Which of the following is not considered to be a type of hitch?

The Sheepshank is not considered to be a type of hitch because it is actually a type of knot used primarily for shortening a rope without cutting it. While hitches are typically used to secure a rope to an object, such as a pole or a ring, the Sheepshank serves a different purpose. It effectively creates a loop or a section of loose rope in the middle, which is useful for handling or managing lengths of rope without altering their ends.

In contrast, hitches like the Bowline, Clove Hitch, and Figure Eight are designed to attach the rope to fixed points or to other ropes. The Bowline forms a secure loop at the end of the rope, the Clove Hitch is designed to fasten the rope to a post or a tree securely, and the Figure Eight is a strong knot often used to create a fixed loop or to stop the rope from fraying at the end. Understanding the specific uses of these knots and hitches is crucial for safety and efficacy in tasks that involve line work and rigging in lineman operations.