Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Allison Price
One of our group went on a trail ride and one man hobbled his horse for the evening. They were very curious about hobbles and had many questions.
Hobbles are binds that horses attach to their legs and restrict their movement. This restricts the horse’s ability to move its legs apart. They do however allow horses to move and graze. Horses are often trained with a variety of Hobbles.
When used properly, hobbling is a useful tool that can be helpful to your horse. There are many things you need to know before strapping hobbles on your horse.
Use hobbles to help your horse.
Their owners are often the problem with uncontrollable horses. Many horse owners lack the experience and knowledge to properly treat their horses.
There are some basic things horse owners need to know: horse nutrition and foot care . Also, instilling trust in your horse. Before you put a saddle on your horse, these issues must be addressed. When used correctly, a halter can create trust between you, your horse, and your horse.Intrepid International Fleece Lined Leather Horse Hobbles
- Roller buckles made of heavy duty stainless steel for easy on/off.
- These leather fleece-lined hobbles are sturdy and durable.
- Comfortable fleece lining
- It can be used on the trail.
- It is also a good choice for your service stud.
Prices retrieved from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hobbles helps horses learn to relax and yield to pressure.
Horses may attempt to jump out of a pair or hobble when they are first introduced to the practice. He will soon learn that he isn’t trying to get out and fall and will soon become comfortable standing still.
This is the first step to teaching your horse how to behave and to respond to pressure. It is also the foundation for training a horse. This will make riding easy for your horse and allow him to enjoy learning new things.
When trail riding, I attach restraints on my saddle. My horse looks happy as soon as I reach for them. He will understand that the riding is over for a while and can relax and graze. He won’t be tied down to a tree like the other horses.Weaver Leather Nylon Hobbles
- Sturdy Nylon construction
- It’s easy to get on and off
Prices retrieved from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hobbles teaches horses how to handle stressful situations.
Horses can sometimes get into trouble. If they have been trained in hobbles they will be able to show patience and stay calm. If a properly trained horse is in trouble while unloading from a trailer he will stop and wait for help. If the horse gets tangled up in fencing he will stand still and remain calm.
Horses that are not properly trained will often bolt and injure their own horses in dangerous situations. There are many situations where horses were able to be restrained and remained calm.
Horses that are unable to walk can be grazed by horses that are halter-ridden.
It’s a good idea to let your horse roam free during trail rides. Horses require forage and the ability to move about after riding. Leg restraints make this possible.
Horses learn to tie their feet by using Hobbles
Leg ties allow horses to relax and stand without being held or tied. Horses that move constantly when you’re trying to work with them are dangerous.
You can train your horse to ground tie if you are able to use hobbles correctly. After you have ridden a horse who ground tie, you can train all your horses.
Ground ties show a horse’s ability to control his behavior and obey commands. While your horse is standing still, you can let it go without restraints.
When you don’t have a place to tie your horse, a Hobble is useful.
For thousands of years, leg restraints have been used to stop horses running away from riders who don’t have a place to tie their horses. They are probably the most commonly used reason that leg restraints were created.
There are many types of hobbles.
I have only covered standard hobbles so far. However, there are many types of leg restraints. You should choose the right leg restriction for your purpose.
Standard hobbles
Standard hobbles are usually leather straps or ropes that link the front legs of horses together. These are the most popular and are used to train horses or for taking breaks on trails.Tough-1 FLat Leather Hobbles
- 1 1/2 Doubled and stitched using nickel hardware
- Tough-1 Flat Leather Hobbles Horse hobble.
- It’s easy to use
There are many styles and materials available. Some are made from leather while others are made of nylon. Others use links of chain to attach horses’ legs. You can also use tabs, knots, or buckles to secure your horse’s legs.
While horses can still move and graze in them, they will not be able run or hide from you. Horses can sometimes move very fast in them if they are not restrained or if they are athletic.
Amazon stocks most styles. You can click here for the set I use. Or, you can browse their website to view other styles. Although the Tough-1 style has buckles that secure the binds, it isn’t the most convenient or quick to put on. However, I find it comfortable to use.
Horse owners may prefer to restrain their horses with tabs, such as the Weaver Leather. These styles are easier than buckle models and are more user-friendly. They look great, though I have not tried them.
Your hobbles can be made from either a soft cotton rope or a lead rope. These homemade hobbles are great for horses who are trained in leg restraints, but not suitable for inexperienced horses.
Scotch hobbles
Farriers use Scottish hobbles mainly to manage uncooperative horses. He can restrain horses to trim their hooves and not get kicked.
It is important to work with your horse before you tie his leg. Before you apply pressure, horses should feel comfortable having a loop around the lower leg.
Horses are restrained by holding their rear feet in the air. A rope is tied around the neck of the horse to keep them still. You can adjust the loop around your neck to allow the horse to rest his foot on the ground. However, it is not recommended that you lift the horse’s foot higher than six inches.
For a rear-leg hobble, wrap a 12- to 18-foot rope around the horse’s neck. Then loop the rope around the horses’ pastern. Tie the rope ends together using a slip knot.
This is a simplified explanation. If you are still confused or need visuals, I recommend the video below.
Sideline hobbling
Sidelong hobbling refers to a restraint which binds a horse’s rear leg and front leg on one side. It is the same as standard front leg models.
Three-way hobble
Three-way restraints are used to bind horses’ hind legs to their front hobbles. It is the most popular method of starting a horse for many horse owners. These restraints force horses to think and stop; they engage their minds; they teach them about pressure and relief/release.Weaver Leather 3-Way Horse Hobbles
- Webbing made from 1 inch Polypropylene
- Horse can graze in a safe environment.
- For a snug fit, the 1/4-inch black 100% felt lining provides a comfortable and secure fit
- Hardware with nickel plating
Prices retrieved from Amazon Product Advertising API
Three-way restraints can be very helpful on trails, as well as for training. You are less likely to be outrun by your horse if you have more restrictions. Amazon has a nice selection. Click here to see what customers have to say about this product.
It is possible to make hobbles.
To make your own hobbles, you can use a soft rope or a leadrop . You should only use homemade restraints for horses that have been trained and are comfortable wearing them.
This video shows you how to use lead rope leg restraints.https://www.youtube.com/embed/swXu_1sfqOY?feature=oembed
How to place hobbles on horses
To get your horse used to wearing hobbles, you need to make sure they are comfortable with it. You can either rope your horse’s legs and give it a tug or have them step into a loop. Then, give the rope a steady pull until it responds.
Standing on one side, place the hobble cuff on your opposite front leg. Secure the buckle and then put the other cuff onto the nearest front leg. Get out of the horse’s way.
You don’t want your horse near any place that could cause it to move too fast and fall.
You can place hobbles anywhere on horses legs.
I usually place standard leg restraints between the horse’s fetlock joint, and the hoof around horses’ pasterns. Some of my friends place their hobbles above their fetlocks, but I prefer to use standard leg restraints.
Conclusion
Every horseman needs a holing device on his ranch. They can be a great tool for your horse and will benefit you.
