A hobble (also, and perhaps earlier, hopple), or spancel, is a device which prevents or limits the locomotion of an animal, by tethering one or more legs. Although hobbles are most commonly used on horses, they are also sometimes used on other animals. On dogs, they are used especially during force-fetch[clarification needed] training to limit the movement of a dog´s front paws when training it to stay still. They are made from leather, rope, or synthetic materials such as nylon or neoprene. There are various designs for breeding, casting (causing a horse or other large animal to lie down with its legs underneath it), and mounting horses.
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