THE SHORT HOBBLE. 117 



surcingle, very strongly. From the rings, buckle an inch 

 and a half strap around each arm, just short enough to pre- 

 vent the legs being brought forward far enough to move 

 freely, but not to enable jumping a fence. It works very 

 nicely on some horses, but cannot be relied on in all cases. 



THE SHOBT HOBBLE. 



A very good method of disabling a horse in a pasture, 

 where he can be under special surveillance, is having two 

 little straps that will buckle around the fore-legs above the 

 fetlock. To these straps should be attached rings, and con- 

 necting with these rings a piece of chain, rope, or strap, of 

 twelve to fifteen, or even more inches long ; the shorter, the 

 less liable to move : if very short, the horse will stand without 

 moving ; but left long enough, he will move sufficiently to 

 eat, but not to run. A horse should not be left indefinitely 

 with such a fetter on. 



THE SIDE FETTERS. 



In Europe a common method of hobbling horses is a 

 piece of small chain, from two feet six inches to three feet in 

 length, which has attached to each end a round, hollow ring, 

 so hasped that it fits easily and securely around the feet above 

 the hoof. These are put on the hind and fore feet of one 

 side, compelling the horse, when he moves, to take both 

 those legs up at a time. This is effectual ; but in rough, stumpy 

 fields it is not safe to confine the legs, and should be used 

 with caution. The common poke is objectionable, because 

 it spoils the mane, and is liable to excoriate the neck. It 

 you do use this means, and especially on colts that run in 

 back pastures, see by all means that the poke is well fitted, 

 so that it will not chafe ; and if you can, even at a little 

 trouble and expense, wind the top part and half-way down 

 the neck, on each side, with a piece of sheepskin, which 

 will protect the mane and prevent soreness. I have seen 

 horses have fearful sores upon the neck, from the carrying of 

 a rough yoke. The jumper first given, all things considered, 

 is the best in an open pasture : it gives the horse perfect 

 freedom, and cannot injure in any way. 



