Hackamore and martingale- thoughts???

Cadfael&Coffee

Cadfael&Coffee

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Right.

The short version is that I am hacking in a hackamore, which is normally absolutely fine, BUT rob is absolutely petrified of lorries etc, so if we meet something I have to have control to keep safe.

The hackamore (English) doesn't quite do it, it's an only just, if I have a serious problem it's not enough.

He has a decent schooled TB head carriage, so a martingale shouldn't come into action unless necessary (I also neck rein when I'm out unless I need a contact, so that's not an issue) and when I rise him in a snaffle bridle I use a kinnerton, so he's used to nose pressure when necessary.

What do you lot think? I am not willing to try a german hackamore as I think it is too severe for him.

Another option would be to change the leather strap under his nose to a curb chain, but I really don't want to do this (I have an irrational hatred of them for some unknown reason- but I don't mind them on other horses but my own??? Weird lol!!!)
 
Can you find a friendly local farmer to help do some tractor spookbusting for you? Build it up gradually, get your horse to believe he can chase the nasty tractor away and stuff like that. Whatever bits, gadgets or anything else a horse wears wouldn't stop them in a full flight or fight mode.
 
To be honest if you can't stop in the english hackamore - for whatever reason - I don't think adding a martingale is going to help you that much. But it may be worth a try.

I actually prefer a german hackamore, it gives a much more precise aid. Also, what most people don't realise (because they generally only see the length of the shank and not much else) a german hackamore has a fixed bar across the two shanks. This will stop any crushing of the jaws. Most english hackamores are free swinging in the shank and can create the most terrible crushing affect on the jaw.
 
Spook busting is pointless. I can improve the fear but it's always there, and it is genuine. It's an ingrained thing. He trusts me enough that we get through it, but it's difficult to calm a bolting horse down, so I need to keep him stationary both to prevent accidents and to keep me in charge.

Interesting point about the german hackamore- I'll be honest, it's the rigid nosepiece that I don't like- it just seems a little unforgiving and uncomfortable? (feel free to correct me as I've never actually used one)
 
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