A hobble (also, and perhaps earlier, hopple), or spancel, is a device which prevents or limits the locomotion of an animal, by tethering one or more legs. Although hobbles are most commonly used on horses, they are also sometimes used on other animals. On dogs, they are used especially during force-fetch training to limit the movement of a dog's front paws when training it to stay still. They are made from leather, rope, or synthetic materials such as nylon or neoprene. There are various designs for breeding, casting (causing a horse or other large animal to lie down with its legs underneath it), and mounting horses. Types Western horse hobbles "Western"-style horse hobbles are tied around the pasterns or cannon bones of the horse's front legs. They comprise three basic types: The vaquero or braided hobble, which is often of a quite fancy plaiting and lighter than other varieties, and is therefore only suitable for short term use. The figure eight hobble or Queensland Utility Strap, a common style of hobble that stockmen wear as a belt and can be used neck strap, lunch-time hobble, or tie for a “micky”. This hobble is made with three pieces of leather and two rings, plus a buckle fastening. The twist hobble, made of soft leather or rope, with a twist between the horse's legs. The above patterns are unsuitable for training, as they can tighten around a leg and cause injury. Western hobbles are normally used to secure a horse when no tie device, tree, or other object is available for that purpose; e.g., when, if traveling across open lands, a rider has to dismount for various reasons. Hobbles also allow a horse to graze and move short distances slowly, yet prevent the horse from running off too far. This is handy at night if the rider has to get some sleep; using a hobble ensures that, in the morning, they can find their horse not too far away. Hobble training a horse is a form of sacking out and desensitizing a horse to accept restraints on its legs. This helps a horse accept pressure on its legs in case it ever becomes entangled in barbed wire or fencing. A hobble-trained horse is less likely to pull, struggle, and cut its legs in a panic, since it has been taught to give to pressure in its legs. Other hobbles Breeding or service