A Look At Using Hobbles For Breeding Horses
The use of breeding hobbles is becoming more prevalent on equine breeding farms both large and small. They provide a measure of preventative safety for the stallion and for the handlers involved, while allowing the mare to stand and walk comfortably. Like any other horse equipment, it is up to you to ensure it is introduced adequately, fitted properly, used correctly, and that safety measures are in place both for your horse, and for you. The design of breeding hobbles is quite simple. A breast collar fastens around the neck, with a breast strap down the chest and between the front legs. Attached to the strap is a large quick-release ring. Through it runs a heavy, thick rope with panic snaps on both ends, called the rope assembly. The snaps attach to padded hobbles encircling each hind leg at the hock. These are called hock straps. This assembly is adjusted so the horse can stand comfortably with her hind legs square, neither stretched out behind nor pulled up underneath her. Since the assembly is close to her belly, it is harder for the horse to get tangled in the rope. The movement of the sliding rope allows the horse to walk forward comfortably, but limits how far she can kick either backwards or to the side. This helps keep the stallion and handlers from getting kicked; or if she does kick, she doesn’t have the room to deliver much power. In a breeding situation, the more you can control the breeding environment the better for all concerned. Buy breeding hobbles from a reputable dealer. Jeffers Equine is a well-known and respected supplier on-line, through mail order, and through local equine supply stores or veterinarians. Look for straps that are wide, and made of triple nylon or heavy leather for strength. They should be well padded for comfort and to prevent chafing. Buckles, D-rings and other hardware must be securely sewn. The rope must have panic snaps, so that in case of an incident they can be quickly released. Horses tend to panic, and if something happens you must be able to downgrade the situation quickly and without putting yourself in harm’s way any more than you have to. Only experienced horsemen who have successfully bred several horses should attempt a controlled breeding, and then never alone. Even if you know the mare and stallion well, breeding can be a scary thing to watch — let alone control. If anything goes wrong, such large animals are dangerous for three reasons; because they are emotionally charged, their immediate response Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society