To Twitch or Not To Twitch
Published by GHC • Feb 28th, 2009 • Category: Horse Adviceby HorseFeathers, age 16
Have you ever seen your local veterinarian use a stick-like devise with a rope loop or chain at the end of it? This is called a Twitch and is used to restrain and hold horses in stressful and harmful situations.
The loop is placed on the upper lip of the horse. The user then turns the handle tightly around the lip. Some might think the reason for using this device is to distract the horse… not so. When the twitch is twisted it releases endorphins from the horse’s brain. These endorphins work like “natural pain relievers”. The use of this has a calming, and relaxed effect on the horse. To many this method is considered a humane and useful way to control a nervous or skittish horse. Veterinarians, Blacksmiths, and horse owners alike are known to use this method.
Note that the twitch can be harmful for your horse if not used properly. It is used for and only for the upper lip of the horse. If misused the twitch could cause permanent damage such as being “head-shy” and lack of trust between horse and human. Usually the twitch is used as the last resort for a horse that won’t cooperate with the owner, vet, and so on.
If you own a horse, train him or her to be comfortable with human touch, especially around the face. You will be glad you did… and so will your vet!
The case with the twitch is similar to those with spurs and whips-If used incorrectly, it is inhumane and should not be used by that person.
I agree with Stargazer. I prefer to have the vet NOT use this method, if that is possible. Usually, my horse is pretty calm. But I do understand why sometimes vets have to take the neccessary precautions to keep everyone safe. When I’m put in a situtation envolving a Twitch, I ask the vat about what method would be less painful for the horse. Only people that KNOW how to use a Twitch should use it.
Good Job HorseFeathers :-)
Exactly… make sure you know what your doing around horses or trust me you will regret it and so will your horse.
Gully is a really calm horse, he is well trained too. So I dont think he needs to use a twitch
To tell the truth, I won’t let a vet use a twitch on my horse, and neither should anyone else. Its mean and wrong. Do you won’t a doctor twitching you’re upper lip, instead of calming you down the right way? Go figure!
It’s true, the twitch should ONLY be used for overly-stressed horses. It definitely should not be used everyday, and only if your horse is in complete trauma.
Great blog, HorseFeathers! I can’t wait to hear more from you.
-mustangmane
Great Blog,
Thank you for raising awareness! Embarrassing enough i don’t think i’ve heard of this, ha, i don’t think my vet would think of it considering my miniature horse is so calm, tiny and bomb proof but it’s a good thing to know
Thank y’all. The twitch may look like a cruel piece of equiptment but look at it this way. Would you rather have an over-stressed horse cause an accident and possibly hurt itself and others, or be calmed quickly with the twich. Again.. I hope I never have to use a twitch on a horse. That is why it is important to train them. Got to do my chores.
-HF
Alexyz, horses are made differently than we are, so it wouldn’t hurt them like it would us, unless used incorrectly. Its sort of like how having our skin groomed with a curry comb; not good for us, fine for the horse because of the way we are made.
I would have the vet twitch a horse only if necessary, because really, if it doesn’t need it, why use it?
Very true.
I only use the twitch on one mare that is horrible to give shots to. She nearly kicked me last time!
I don’t know too much about twitches, except for what I learned in this article, but I think the horse’s safety is always more important than its comfort. Even if a twitch is a little uncomfortable for a horse, it should be used when necessary to keep a horse safe.