Page 55 - November 2016

THE STABLEIZER
For horses that are hard to twitch or difficult to restrain with a lip chain for medical treatment or some other task, a device called a Stableizer - a humane version of the old Indian sliptwitch - usually works. The sliptwitch was a loop of small-diameter rope over the horse’s poll and under the top lip, against the gum like a lip chain, with
a loop knot in one end so it could be tight- ened to put more pressure on the gum and poll. The pressure over the top of the head and under the lip affects pressure points that activate endorphins to create a sedating effect. Used roughly, however, the cord can cut into the gum or lip. The commercial version of this restraint, the Stableizer, is more humane and easier to use and adjust.
This ingenious restraint/calming tool was developed 20-plus years ago by Buck Wheeler, who grew up breaking horses on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reserva- tion in North Dakota. His invention is now used by many horsemen, trainers, veterinarians, and farriers. The Stableizer works nicely for restraining or calming an unruly or flighty horse, and is very effective when you have to give shots or medical treatment, trim or shoe, load into a trailer, clip, or perform other procedures a horse might resist.
The Stableizer works better than a twitch because horses don’t resent it and it’s easy to put on, stays on, and won’t fall off. One person can put it on and leave
it on while working on the animal alone. The Stableizer relaxes a horse, yet unlike a twitch, the animal can still move with it on so you can lead him, load him in a trailer, or give training lessons.
The device slips over the head behind the ears and under the top lip next to the gum. It is then tightened using the cord handle, which utilizes two small pulleys rigged like a miniature fence stretcher.
It is designed to put pressure behind the ears and under the lip. “This stimulates release of endorphins, which block pain and make the animal feel calm and relaxed, making him feel good,” says Wheeler. The portion of the cord that goes under the lip is covered with plastic tubing so it won’t cut into the gum or lip.
Buck, his wife Karen, and sons made the first Stableizers at their Minnesota farm. “The handle is just a piece of light plastic. If it swings around, it won’t hurt a horse or a person. The Stableizer comes
around the base of the ear and gently squeezing with a mild twisting action, however, this can be effective for short-term restraint. If done correctly, it won’t make a horse ear shy. Line up your fingers a fraction of an inch back from the edge of the ear, resting them on a ridge of car- tilage at the top of the ear. Your thumb under the ear will be applying the pressure.
You don’t need to twist the ear much or pull on it. Simply squeezing with your thumb, put- ting pressure on the ear cartilage and bending the ear’s edge inward toward your palm, tends to have a restraining effect. Keep your elbow bent when grasping the ear so the horse won’t hurt your shoulder if he suddenly raises his head. Some horses can be effectively restrained by an ear hold, while others react strongly and may strike or sling the head. Just stroking the ears or providing some other mild massage will relax some horses without the risk of making them ear shy.
TIPS ON USING RESTRAINTS
Whatever restraint method you choose,
it should be applied quickly, properly, and purposefully, with enough force to hold the horse still so the scary or painful procedure can be done quickly and the restraint removed as soon as possible. A half-hearted attempt at restraint or an improperly applied twitch or lip chain can do more harm than good. The horse might seem well restrained and calm until the distasteful activity is begun (the wound treat- ment, vaccination, eye medication, passage of a nasal tube) and then react explosively. If the re- straint device, such as a twitch, is only partially applied, there’s more chance of it coming off when the horse blows up, with potential injury
to both the handler and the horse. A restraint device should be used correctly and purpose- fully, or not at all.
Perform the desired treatment or proce- dure right after applying the restraint so the horse only has to contend with the restraint for a short time. Most restraints should not be left on the horse any longer than absolutely necessary. Most horses will tolerate most types of restraints for a few minutes, but not for an extended time. The Stableizer is one excep- tion since the pressure applied can be easily adjusted. The horse can tolerate its maximum pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, and moderate pressure for much longer, since the acupressure points affected create a feeling of well-being.
Be careful when applying a twitch or lip chain. Some horses will strike out with front feet or sling the head when a restraint is at- tempted. Stand to one side so that if the horse rears, strikes, or throws its head violently, you can get out of the way. If there is another per- son helping, make sure that person is out of the way of the horse’s possible reactions.
Various restraint techniques, when care- fully, correctly, and thoughtfully used, can simplify and speed up many management and veterinary procedures and make these situ- ations more pleasant and safer for horse and humans. They can never take the place of good training, however, which can produce trust and good manners. A good working relation- ship with a horse can nearly eliminate the need for physical or chemical restraints. Yet in any career with horses, there are instances that arise in which we don’t have an ideal situation and must rely upon a restraint to keep the horse calm and standing still.
A restraint device should be used correctly and purposefully, or not at all.
Cupping the hand around the base of the
ear and gently squeezing/twisting or just stroking and massaging the ears can have a restraining effect and won’t make
a horse ear shy if done properly.
SPEEDHORSE, November 2016 53
EQUINE HEALTH