around in 
overdrive all the time.Pick out a rotor with plenty of "offset",in other 
words,one which is "tall" when viewed from the side as if it were a man's 
hat.									
So much for the free parts.Now go to a real hardcore manly hardware 
store.Get a length of coated stainless 3/16 cable 18 inches longer than 
your finished length-13&1/2 feet will give you a 12 foot length and a 
24foot circle.There's no rope in this rig.Get 2 "U-clamps" and 2 U-shaped 
"ferrules",and a "double ring"galvanized steel swivel to go with the 
cable.These items will be on display right there with thecable.Next,and 
this is the most critical part,get 12 feet of the stiffest hose you can 
find. This is NOT garden hose. I used automotive air conditioning 
hose,and suggest something even stiffer.Auto heater hose is NOT stiff 
enough.Some "commercial" water hose might be okay-maybe.Next item is a 
piece of common mild steel rod, 1/4 or 5/16",at least a 24inch 
piece.Next,one large bronze snap swivel,emphasis swivel,of the type 
you're already familiar with. 						
			Now,three pieces of simple metalworking must be 
done,by you ,or Joe,or somebody.First,if there are any wheel studs in the 
end of the axle,drive 'em out with a big hammer & 
discard.Second-optional-,grind or cut a crude point onto the end of the 
axle.Third,cut a 14" piece from your steel rod,and bend it into  a large 
oval shape about 3" x 6",with the open ends of the rod at the end of the 
oval. Cut a 7" piece of rod. Weld -or have welded- one end of this rod 
into a flat junction with the open end of your oval.DO NOT allow this to 
be done with a "Wire-Feed","MIG" welder which is probably the method your 
average car mechanic will want to use.It must be done with any other 
welding equipment,or it can break.Bend your "handle" up just a 
bit.Then bend a small loop of your oval's "handle"up and around one end o 
the double-ring swivel,and weld it shut.Go home.You're ready to lace this 
thing together.								
	Put one of the u-shaped ferrules on the other end of the double 
ring swivel,loop the cable around this,and clamp it down with about six 
inches excess length.Slide the  other end of the cable through the 
hose,and lace up the same way to your bronze snap swivel. Rig your length 
such that the length betwen cable clamps is about 1 inch greater than the 
hose,with the excess cable ends tucked neatly into the 
hose.Oops.Sorry-forgot the washers.Two big washers at each end-over each 
two bights of cable and between the hose and the clamps.This thing's got 
to spin along its length and swivel at both ends.			
	Now you can try 'er out.Pound the axle into the ground after you 
place it through the oval-"handle"  facing up and through the rotor-disc 
side down.You only need drive it down about 12-14 inches.That's plenty of 
hold,but can easily be removed after rocking side to side.C'est tout. Go 
get your horse.If you give him hay,scatter the flakearound the outer edge 
of the circle..Hay and sticks are  the only things I've seen tangle 
'em.You can get one of those "mountaineer" looking big steel oval 
snaps,and clip your horse safely to fences or buildings on your cable rig 
without the axle&rotor.This is the best rig there is,but do not leave any 
elements out.My horse has never once tangled himself up in any way,even 
when rolling.Can your  horse roll when tied to a trailer or picket?Can he 
walk around to ease his aches & pains?Can you put your set-up in place 
instantly in an emergency,anywhere? Build a Field Trial Stake-out. Your 
horse will thank you.
Dolores
Braken Schips / Entwood Racing Siberians - Morgans Too!
"Authority without domination, Love without subservience, Respect without
fear"

----------
> From: Raymond O'Donohue <rayo@cfw.com>
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: Corrals Vs. Field Trial Stakeout
> Date: Monday, May 04, 1998 8:58 PM
> 
> Folks,when I flamed re The Field Trial Stakeout rig a few months 
> ago,the response was generally poor.But I must return to my theme,after 
> hearing Ted's stories,for the sake of the animals.THERE IS NOTHING THAT 
> CAN WORK AS WELL,OR AS SAFELY!It can safely hold any 
> horse,anywhere,quickly and conveniently.In an emergency,I could safely 
> stake Chico in the median strip of an interstate highway,thus giving 
> him a grassy 24 foot refuge.If anyone wants to learn how to rig one of 
> these things properly(there are some out there  rigged  wrong)call me at 
> 804 589 1995 evenings EDT,and have a notepad.I cannot/will not re-type 
> the instructions.They are in the archives(January?)
>