Restraining an Animal 



145 



pose. For small operations, one of the best methods 

 of restraining a horse is by means of a "twist." Fig. 

 35. This is made by tying a loop of small rope, such 

 as sash cord, through a \tole in the end of a stick. The 

 loop should be about eight inches long and the stick, ac- 

 cording to convenience, from one to five feet long. The 

 long stick allows the person holding the twist 

 to stand far enough from the horse to avoid 

 being struck by the fore feet. The loop of 

 rope should be slipped over the upper lip and 

 the handle twisted until the horse's attention 

 is attracted from the operator and his work. 

 A twist should not be used more frequently, 

 nor tighter, than is necessary; 'for the horse's 

 lip is very sensitive, and one should always 

 avoid giving unnecessary pain. To prevent in- 

 jury to the operator or his assistants, it is fre- 

 quently a good plan to blindfold the horse, 

 by covering the eyes with folds of cloth. This 

 can be fastened to the bridle or to the halter 

 head to keep it in place. ^^'?t fo^ 



Another method of confining the horse is confining 

 by taking up one of his feet and compelling °"^^ 

 him to stand on three legs. If an assistant holds the 

 foot he should not allow the horse to rest too much 

 weight upon him, for it gives the animal a chance to 

 kick. The best method for a fore leg is to place a 

 loop below the fetlock, bend the leg. at the knee and 

 strap the foot to the horse's arm. To take up a hind 

 leg, one end of a long rope is placed below the fetlock, 

 the other end being passed forward and fastened to 



