The Prairie Traveler: A Hand-book for Overland ExpeditionsMarcy, Randolph B. (Randolph Barnes)
History
The Prairie Traveler: A Hand-book for Overland Expeditions
Marcy, Randolph B. (Randolph Barnes)
Overland journeys to the Pacific; West (U.S.) -- Description and travel
In turning out pack animals to graze, it is well either to keep the
lariat ropes upon them with the ends trailing upon the ground, or to
hopple them, as no corral can be made into which they may be driven in
order to catch them. A very good way to catch an animal without driving
him into an inclosure is for two men to take a long rope and stretch it
out at the height of the animal's neck; some men then drive him slowly
up against it, when one of the men with the rope runs around behind the
animal and back to the front again, thus taking a turn with the rope
around his neck and holding him secure.
To prevent an animal from kicking, take a forked stick and make the
forked part fast to the bridle-bit, bringing the two ends above the
head and securing them there, leaving the part of the stick below the
fork of sufficient length to reach near the ground when the animal's
head is in its natural position. He can not kick up unless he lowers
his head, and the stick effectually prevents that.
Tether-ropes should be so attached to the neck of the animal as not to
slip and choke him, and the picket-pins never be left on the ropes
except when in the ground, as, in the event of a stampede, they are
very likely to swing around and injure the animals.
Many experienced travelers were formerly in the habit of securing their
animals with a strap or iron ring fastened around the fetlock of one
fore foot, and this attached to the tether-rope. This method holds the
animal very securely to the picket-pin, but when the rope is first put
on, and before he becomes accustomed to it, he is liable to throw
himself down and get hurt; so that I think the plan of tethering by the
neck or halter is the safest, and, so far as I have observed, is now
universally practiced.
The mountaineers and Indians seldom tether their animals, but prefer
the plan of hoppling, as this gives them more latitude for ranging and
selecting the choicest grass.
Two methods of hoppling are practiced among the Indians and hunters of
the West: one with a strap about two feet long buckling around the fore
legs above the fetlock joints; the other is what they term the "_side
hopple_" which is made by buckling a strap around a front and rear
leg upon the same side. In both cases care should be taken not to
buckle the strap so tight as to chafe the legs. The latter plan is the
best, because the animal, side-hoppled, is able to go but little faster
than a walk, while the front hopple permits him, after a little
practice, to gallop off at considerable speed. If the hopples are made
of iron connected with chains, like handcuffs, with locks and keys, it
will be impossible for the Indians, without files, to cut them; but the
parts that come in contact with the legs should be covered with soft
leather.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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