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.

Things You'll Need

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

  1. 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.