Horses Like This Easy-To-Use Restraint Tool

Horses Like This Easy-To-Use Restraint Tool LIVESTOCK Horses/Mules 23-3-6 Buck Wheeler, Ellendale, Minn., came up with a new tool to restrain and train horses that he says is the best on the market. "It's a modern adaptation of the old Indian æwar bridle'. It's more effective and also more humane than anything else I've seen," says Wheeler. "It works better than tranquilizers, lip chains or twitches for restraining or calming an unruly horse. It's very effective when you have to give shots, medical treatment, trim or shoe its hooves, load it into a trailer, clip it, or do any other proceedure that it might not like." The "Stableizer" slips over the horse's head and goes behind the ears and under the top lip next to the gum. It is then tightened up, using a cord handle which is fitted with a pair of small pulleys rigged up like a miniature fence stretcher. The device is designed to put pressure behind the ears and under the lip. The pressure points behind the ears stimulate release of endorphins, which are natural narcotic-like substances produced by the body. The endorphins tend to block out pain and make the horse feel calm and relaxed. The pressure point beneath the lip blocks the release of adrenalin, which also tends to relax the horse. The portion of the cord that goes under the lip is covered with plastic tubing so it doesn't cut into the gum or lip and cause pain. The unit is made in five sizes to fit foals and miniature horses, on up to large draft horses. It also works on donkeys, mules, and llamas. "Horsemen, veterinarians, and farriers really like it because one person can apply it and leave it in place, then work on the horse without needing anyone to help - the horse just stands quietly," says Wheeler. "The reason it works so well is that the horse experiences pleasure rather than pain while wearing it. He also remembers the experience (hoof trimming, clipping, etc.) as a good experience rather than something to fear, and is more cooperative the next time. Horses don't seem to mind having the Stableizer put on again and often stay calm and relaxed for up to 10 minutes even after it's removed. Many horses get to where they tolerate the activity (the clipping, wound doctoring, or whatever they're being restrained for) so much better that they no longer need the restraint of the Stableizer. "It works better than a twitch because horses don't resent it and it's easy to put on. It stays on and won't fall off. The horse can still move with it on so you can lead him, load him in a trailer, or even give him training lessons." Sells for $47.95 plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Buck Wheeler, Rt. 2, Box 26A, Ellendale, Minn. 56026 (ph 800 287-4791).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.