Ex racers & hackamores / bitless bridles.....

[flying_tackle]

Just wondered what peoples views / experiences are of using a hackamore / bitless bridle on an ex race horse for everything but schooling?

I have some brakes issues with mine when hacking (esp on open fields *gulp*) but the main problem is he throws his head up, shakes his head, and generally carries on with himself to try and get away from the bit at the start of a canter. Have to have him in a running martingale to stop the top of his head smacking me in the mouth! Usually settles pretty nicely but if I push him on to gallop all hell breaks loose!!

YO has suggested a hackamore might work for him with the thinking being that he has no bit to lean on (as racers, I understand, are trained to do) and the pressure would be a more effective brake than the bit he has (a kk french link) without putting something harsher in his mouth.

My instructor on the other hand thinks it would be dangerous to try him in one. Not discussed it with her properly yet though....guessing she thinks the pressure may make his head shaking/snatching worse?...or maybe that I would lose the brakes I have with the bit?...not sure yet!

Any views / advice? Thanks

 

[china]

hmmm i agree with your instructor. i rode mine in one and had to pull harder than normal before he listened, hackamores can be nasty in inexperienced hand or a silly horse!
i think it will come with more schooling and lots of transition work.

 

[Ezme]

I know some exracers who understand bitless better as if you think about it, pressure on the nose (like a headcollar) is always stop whereas the bit in racing is supposed to be leant on and some never really forget it. Find a school or small enclosed field and have a go, only one way to find out!