Re: Hobbling

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-08-15 19:17:39 EDT, LynOlds@aol.com writes:

<< At a recent ride I saw a horse that was hobbled and wandering around loose.
Is
 this allowed?
 I would like to hobble my horse at home because we have a lot of grass that's
 not fenced in. Could anyone tell me how to train for this. Also, how do you
 put the hobbles on? This horse at the ride had the hobbles up high on his
 cannon bones. I would think that they sould slip down.
 Any info on this would be appreciated. 
 Thanks, Lynette >>

Hi, Lynette--

I would sure discourage this in a ride camp because a hobbled horse can sure
travel a long way and "visit" where he isn't wanted.  However, I strongly
encourage that ALL horses be broke to hobble.  With adult horses, it just
depends on how calm they are; all mine are pretty calm, so I can usually start
them by just putting the hobbles on in a safe, open area and holding onto
their halter ropes and talking them through it.  If you are not familiar with
hobbling, though, or are concerned that your horse might really freak, I would
get the help of someone who is very good at tying up legs, etc., and can do it
calmly and quietly so that the horse does not get hurt.  It sure is easier
when you start with them as youngsters, though.  Even broodmares are often
faced with breeding hobbles, and you never know when you might have to use an
additional restraint on a horse for some reason, so it sure is nice when they
have had ropes anywhere and everywhere and are used to it.  I like to have my
youngsters have their hind legs tied up, front legs hobbled, and also broke to
a stake rope--never know when it might come in handy, or save your bacon when
you ride into a pile of old wire hidden in the grass or something.  Been
there, done that, walked away with no injury to hobble-broke horse or to me.

As to hobbles on the cannon sliding down--they shouldn't if they are properly
adjusted--not wrenched tight, but fairly firmly.  They should be able to slip
up and down the cannon, but not over the bulge of the fetlock.  I personally
prefer hobbling by the pasterns, but it is sure done both ways.

Heidi