How about reusing this useful twine? This article suggests 10 things to do with baling twine you might not have thought of.
Being a horse owner often that means that we have to feed additional forage, especially over winter months. This means miles of baling twine that just gets thrown away. But, what if we could reuse it? Are there any uses for baling twine that you haven’t thought of?
Once you’ve made up your weekly haynets, you may find that you have plenty of twine that just ends up in the bin. When recycling is becoming ever more important, and pennies in short supply. This article will suggest alternatives to landfill.
We all know about fixing broken fences with baler twine, and for hanging up grooming tools, but what other uses does it have?
- Saddle Pad Holder – The joy of baling twine is that it is often in plentiful supply and is very strong and long-lasting, even when used outdoors. If you’re looking for a way to dry off your saddle pads after a ride, baling twine could be the answer. All you need is a few pieces of baling twine, a strong coat-hanger, and a few buttons/end pieces. The buttons are not strictly necessary as large knots will do, but they do make your hanger more pleasing to the eye! Tie 3 pieces of twine to each side of the coats hanger, and plait all the way down, knotting off at the end. Then, using another plait, thread it through the original plait and secure, doing the same to each side as shown below:
Using your buttons/end pieces, thread the ends through the button holes and knot.
Do this as many times as you like, as these will be the ‘ropes’ that you can hang your saddle pads from. This way of storing your saddle pads not only allows them to dry out rather than festering in a box, but it also keeps them out of the way of hungry mice.
- Mat – If you have a huge amount of twine, or simply want a long-term project, then a mat may be the option for you. A mat made from twine can protect the floor of your shed and can easily be hosed off as and when necessary. Furthermore, it provides a grippy surface, and is very hard wearing. Using a rail, start off with tying plenty of individual twine to the top. If you like, you can simply weave across to create your mat with individual strands. If you want to make a longer-lasting mat, then first plait the twine together. Then use plaited horizontal weaving to create your mat. The ends can be knotted together or even melted so that they don’t unravel. If you feel really crafty, then sewing a border piece of material can also be a way of making your mat look like something special. And you can co-ordinate the colour to your tack room!
- Hanging Rail – One of the simplest and easiest job to do with baling twine. As ever, plaiting it not only gives it a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also makes it stronger. This means that your hanging rail will probably last longer than the items you intend to hang upon it! Simply plait strands together and secure the ends with nails or screws. If you want a thicker hanging rail then plaiting 5 strands rather than the traditional 3 is always an option. Source 1
4. Rosette Holder – If you have, or can cheaply buy a frame, then use your plaited baling twine and staple the strands to the rear of the frame. If you arrange the twine strands to make a diamond pattern you’ll find that you have a secure mounting for your rosettes that will stand the test of time. The more frames, the more rosettes you can hang. If you have that many rosettes that frames are simply too small, then why not criss-cross the back of your tack room wall with plaited twine and cover it with all of your rosettes and sashes. It’s guaranteed to make you smile, and motivate you to ride and practice on cold, dark winter nights.
5. Stable Chain/Guard – If your horse is in the stable but you don’t want to keep the door closed, perhaps because you’re mucking out, or in and out for other reasons, a stable guard can be a useful addition. You can make one with baler twine fastened together into whichever design you choose. Using a carabiner on each end will allow easy access to the stable whilst keeping your equine in the right place. If you don’t have any carabiners hanging around, then you could equally tie around an unused loose ring bit and use that! Two products recycled for the price of one.
6. Wheel Repair – A wheel will always need a repair at the worst possible moment. Probably as far away from the muck heap as possible, just after you’ve cleared the paddock. If the bolts give way on your wheelbarrow you can use baling twine to hold the wheel together until you can get a permanent repair completed.
7. Show Number Holder – So you have your number, your class is about to start, and you realise that you forgot to bring your magnetic number holders! Baler twine to the rescue..
8. Grooming Tool – Grab a handful of baler twine and wrap it into a whisp shape and knot in the middle; this figure 8 shape of twine with a knot will keep it together whilst you work. Then use it as a massaging tool all over your horse, using vigorous strokes. This will remove the dirt and sweat and stimulate the blood flow which will improve the health of the coat.
9.Rug Repair – Should your horse returns from the field with a surcingle hanging off, or the tail end flapping around, then baler twine is your best friend. Forget expensive repairs, just grab the nearest length of baler twine and fix it with no hassle.
10. Basket – If you’re feeling incredibly ambitious, then you can make a basket for your tools and odds and ends using baler twine. Home Farm Homestead have step by step instructions. Although they use plant derivatives, there’s no reason that baling twine can’t be used as an alternative. As it’s so strong, a baling twine basket can be used to carry heavy loads than its slightly flimsy appearance would suggest. If you make it large enough and dye it in summer colours, then a baling twine bag could make the ultimate beach bag.
Can I change the colour of baling twine?
As baling twine usually comes in orange or yellow it’s not too difficult to darken using food colouring or clothing dyes. It’s difficult to lighten, so try to choose a colour than is darker than the twine you have to get the best results.
When Not To Use Baler Twine
There are a couple of occasions when baler twine is commonly used, where it is probably better and safer to use the correct tool:
- As a knife – If you don’t have a handy pair of scissors or a twine blade, it is often suggested that you can use a strand of baler twine to open a bale of hay. This works by using a sawing action to produce friction that will break the bale twine. However, it isn’t wise to use friction when around combustible items such as hay. It may well break the cord, but the ensuing heat could lead to a fire and thereby endanger not only your safety, but that of others too.
- Tie-up – Many people use baling twine to tie their horse to whilst tacking up. The thinking behind this is that it is safer for the horse, and property. Baler twine is so strong though that baler twine should never be used to tie horses to unless it has been thinned out. Once thinned it can be safe, but a better option would be to use breakaway ties instead.
Conclusion
There are so many uses for baling twine that it would be almost impossible to list them all. From scouring pads to saddle pad holders. From DIY grooming tools to baskets. Some people have even suggested making a hammock! Whilst this is a wonderful use of baling twine, for most of us the time involved is more than we have to give. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to reuse as much baling twine as possible, just maybe we should start with smaller and more practical options. Saving a few pennies using baling twine for jobs around the yard, can lead to bug long-term savings. That means more saddle pads to hang on your baling twine rug rack.
Related Articles
Best Bedding For Horses? Top 10 Bedding Ideas
