MEANS OF RESTRAINT 



157 



The twitch is a simple and effectual appliance by which a horse may 

 be induced to submit to some trifling operation. It is, however, too often 

 resorted to in many stables in lieu of gentler methods of persuasion. 



This instrument consists of a loop of stout cord attached to a strong- 

 stick by means of a hole an inch or two from the end. In applying it the 

 loop is placed on the horse's upper lip, and the stick is then twisted until 

 sufficient force has been applied to overcome resistance (fig. 495). It is 

 sometimes applied to the ear and tongue. The ear is liable to be per- 

 manently injured by it, and the practice of twitching the tongue is so 

 cruel, as well as dan- 

 gerous, that it cannot 

 be too strongly con- 

 demned. 



As soon as the 

 twitch is removed 

 from the lip, the 

 latter should be gently 

 rubbed with the palm 

 of the hand, as this 

 gives relief to the 

 horse, and his grati- 

 fication is evident by 

 his manner. 



Holding up a leg 

 will be a sufficient de- 

 terrent in many cases 

 where a restive animal 

 will not otherwise sub- 

 mit to be handled. 



If strapped up with a stirrup-leather a method of restraint to be 

 remembered in emergency (fig. 496) knee-caps should not be forgotten, 

 in anticipation of a fall. 



Restive horses are sometimes induced to take medicine, or remain quiet 

 while a hay seed is being removed from the eye, or some other simple 

 operation is performed, by inserting the running portion of a hemp halter 

 under the upper lip while the head piece is passed over the poll; any 

 resistance made by the animal while so secured increases the amount of 

 punishment and causes him to desist. 



Attaching the head to the tail is one of the breaker's means of secur- 

 ing obedience, but is rarely applicable for the purposes of medication or 

 minor surgery, so that we need not particularly describe it. The bag of 



Fig. 496. Fore-leg strapped up 



