Veterinarians are constantly seeking ways to perform procedures on horses as quickly and safely as possible. The inherent risk with working with an unpredictable animal has caused veterinarians and handlers to develop various methods of restraint.

Andy Anderson, DVM, of Equine Veterinary Associates in Broken Arrow, OK, and Dean Scoggins, DVM, equine extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois, led a discussion of various restraint techniques in a roundtable discussion over breakfast.

Horses are like elephants–“They don’t forget,” said Scoggins. “We have an obligation to not create a situation where there are later problems.” By using restraint that does not scare the horse, owners and handlers will have an easier time handling the horse in the future.

Australian hobbles-One of Anderson’s favorite restraint methods is Australian hobbles, which are made out of soft nylon. The horse’s left front leg is tied to the right hind leg, and the right front leg is tied to the left hind leg. When a horse gears up to kick, his front legs are pulled out from underneath him, and he lands on his knees. If he tries to strike with his front legs, he ends up sitting like a dog. Anderson said this method is pain-free, and the horse does not go ballistic by being tied this way. He finds this method especially useful for a horse that is not halter-broken but that might need medical attention several times a day. This method usually results in a more docile and cooperative horse. Both Scoggins and Anderson agreed that the veterinarian and owner need to discuss this method since it can be misunderstood, and they recommended that the veterinarian have the owner sign a consent form. Anderson strongly discourages the use of Australian hobbles on a heavily sedated horse