Penn Foster Horse Restraint

What is the best way to restrain a horse?
The best way to restrain a horse is with the least possible amount of restraint.

What is a sign that a horse is getting aggressive?
When a horse pull its ears back and lower its head it is signaling aggression.

If you have to pass behind a horse you should?
If you have to pass behind a horse have at least 12 feet of clearance between you and the horse because the horse can kick 6 to 8 feet straight back; if you have less than twelve feet of clearance pass behind the horse as closely as possible.

When you are handling a horse with a veterinarian, you should stand?
You should stand on the same side of the horse as the veterinarian.

What equipment is used for handling and restraining a horse?
Chain Shank: A tool used to distract a horse; it is a long leather leash with about a two-foot length of chain and a snap hook on the end.
Horse Halter: A tool that is made of leather or heavy nylon that encircles the horse's head for restraint; it has a noseband, throat latch, and rings that can take a lead.
Lead: A tool that allows you to hold and guide a horse; it is attached to the horse's halter and can be made of rope, leather, or even chain for a more powerful restraint.
Lip Twitch: A tool used to stimulate a horse's nerves; it is composed of a long handle with a loop of rope or stainless steel on one end.
Humane Twitch: A humane twitch is a one person twitch the main problem with this tool is that it can easily slip off and hit you.
Hobble: A tool used to prevent a horse from kicking; it is leather strap applied around the horse's legs to prevent movement. You can also improvise this tool out of heavy rope.
Stock: A stock is a small enclosure that partially restrains a horse for treatment; it is made out of metal bars or wooden planks.
Blind Fold: A tool used to calm a frightened horse; you can use a towel or any other cloth to cover the horse's head.

How do you distract a horse with a chain lead?
To distract a horse with a chain lead; pass the chain through the rings of the horse's nosepiece or along its gumline.

What three things make a horse difficult to approach?
The three things that make a horse difficult to approach are; horses cannot see directly in front/behind them, horses have very well-developed nervous systems; so they can be frightened easily, and horses are very temperamental and like to have their own way; no exceptions.

What are the four basic guidelines you should follow when approaching a horse?
Always approach where the horse can see you; which is at the shoulder/neck area, speak softly to the horse, do not make sudden movements or noises because it may frighten the horse, and when you are near the horse, pat it on the shoulder/neck area and continue to speak softly to it.

How do you approach a horse in a stall?
To approach a horse in a stall; since the horse is in the stall you may have to approach it from the rear speak to the horse as you enter and place your hand on its rump and gently guide the horse to one side of the stall to give you room. Now, walk to the horse's head and pat it.

How do you capture a horse (in a field or pen)?
To capture a horse in a field/pen; approach the horse slowly while making sure it can both see and hear you coming; try to hide the lead rope from the horse's sight. If the horse displays no sign of fear or aggression, simply place the lead rope over it's neck, apply a halter on the horse and lead it away.

How do you capture a skittish horse?
To capture a skittish horse; speak softly and move slowly toward the horse, when you reach the horse, pat it firmly on the neck area; then slowly slip a rope over its neck and if the horse remains calm place the lead rope over its neck.

If a horse becomes frightened when you are capturing it you should?
If the horse becomes frightened when you are capturing it, a quick tug on the rope may help you to regain control, if the tug fails to calm the horse, release the rope. You can lure the resistant horse into a smaller pen to capture it; which is accomplished with a bucket of oats.

How do you put a horse in a stock?
To put a horse in a stock; open both gates, then pass a lead rope on the top of the stock and allow the horse to enter; then close both gates. Never enter a stock with a horse.

How do you apply a halter and lead rope on a horse?
To apply a halter and lead rope on a horse; First, hold the neck strap and buckle end of the halter with your left hand, then stand on the horse's left and reach over its neck with your right hand. Grab the neck strap from your left hand and pass the halter back over the horse's neck; then gently slide the noseband on its nose and buckle the halter to the neck strap; then attach the lead rope to the center ring. If the halter is applied properly the rings should not press tightly against the horse's face.

How do you lead a horse?
First, never lead a horse by holding its halter. Stand on the horse's left side while holding the lead rope in your right hand about 18 inches from the horse's head, with the remainder in loose loops, make sure to never wrap the rope around your hand. Walk on the horse's left side, making sure to stay in the zone between its head and shoulder.

How do you apply a twitch on a horse?
To apply a twitch on a horse; hold the twitch firmly in your right hand so you do not lose control of the horse; with your left hand place the ends of your fingers in the loop of the twitch and grab the horse's upper lip and slide the loop around the lop and tighten the twitch by twisting the handle. Slightly tighten then loosen the twitch and tighten it against; repeat this throughout the entire procedure.

How do you apply a humane twitch on a horse?
To apply a humane twitch on a horse; first, hold the humane twitch in your right hand while you hold the lead rope in your left. Place your fingers through the plier-like ends of the twitch, grab the horse's upper lip and place the twitch high up around the horse's lip. Then tighten the handles of the twitch and clip the rope to the halter so the twitch is held in place.

Why do you want to change the pressure when applying a twitch?
You want to change the pressure of an applied twitch because constant pressure will numb the horse's lip thus making the twitch ineffective.

What is the last resort when apply a twitch and never apply a twitch to what?
The last resort when applying a twitch is to apply it to the horse's lower lip; which is a very delicate area. Never apply a twitch to a horse's ear.

What is another type of twitch?
There is another type of twitch that can be attached to the halter but just as the humane twitch it can slip off and possibly strike you.

What are the two methods of applying a chain shank on a horse?
The first method of applying a chain shank is to; pass the chain through the cheek ring of the halter, then across the bridge of this nose and attach the hook to the opposite cheek ring.
The second method of applying a chain shank is to; attach the chain to the same cheek ring, but pass the chain across the horse's upper lip by slipping the chain over its nose and with your thumb and index finger, slip it over the horse's top teeth and then side it over the teeth to the gums.

What is Cross Tying and how do you do it?
Cross tying is a technique that restricts a horse's side to side head movement and prevent it from turning around or rearing up.
To cross-tie a horse; Attach two ropes to the halter and tie them to the cross-tie rings, which are normally placed in the barn/stall area; if rings are not available you can use two securely placed poles Ensure the ropes are placed high enough so the horse cannot rear up and tangle itself. Always use a quick-release knot when tying a horse.

What is tail tying and how do you do it?
Tail tying is a technique used to move an animal's tail out of the way for certain procedures.
To tail-tie a horse; locate the end of the tail's last vertebra and lay a piece of rope across it. Hold the rest of the tail up and over the rope, then pass one end behind the tail; making a large loop in the rope. Bring that loop over the folded tail and pass it tightly through the rope that is looped around the tail.
You can use the other end of the rope to tie the tail to the horse's leg or neck.

How do you pick up a Horse's front foot?
To pick up a horse's front foot; stand alongside the horse, close to its body, then place one hand on its shoulder and run the other down its leg to the fetlock, then place your palm under the fetlock and wrap your fingers around the joint. Gently squeeze the foot and lift it up. Then lean your shoulder on the animal which will make the horse shift its weight to its other feet. Now pull the foot slightly to the side and hold it with one hand.

How do you pick up a Horse's rear foot?
To pick up a horse's rear foot; stand alongside the horse at its shoulder, then run your hand along its side as you walk toward its rear. Once, you are at the horse's rear place one hand on the horse and run the other down its leg. Then use your shoulder to lean on the animal which will make the horst shift its weight to its other legs, now grab the horse's foot as you would the front.

What is a foal and how do you approach one?
A foal is a young horse under the age of one and are quite skittish when approached.
To approach a foal; lead the mare into a small enclosure and the foal will most likely follow and hide behind her. When the foal attempts to move behind her, block it by placing one arm directly in front of it and other behind it. You can also secure a foal by holding the base of its tail and working toward a secure fixture such as a wall.

What must you always do when handling a foal?
Remember to always keep your eye on the mother just in case.

How do you transport a horse?
Horses are transported into trailers that are designed to prevent them from turning around; double-stalled trailers are designed to separate animal. To transport a horse, lean the horse into the trailer and if the horse is scared; blind fold it first. Offer water every four hours and food according to its schedule.

What should a horse wear during transportation?
A horse should wear commercial shipping boots or stall leg wraps.