Re: ABS plastic snaps on halter bridles

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

Beverly540@aol.com wrote:

> I'm afraid we use those metal hooks and snaps on our halter/bridles.
> I never thought them dangerous, but I see now that we must replace them.
> Where can we buy the ABS plastic snaps that were recommended by
> Linda Flemer in her recent post?

I'm not sure that you MUST replace them, but it's one of my safety concerns.  (I
am the quality specialist at our hospital - does it show?)  I suppose if we
<really> wanted to be safe, we'd work out on tread mills and stationary bikes
:-)

Stonebroke International carries these snaps in 3/4" and 1" (they make biothane
bridles w/ these snaps).  They will sell spares to you.  For most bridles, you
need to sew them on to the bridle with a loop of biothane.  I have seen some
innovative folks use chicago screws instead of stitches to attach the loop of
biothane that holds the snap.  It's fast, doesn't appear to rub, and allows easy
replacement.  I always have a few spare plastic snaps w/ me, just in case.  I
only needed them that one time when the horse stepped on the reins.

I haven't tried the chicago screws, but I remember a Western trainer mention
that he always waxed them to keep tthem from opening up.  I could never get the
chicago screws on my bridle to open if I wanted them to!!

I thought that Stonebroke had a web page, but I can't find it.  You can always
call 1-800-555-1212, though.

Linda Flemmer