HOBBLES. 99 



is cast as illustrated in Figure 110 (second position), and se- 

 cured by taking two or more half hitches with the main rope 

 around uppermost hind pastern. This is done by an assistant. 

 The oj^erator stands opposite the assistant and behind the ani- 

 mal and is handed the main rope (g) by the assistant (after 

 it is fixed about upper hind pastern). The rope is carried over 

 the loins and under the horse ; thence to the lower hind pastern. 

 Now by rolling horse on his back, Figure 111 (third position), 

 and making do"\^Tiward pressure on the hind feet, at the same 

 time drawing the rope tight by upward pull the hocks are flexed 

 and all four feet brought down close to the abdomen. 



The Miles method affords us a light, portable, strong, con- 

 venient, safe, and in every respect an efiicient and satisfactory 

 means of casting and securing the colt or even the horse. The 

 colt is held balanced in the dorsal position by an assistant on 

 each side. 



Secueing the Hoese in Special Positions when Cast with 



Hobbles. 



Oftentimes after an animal is cast it becomes necessary to 

 release one or more feet in order to re-secure them in some 

 other or different position. By so doing, parts are rendered 

 more accessible for operations of different kinds and in different 

 locations, besides the restraint oftentimes is more perfect and 

 secure. Upon the subject of "Special Positions," Moller, Liau- 

 tard and Dollar have each contributed interesting as well as 

 valuable descriptions. They are at the present time our best 

 authorities on this important subject. 



To restrain an animal in a special position after being cast 

 with any of the ordinary hobbles, we may use either leather 

 or rawhide straps, rope — preferably cotton rope on account of 

 its softness and flexibility, or webbing. Moller's method of 

 securing the legs to a board is useful in many instances. The 

 board should be l^/o inches thick and 5 inches wide. It should 

 be well padded and supplied with a curved iron handle. The 

 cross hobbles, Figures 81 and 82, and cross bar hobbles, Figure 

 83, are very useful in retaining the legs in special positions. 



