Safe flags for training

[Blugal]

Looking to buy or create some flags to use this winter for training on skinnies. I want them to be safe and practical. What are you using that works?

I noticed watching the Pau 5* that they seemed to have some that were on springs, so they bounced back into place after the rider or horse hit them. I’m familiar with the type used in ski racing, which are drilled into the ground, and which deliver a real kick-back if hit at speed. That’s not what I want!

However it would be nice if the flags didn’t fall down too easily and need to be replaced every time the wind picks up…

[EventerAJ]

In ye olde days, before the modern flexible flag clips, corners and skinnies had flags held on with cheap pipe cleaner twist ties. The fuzzy weak wires would give way if a horse hit it hard, but generally did a good job keeping flags in position under normal circumstances. If I remember correctly, 2 sets of 3-4 pipe cleaners were stapled in the middle (leaving two free ends to twist) directly to the wood of the jump. One at the upper edge of the jump, one near the base for stability. Flag stood up, one pipe cleaner’ s ends twisted around it to hold; the extras were there in case the wire broke when a flag fell, it could be quickly fixed.

As far as flag sticks, I know several trainers use about 6ft lengths of 1.5" of pvc pipe. Pvc does have its risks…it can splinter into shards when it breaks…but it is light, cheap, and pretty durable.

[Blugal]

Thanks. I’m not using PVC or wooden stakes given the chances of injury.

[Willesdon]

One good flag holder is a length of plastic hose/pipe/tube split down its length and nailed, open side outwards, onto the fence. The flag slots in and holds up well against wind and gentle taps but comes out when thumped. The flag is easy to slot back in again. Cheap, weather proof, available.

[Mouse_amp_Bay]

I wonder if the skinny pool noodles could work? Just firm enough to stand up if you fasten the bottom securely; definitely soft enough to not hurt a horse. You might need to finagle an attachment point somehow though … maybe pipe cleaners as suggested?

[EventerAJ]

@Mouse&Bay

I wonder if the skinny pool noodles could work? Just firm enough to stand up if you fasten the bottom securely; definitely soft enough to not hurt a horse. You might need to finagle an attachment point somehow though … maybe pipe cleaners as suggested?

I’ve used pool noodles before. They need something stuck up the middle to stay upright; I had some weedy sticks of appropriate size, stuffed up the middle and held on with twine. It worked, but tended to droop over and would get blown around in the wind. Also, after about a year out in FL sun, the noodle foam deteriorates into gritty, powdery chunks. Probably not very environmentally friendly.

[Blugal]

@EventerAJ

I’ve used pool noodles before. They need something stuck up the middle to stay upright; I had some weedy sticks of appropriate size, stuffed up the middle and held on with twine. It worked, but tended to droop over and would get blown around in the wind. Also, after about a year out in FL sun, the noodle foam deteriorates into gritty, powdery chunks. Probably not very environmentally friendly.

Yep, done that

Ros Canter uses Jump for Joy jumps. The flags look like PVC but not sure: https://www.jump4joyusa.com/19-Cross_Country_Flag_with_Clips_-White/292-Cross_Country_Flag_with_Clips-_White.html

[wsmoak]

Not PVC and not wood… what are the options? What else is going to be stiff enough to be a flag, yet soft enough to bend if hit.

Vinyl perhaps? There is vinyl tubing, you could fill it with… something that firms up? It still seems like it would need a stiffener in the middle.

Let us know what you come up with!

[KBC]

Random redneck wandering by and butting in, how about spring loaded driveway markers?

https://www.amazon.ca/Reflective-Fiberglass-Rebounding-Penetrating-Installation/dp/B016AEUIHE

[Janet]

The Eventing rules for flags on Skinnies (EV140.4.ii) says
“The flag poles must be made of a material that cannot shatter, break or splinter, such as suitable plastic or carbon fiber or any other appropriate materials”

I would check with an organizer, and ask where they get their “safety flags”.

[Fillabeana]

Bamboo? The stakes for garden tomatoes and such are inexpensive and lightweight, but strong.

But too brittle, maybe. Bamboo is grass, not wood.

You could saw through a portion of your flag stakes, though, to make it likely that a break would occur at the spot you sawed through.

[Jealoushe]

The jump for joy flags look awesome and they are not too expensive.