About: Types of Restraints

   Daily we handle our horses. Grooming them, riding them and loving on them. Sometimes, we need to do something with our horses that they aren't particularly fond of, like clipping, delivering medication, or leading them on a windy day. When those situations occur using a restraint technique can ensure both yours and your horse's safety. Below are an overview of the most common restraints. These restraints can very in severity and are to be used with caution and understanding. Being too firm with your horse can cause them to fear you and the situation, which no one wants. If you are wanting to practice any of these techniques look to your instructor or barn manager for assistance. 

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Chain Over the Nose

   This is a common way to restrain a horse. You can use this technique when handling the horse for the vet or when leading your horse around when they are feeling fresh. Yanking on the lead rope when you have a chain can be very severe and hurt your horse's delicate nose bone, so be careful.

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Lip Chain

   A lip chain can be a difficult restraint for your horse to accept, it is an unique place for your horse to feel an object. The pressure of the chain affects both the gums and the underside of the upper lip. This pressure should be gradual and steady, DO NOT yank on the lead rope! Otherwise you can cause the horse severe pain and bleeding. 

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Lip Twitch

   There are three different kinds of lip twitches. The chain one you see to the left, a rope twitch and a homemade bailing twine twitch. The chain is the safest to use because the chain links will only twist so tightly together. With a rope or twine it is easy to twist too tightly and cause your horse to lose circulation if left on for too long. 

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Skin Twitch

   A skin twitch is a simple distraction technique to get your horse's attention on something else besides what you are trying to accomplish. Depending on your hand strength this is a safe restraint that is difficult to overdo.

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Ear Twitch

   Some horses can be sensitive with their ears so using an ear twitch requires you to be aware of your horse's feelings. The last thing you would want to do is create ear issues with a horse that didn't have them before. This technique is commonly used when clipping their ears and bridle path since you need to work in that area.

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Picking Up a Leg

   This is the easiest and least intrusive restraint. If you are needing to work on a certain leg and they won't stand still, having someone simply pick up the opposite leg can allow you to finish your task.

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Chemical

   There are many many different chemical drugs that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Determining what is the best to use in a particular situation is best left to your experienced barn manager or trainer. Administering a drug incorrectly can cause extreme repercussions that can be detrimental to your horse's health.