German bs English Hackamores

[Cadfael&Coffee]

I use an English Hackamore, but I'm not a fan of the thick side pieces.

An alternative seems to be the german one, but looking at pictures it seems to be awfully rigid across the nose piece? Is that right? I've never seen one in the flesh.

Another option is to get new pieces made for my English one, which is also a route I'm considering.

Has anyone adjusted an English/ used a german before?

 

[Bertthefrog]

The german hackamores are fairly severe. We have used them on several different horses a few years ago, admittedly with few issues, but the shanks are long and I prefer the English anyday. Some horses do back off the german version.

Never heard of the English being modified - but why not? Perhaps you will improve the design!

 

[Wagtail]

The German hackamores are far more severe. I use an English one and find it nice and gentle and my horses go beautifully in it. However, I sometimes find I need a bit in situations where the horse might become too strong as once horses get used to the English Hackamore they can be exceptionally mild and the brakes don't work as well as they should. Horses are far happier bitless IMO, but I would not use a German hackamore as I think it's too severe. I have seen some English ones with a slimmer design though.

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

Fair enough, that's prettying what I thought.

I'll try and find a slimmer English one!!! I think ideally I'd want something between the 2 though, as as mentioned the English one is very mild if I have to wrestle with him or seriously use the brakes!! I do use a bit for some things I'll admit, and the hackamore for light hacks and schooling