How to Put a Chain on a Cow Hobble

Most commonly used on horses, hobbles are designed to limit the locomotion of an animal, preventing it from wandering too far from a given area. Attached to the front legs, hobbles limit the animal's ability to take long strides, reducing the amount of ground it is able to cover with each step. Usually connected with nylon straps or ropes, for larger and more powerful animals such as cattle, hobbles can be strengthened by replacing the strap with chain.

Things You'll Need

  • Hobbles
  • Chain
  • Hacksaw
  • 1/2-inch quick links
  • Wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Untie the strap or rope from the hobbles, if so equipped. Cut a piece of chain, the same length as the rope or strap, with a hacksaw.

    • 2

      Unscrew the nuts on two 1/2-inch quick links with your fingers. Slip the quick links over the end links of the chain.

    • 3

      Slip the quick links onto the attachment points on the hobbles. Screw the nuts on the quick links closed with your fingers. Tighten the nuts firmly in place with a wrench.