Types of Horse Hobbles

Restraining horses can be tricky. Tying them requires a heavy-duty stationary object and also restricts the horse's movements, not allowing them to graze. When camping or trail riding, it can be very handy to have hobbles for your horse. These allow some movement for the animal while restraining it enough to catch it easily.

  1. Vaquero Hobble

    • The vaquero hobble is for the horse that is experienced with wearing hobbles. It is a length of rawhide, latigo, cord, rope or nylon braided into a long piece, then doubled, forming a large "button" on the joined ends. Two of these pieces are passed through a central ring, which is twisted to form the "cuffs" of the hobble. The cuffs are secured by Spanish ring knots that slide over the cuffs and secure the cord to the legs.

    Figure-Eight Hobble

    • The figure-eight is the kind you will find in tack shops. It is made of heavy leather on the outside and slightly softer latigo on the inside. The hobble is a single piece that goes around one leg, through two slits in the leather and looping around the other leg, then securing with a buckle. This also is not a hobble for beginners.

    Twist Hobble

    • A cotton twist hobble is the best choice for a horse still learning how to be hobbled safely. It is simply a length of rope that is tied around a front leg, then twisted before being tied to the other leg in the same way you would tie your shoe. The more twists you give, the more movement the horse will be allowed. Because it is easy-release and made of soft material, it is a good option for horses that might panic at the restraint.