Twitching

First article was very interesting, I've found twitching to be a useful control measure at times, and of great benefit short term, ie clipping a horse that is generally fine except for one ticklish area, where a couple of minutes of being switched allowed the clip to be completed in a controlled and safe manner. It's also worked as reassurance, the horse has been clipped there once and is still alive, and generally you can do it next time without a twitch. I am generally talking about horses who aren't terrified or dangerous, just need a bit more control than headcollar gives you.

I've known a very sensitive TB mare to be neck twitched daily, as a precursor to nose twitching. Poor mare had over a year of daily changes of dressings on legs, and she wasn't easy, so it wasn't uncommon to see ear being grabbed, then neck twitch, then lip. It wasn't nice, it must have hurt, it was at a yard owned and run by a BHSII, but she couldn't have beensedated every day. The only other option was to have her PTS.

I think I'll experiement on the foal too, now don't all jump on me, I REALLY don't mean string her up with binder twine! Just lightly with my fingers, not that she does anything naughty, but she will be micro chipped soon, and if a light lip pressure will take her mind of it, so be it. She is typical busy foal, but if you play with her mouth and lips, she goes quiet and concentrates on what you're doing. If I get round to doing it, I'll post our experiences!
 
Very interesting articles, i think some of it is personal taste and preference

I only ever use the twitch to control a situation that cant be dealt with otherwise, and do not want vet intervention

I can clip my mare, almost untied she is that easy, but detests having her mane pulled, so the one time I use the twitch is then. I also normally do in 2 attempts so she is not twitched for any significant time

I personally think its a great tool, but to be used at the right time and not for too long
 
My vet says that twitching can cease to work over time (-wonder if this is due to nerve damage from over twitching?), so I'd never use it for anything other than emergencies as I can't risk it ceasing to work when essential.
 
I used to hate the idea of twitching but over time was persuaded and shown how to apply a rope twitch correctly.

TBH, Will only needs it when you want to clip near his head and has it on for only a couple of minutes at a time before being released and made a big fuss of and given a carrott by way of an apology! Now I find I can clip at least his face and jaw by just getting a good grip on his top lip with my hand and after a minute or two he relaxes so I can let go and clip away. I think there's a lot to be said for using one but sparingly.
 
I'd rather twitch than get the vet out to sedate for minor things. I had to twitch Chex a lot years ago to treat his mud fever, it would have been crazy to get the vet out daily! I didn't like doing it, but tbh he just used to fall asleep!
 
IMO id rather twitch a horse than try and handle a half ton animal that goes mad.

Finn was twitched when the vet changed his bandages when he was gelded, also when he was clipped he would try and kick, he had a lethal side kick!

Its not something i would do all the time.
 
We used to twitch my daughters pony for mane pulling etc as she is very difficult to handle. However 3 years ago whilst on loan she had a fracture of the hind leg and the vet twitched her for 45 minutes whilst x-raying and applying a Robert Jones bandage! Her muzzle ws misshapen for several days and obviously painful and it has left a scar. When our own vet saw it (after this we got him involved pretty quickly!) he went mad, and told a student with him it was a real case of twitch abuse. I would still use a twitch for short intervals on a difficult horse - but never could on this pony, you only have to put your handon her muzzle and she panics, poor little girl.
 
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