CHAPTER XIV 

 METHODS OF RESTRAINT AND COMMON OPERATIONS 



TWITCHING 



The twitch is the most satisfactory and convenient way to 

 restrain the horse for common operations. It is made by passing a 

 loop of cord through a hole bored in one end of a round stick (Fig. 

 57). The loop should be large enough to admit the closed fist. 



Fig. 57. — A homemade twitch. 



To apply the twitch the operator passes his left hand through the 

 loop of the cord and firmly grasps the upper lip of the horse. With 

 his right hand he twists the stick of the twitch until the lip be- 

 comes tightly squeezed by the cord. It acts by squeezing the lip 

 until the pain produced is sufficient to divert the animal's atten- 

 tion. It is inhuman to twist the twitch tighter than is absolutely 

 necessary, besides there is danger of causing paralysis of the lip. 



HOPPLING 



Hopples are used to tie the feet together to secure the horse 

 in the recumbent position for operations. They have the ad- 

 vantage over any other method of restraint in that they can be 

 applied quickly and serve to securely cast the animal. 



English hopples are a form of casting apparatus in common 

 use. They consist of four strong leather straps that are buckled 

 to the pasterns. These are all connected with a chain, which can 

 be released by simply withdrawing a small bolt. The disadvantage 

 of these hopples is the danger of breaking the back or a bone in a 

 limb during efforts of the animal to gain freedom. If an assistant 

 holds the head with the nose turned up this accident may be 

 avoided. 

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