It’s important to learn how to restrain a horse for your safety and the safety of the animal, said Luke Bass, DVM, in this video. You might need to restrain a horse for medications, during training, or during farrier or veterinary procedures.
Escalating Ways to Restrain a Horse
The escalation of restraint of a horse is very dependent on the animal, said Bass. “I have learned over the years that horses like many things, from blowing in the nose to tapping on the frontal sinus on the forehead, to a shoulder twitch [role], to using a lead shank over the nose or in the mouth.
“99% of horses respond quite well to one of those methods,” he added.
The first level of restraint is using a halter and a lead rope. It should have secure snaps and buckles and is in good condition.
If a horse needs additional restraint, you can move into tapping on the frontal sinus area of the forehead. You also can blow gently into the horse’s nostrils.
Bass said he feels the nose blow is good for horses that are more touch sensitive to distract them. He said you need to be careful not to get too close in case the horse resists and shakes it head or tries to bite.
Rubbing the gums above the top teeth also can be distracting and pleasing to some horses. Bass said this is something he often uses, especially in winter.
He said this technique is useful in young horses that seem to like that sensation.
Neck Twitch
The next level to restrain your horse might be a shoulder twitch. “It’s important to note that not all horses like that,” said Bass.
If your horse is accepting of this restraint, simply take your hand and grab a role of skin on the neck/shoulder area and close your fist with the skin inside. This gives you a handful of loose skin. Make sure to continue to hold the lead rope in the other hand. This is useful when you need to distract the horse while your vet, farrier, or another person does a procedure (such as bandage) or administers medication.
Nose Twitch
A nose twitch is generally a soft piece of rope attached to a short or long wooden handle. The rope goes around the top lip of the horse and is tightened to release pheromones that make the horse less resistant. You also can apply a nose twitch with your hand.
Some horses will strongly resist a nose twitch. Make sure to use your hand first before applying a twitch. (See the video for this procedure.)
Halter and Nose Shank
Using a halter with a chain portion of the lead shank over the nose is useful for restraining horses that are being “a bit more difficult,” said Bass. “This is used to get their attention with pressure across the nose and put them in a great mindset for your procedure.” (See steps for proper application in the video.)
“This application should not be used with a horse that is fearful or scared of you,” cautioned Bass.
Halter and Top Gum Chain
“The use of a halter with a chain over the top gums is really my last line of restraint,” said Bass. He said he only uses this for horses that are aggressive or could be dangerous to him or the horse owner. (See how to apply the gum chain in the video.)
He recommends not using this technique on horses that are young or naive.
Chemical Restraint
If you have a horse that needs a procedure and is resistant, you can use chemical restraint. Bass discussed Dormosedan Gel that can be prescribed by a veterinarian and given by the horse owner. This can be done before a veterinarian or farrier visit, prior to pulling the mane on a resistant horse, or for bandage changes that are not well-tolerated. The product is given about 45 minutes prior to the vet or farrier visit or event.
(Editor’s note: Make sure to follow all directions and wear gloves as you can accidentally sedate yourself with this product.)
Final Words
Bass recommended that you talk to your veterinarian about proper use of restraint for your horse. Make sure you learn how to use the various techniques and that your horse is amenable to them.
(Editor’s note: Make sure to check out more videos on MySeniorHorse.com.)
