How to Clip a Horse : How to Twitch & Body Clipping a Horse

To help your horse relax you can use a nose twitch to be able to clip his ears and face; learn more tips about using a nose twitch in this free equestrian video about horse care.

Expert: Mara Keith-Hunter
Contact: www.sycamore-stables.com
Bio: Mara Keith-Hunter is a lifelong equestrian and head coach for the Hampshire College equestrian team.
Filmmaker: David Pakman

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• body
• western
• horse
• horses
• english
• equestrian
• riders

[Pro3110]

I thank God for twitches every time my husband gets called out to shoe a half-broken pain in the butt horse! If the freaking owners would pay more attention to TRAINING their little precious beasts, then twitching wouldn't be necessary for the safety of the handlers.

Twitches can be used cruelly, but so can any number of items, yet when used correctly, they prevent injury to both horse and handler.

[sammac451]

The reason that twitching releases endorphins is a response to PAIN. If it didn't hurt no release of endorphins.

You need to train your horse to stand quietly. So it takes a little longer. Work on it

[roxygirl2310]

when a horse is twitched, it apparently releases endorphin's. But a horse only releases these when under intense pain. Is it really worth inflicting such intense pain just to make a horse stand still? I don't know about you but i wouldn't find my lip being twisted tightly very relaxing! Look from the horses point of view!

[hualchowdown1]

I really think that if you use a twitch at the tight time , properly and on the right horse it is fine. If you think about it, spurs and a whip can be used just a poorly as a twitch. I've only ever had one horse that I've ver had to twitch and it was only because he had thrown off a back muscle and wouldn't stop rearing and attacking anyone who went near him. Even with his stallion chain, the vet couldn't even get close enough to even give him any pain medication. In a circumstance like that, a

[cheeka127]

While I don't believe twitching is inhumane per-say, I think its only human when used correctly. That girl was obviously just showing us how to use it properly (even though it didn't work and sliped off of the poor horses lip) but when you have a crazy 1100 pound horse going after you, i think it should definietly be used. The only thing I don't like about this video is that the girl looks kind of inexperianced and the horse didn't look like it needed a twitch at ALL.

[ellenah11]

I have had a vet use a twitch on my horse , never thought it cruel till i saw this .

[poopietim]

cunt

[thecowgirlandherhors]

animal cruelty !

[alyandponies1]

Hello. I am a horse clipping expert and i have been clipping horses body face and legs for a while now. I don't feet Twitching is needed. It is painful for the horses and i dont recomend it. To calm your horse down, don't force him/her talk to the horse and pet him/her and tell him/her that they are alright and there is nothing to be spooked about. After talking to them for a while and patting them then talk and pet the horse wall you are clipping the face and it will keep them relaxed and calm