Throwing a Horse 147 



of a collar, the knot coming at the top of the neck. 

 The ropes are then brought down one on either side of 

 the horse, each passed under the fetlock joint of a hind 

 leg, and the end run forward through the collar. As- 

 sistants, by taking hold of these ropes while the horse 

 is backed, can draw his legs well forward and up on 

 his sides. When the horse is down the feet can be 

 tied in this position with the rope. 



The hobble method consists in putting a strap or 

 hobble around each leg just below the fetlock joint. A 

 rope or a chain is then passed through a ring in each 

 hobble and all four feet are drawn together in a 

 bunch, causing the horse to lose his balance and fall. 

 This method should be used on all horses over nine or 

 ten years of age, as by the use of side-lines they are 

 likely to injure their backs by struggling. The back- 

 bone of a horse grows stiff with age, and is likely to be 

 broken by bending or severe exertion. The side-line 

 method is excellent for throwing young, horses, es- 

 pecially for castrating, as the hind legs are drawn well 

 forward and out of the way. 



A third method of throwing the horse, consists in 

 taking up one fore leg, usually the right, or "off" one, 

 by a strap, which is passed either over the animal's 

 back, or under his belly, and held by the operator, who 

 stands by the left ("nigh") fore shoulder. The opera- 

 tor holds up the foot with the right hand, at the same 

 time drawing the horse's head around toward the left 

 and pushing against its left shoulder. This throws the 

 horse on his right side. At once the operator should 

 get on the side of his neck, close to the horse's head. 



