RESTRAINT BY CASTING 



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used. A strong bridle or halter and a surcingle carrying a ring and 

 rope having been applied, a man is placed at the horse's head, and 

 another, who holds the surcingle rope, is given a position on the 

 side towards which the animal is required to fall. If possible the 

 fore-foot furthest from the bed is then lifted. On the end of the 

 long rope is tied a fixed noose, which is placed round the animal's 

 neck like a collar ; the free end is then passed around both hind 

 legs, brought forward, again passed through the loop on the animal's 

 shoulders, and given to the men charged with casting the animal. 

 On the word being given, these men should rapidly draw the rope 

 backwards towards the side to which the horse is intended to fall. 



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Fig. 41. — Casting with the cart rope. Attention is directed to the fact that 

 both hind pasterns are embraced in the one loop of rope. 



The rope thus catches in the heels just below the fetlock and the 

 animal is thrown on its haunches. At the same moment the man 

 holding the cord attached to the surcingle pulls in a similar direction. 

 The attendant in charge of the head assists the movement, and the 

 horse falls to the ground. This method causes the least concussion, 

 and can even be safely used for pregnant mares. The only objection 

 is that if the ropes be new, or the first attempt fail, the animal's 

 heels may be injured, but this can be avoided by previously applying 

 bandages or using cotton ropes. Where many horses are cast by 

 this method the loop of rope passed round the neck may advan- 

 tageously be replaced by a strong leather strap provided with iron 



