A twitch is a device that is used to restrain

horse The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million yea ...

s for various stressful situations, such as veterinary treatment. It is usually made up of a stick-like handle loop of chain or rope on the end, or a metal ring with a rope loop which is wrapped around the upper lip of the horse and tightened. Another design, sometimes called a "humane" twitch, is a plier-like clamp that squeezes the lip with motion akin to that seen in a nutcracker. The aluminium screw twitch is yet another form of twitch.

Use

The upper lip of the horse is grasped and the loop of chain or rope is placed around it, then the handle of the twitch is twisted until the loop is firmly around the lip. A wooden handled twitch has the disadvantage that it requires a handler and the handle may injure the horse handler if the horse throws its head. Other twitches may be attached to the

halter A halter or headcollar is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears (behind the poll), and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope is attached. On smalle ...

or headcollar. An emergency twitch can be improvised by placing a loop of leather or heavy cord around the nose and tightening it by twisting a stick around and around until it is tightened sufficiently.Hayes FRCVS, Horace M., ''Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners'', Stanley Paul, London, 1970 The twitch is popularly believed to work by distracting the horse, but may act instead by triggering the release of

endorphin Endorphins (contracted from endogenous morphine) are chemical signals in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of wellbeing. They are produced and stored in an area of the brain known as the pituitary gland. His ...

s from the horse's brain, producing a calming effect. It is hypothesized that its effects are similar to acupuncture. The twitch is considered a humane method of restraint and is commonly used by horsemen and veterinarians to keep an animal still and quiet.

Misuses

A twitch is not intended to replace proper pain management of the horse. It is not intended for use on any other part of the body of the horse other than the upper lip. It may cause permanent damage and behavioral issues if it is used--even correctly--such as a head-shy horse when used on the ear. Additionally, if a twitch is left on for an extended period of time, it can cause permanent damage.

References

External links

Restraint of Domestic AnimalsStudy of impact of twitch on horsesPreliminary studies on the use of plasma β-endorphin in horses as an indicator of stress and pain
{{Horse equipment Horse health Horse tack and equipment