Training a cow horse requires specific equipment, and a flag is an essential tool. While professional mechanical flags are highly effective, their cost can be prohibitive, with quality options starting around $1,500. For those on a tighter budget, a homemade mechanical flag offers a cost-effective alternative, allowing for essential training without a significant financial outlay. This DIY project, inspired by the late AQHA exhibitor Charles Padilla, can be constructed for under $200 using materials readily available at home improvement stores or online retailers. It’s a rewarding weekend project for anyone comfortable with basic tools and electrical work.
It is important to note that while this homemade flag is functional and a significant step up from not having a flag at all, it may not offer the same versatility or power as a professional mechanical flag. Safety is paramount, especially when working with electricity; if you are not comfortable with such tasks, this project may not be suitable for you.
The core of this mechanical flag is built within a standard 16-inch toolbox. Power is supplied by a 12-volt battery connected to a reverse-polarity controller. This controller manages a 600-RPM high-torque motor, which in turn operates the string and the flag, allowing it to move back and forth. The battery is designed for easy replacement as needed.
What You’ll Need to Make a Homemade Mechanical Flag
Basic Tools:
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Drill
- Saw
- Pocket knife
Shopping List:
- 12-volt lantern battery
- 10 ft. roll of galvanized hanger iron
- 16 gauge electrical wire
- Wire splice connectors
- Reverse-polarity controller with remote
- 3 inch hose clamp
- 12-volt 600-RPM high-torque electric geared motor
- Scrap wood and fasteners
- Two 3-inch pulleys
- 16-inch plastic toolbox
- 325 feet of polypropylene mason string
- Fabric scrap and safety pins to use as a flag
OPTIONAL TO BUILD MOBILE STANDARDS:
- One 80 lb. bag concrete
- T-post (cut in half and capped for safety)
- Two plastic buckets
- Strapping or wire
Building the Mechanical Flag
The majority of the flag’s mechanism is housed within the toolbox. The lid’s smaller compartments are convenient for storing the remote control, string, and flag when not in use.
Begin by cutting a hole in the bottom of the toolbox, and position the motor so its shaft protrudes through the hole. Secure the motor firmly using scrap wood, screws, and a hose clamp. Attach one of the pulleys to the motor shaft by pinning it in place.
Next, attach the controller to the outside of the toolbox and wire it to the motor. Secure the 12-volt battery using hanger iron and screws. Connect the battery to the reverse-polarity controller, which is already wired to the motor. For safety, always disconnect the battery when the flag is not in use.
The reverse-polarity controller is crucial for enabling the flag to move in both directions. Purchasing a controller that includes its own remote control simplifies operation, as it eliminates the need for programming. You might also consider adding a wrist strap to the remote to prevent accidental drops while riding. A 600 RPM motor generally provides sufficient speed for a slow trot during training. For faster flag movement, a more powerful motor and modified pulleys would be necessary.
The next step involves creating or installing the “standards” – stationary posts between which the flag operates. If your arena already has suitable structures like walls or portable panels, these can be utilized. Otherwise, T-posts, set in concrete within plastic buckets, can serve as mobile standards. Ensure the tops of the T-posts are capped for safety. The pulley on the far side is then attached to one of these standards.
With the standards in place, connect the toolbox housing the mechanism and the far-side pulley. Loop the mason string through both pulleys and attach your fabric flag. The typical setup for flag training ranges from 50 to 80 feet, but you can adjust this size based on your needs and arena space.
Once the standards are installed, the toolbox mechanism is mounted, the far pulley is secured, and the string is threaded through both pulleys with the flag attached, your homemade mechanical flag is ready for action. This allows for consistent and effective cow horse training without the significant investment in professional equipment.
