2. In order to “gentle” the hind limb, or to take it up and let it down at will, while maintaining complete control over it, we may proceed as follows: Put on, say, the near hind pastern, a hobble with a D attached to it. Take a strong cord about 20 ft. long, and tie with it a “double sheet bend” (see [Fig. 30]) to the end of the tail, in the middle of the cord. Pass one end through the D to the near side, the other end through it to the off side, and give the respective ends to an assistant on each side to hold (see [Fig. 31]). These men should stand at right angles to the horse, and can lift the leg by
Fig. 30.—Shewing how to fasten a rope to the end of horse’s tail with a “double sheet bend.”
pulling equally on their respective cords. In this manner, the leg will be brought straight up under
Fig. 31.—Hind hoof held up by two assistants with rope from tail.