What is this for?

[Palomino]

An aged pony at my riding school has bailer twine tied round his pasterns just below his fetlocks on all four feet.
What purpose does it serve? :confused:
Palomino.

[bren]

that sounds a little strange...have you asked anyone there? Is it a privately owned pony or the stables? Doesnt sound very good to me...

[LindaAd]

Is he hobbled? That's an old technique of tying a horse's feet together to stop him wandering too far and grazing too much. I don't know if anyone does it now - and obviously it has dangers.

[Jennifer Harris]

That sounds very interesting. I say just ask someone around the barn.Cause im dying to know!

[Daventry]

That doesn't sound very safe, especially if he gets caught up in something!

[Olivia]

How bizarre - Could it be to used to help pick feet up - is he particularly difficult or maybe used for teaching youngsters what to do - I'd ask, most people are more than willing to let you know.

Olivia

[giddyupgirl]

Hey, I just had a thought, I dont know these things yet, (I am currently studying as a Vet Nurse) but is the pony getting worked AT ALL? Because if he is just standing around it might be causing him to develop oedema in his legs (that is pooling of the blood in the legs from standing around) you sometimes see it in horses that are boxed alot, Im just wondering if it isnt to reduce the blood flow to his legs, therefore reducing the swelling maybe? Hehehe just a guess, but when ya find out please let us all know..hehe