How to Hobble a Horse

Hobbles are like handcuffs for horses. Hobbling is a safe and effective way to teach a horse to stand still and keep all four feet on the ground. Hobbling also is an effective way to secure a horse when there are no trees or posts to tie it to.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Halter
• Lead rope
• Hobbles
• A safe working area with sturdy fencing

How to Hobble a Horse

1. Halter your horse and attach a lead rope. Before hobbling your horse, place the hobbles around one leg at a time to get the horse used to the feel of the hobbles.

2. Get your horse's front legs squared up so his hooves are parallel.

3. Place the hobbles around the pastern of the off-side leg.

4. Twist the hobbles between the forelegs once or twice to take up the slack.

5. Secure the hobbles around the pastern of the leg closest to you. Allow some slack but not so much that the hobbles can slip off.

6. Stand back, holding the horse's lead rope. Most horses will panic a bit the first time they feel the hobbles. Remain calm and let the horse get accustomed to the hobbles.

Tips & Warnings

• If your horse is fresh before hobbling, lunge him for five to 10 minutes to encourage him to stand. If at any time during hobble training your horse becomes so anxious that it is a danger to you or himself, release it from the hobbles and try again later.

References

• MyHorse.com
• Corral Online