Hackamore advice please

M

Mic

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23 January 2008
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I have recently started riding my horse in a hackamore following discussion with my vet due to throat irritation being triggered by his bit. I have only ever ridden one other horse in a hackamore and feel like a bit of a novice when it comes to picking the right one and fitting it correctly etc.

I have borrowed an English hackamore which seems the most simple. I have fitted it just over 2 fingers width under his prominent cheekbone, and so that you can fit a finger comfortably under the noseband in terms of tightness. My boy was a little unsure initially but settled within about 20 minutes and I appear to have control so far (phew!)

Is it ok to use a running martingale with a hackamore? He does throw his head up a little more than he did in his bit. I don't want to overly restrict him while he gets used to it but equally want to make sure I keep control. I'm riding him on a long rein and a very gentle contact at the moment.

Any advice for a hackamore newcomer gratefully received!
 
It sounds like you have the hackmore fitted correctly for a horse that has never been ridden in one, I keep mine looser for my girl cos she know's exactley what it is and is very good at ducking away from the pressure! The hackamore is relatively strong for most horses so you shouldn't have issues with stopping unless he has a nice fleshy head (Shire!) or learns quickly to shove his head behind the vertical (like mine!) most people have steering issue to begin with, you should try to be clear with your legs and your seat how you want him to turn and rely on the hackamore only for 'guidance'

It's fine to use a martingale but you might find it's not AS effective with the hackmore one, still gives you a bit of leverage though and piece of mind.

Don't worry about taking up a normal contact with the horse (once he's had a little time to adjust to the new feel of not having a bit in) I always think it's better for them to know you're there esp when the bit is missing. Does you hackmore have a curb chain insert in it? I always try to avoid these as it puts me off wanting to take a contact at all!
 
Thank you very much - I feel reassured to know I've at least put it on right! Yeah, the martingale is more for my reassurance I think than anything else. He is a TB x with a fine head so hopefully we won't have brake problems then! He tends to overbend in a bit, but so far he seems to be less inclined to do this in the hackamore - I guess it is all pointing towards him feeling more comfortable in it than in a bit.

It has a chain at the back of the noseband - not in the curb position, but about 3 links of chain just at the back. It doesn't seem to tighten when I pick up the contact (whilst standing on the ground - I was worried it might be harsh so put my finger between it and him and then lifted the reins a little.) I know some have leather rather than a chain here, so think I will try and find a leather one to buy - I don't want to scare him!

Thanks for your advice - I feel much better about using it now!
 
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