I recently got into a discussion with a friend of mine regarding hobbling horses. She is European and from a dressage background, and she was vehemently against it, saying it's cruel and breaks a horse's spirit. I argued that while that is perhaps the old West, bronc-bustin' reputation of hobbling, it can be done in a perfectly safe and humane way, and can have many benefits.
The benefits I have found include:
- It's an excellent way of teaching a horse not to panic if it were to get caught up in wire, rope, vines or the like. (Just do a google search for "horse caught in wire" to see some horrific accidents)
- It enforces your leadership position and builds trust.
- It is necessary (or at least preferable) for some trick training. (Eg., placing a horse's foot up on a pedestal, bow or kneel, etc.)
- It desensitizes a horse's legs to being confined or stuck. It may be necessary for a medical procedure, and a horse taught to hobble will not panic when it is done.
One important thing I must point out, is that a horse must be TRAINED TO HOBBLE. Like the one-rein stop it is extremely dangerous unless the horse has been taught what it entails and how to properly respond. You must teach the horse in a safe, gradual manner, so they understand what is happening and do not panic.
So now I would like to hear your opinion on hobbles... yes or no?
