Hackamore help...

seoirse

seoirse

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Further on from my post a while ago about head tossing. I finally have some sort of explanation. The dentist came on Weds and found a lump in his top lip/corner of his mouth. The vet has been today and is at a loss as to what it is. I think a thorn or something has gone in there as there is a mark on his lip close to the lump. Anyway, the vet wants me to give him bute for a week and see if it makes any difference and then they will come and stick a needle in it and see if anything will come out and also send a sample to the lab. There is a chance it might be a melanoma - I am trying not to think of the consequences of that.

I do dressage on this horse and the possibility of not being able to bit his mouth is just too depressing to consider! For now I am trying to concentrate on just being able to ride him. I have borrowed an english hackamore so I can ride him around the farm for the next couple of weeks while his mouth has to have a rest. He is a fairly good boy so I am hoping he will adjust to it ok. Does anyone have much experience of hackamores?

Thanks.
:(
 
Just that like normal bits, they vary in severity. The longer the shank the stronger the bit so just be aware of that and fingers crossed, its nothing more than a temporary bump..
 
I don't really know where to start. I don't even know how to fit it really, other than the obvious, so it doesn't squash the delicate cartilage in his nose.

He is quite a well schooled horse and works beautifully in a contact in a snaffle. I am sick at the thought of not being able to enjoy that anymore! Hopefully this is going to turn out to be nothing though. Trying to stay positive!

He can be quite strong out hacking and jumping though, but he doesn't take off. Do horses in general and especially keen horses adapt well to going bitless? I often see pretty sharp looking showjumpers in hackamores and I always marvel at how in control they are!
 
The shanks on this one I've got are not all that long, not compared to some of those you see in the show jumping arena!

We've got an indoor arena so I'll start in there!!!:D
 
I found my horses went much better in them than in "normal" bits. My haffy still works in a contact/outline. My mare doesn't, but she is just a happy hacker and never has done. Just be careful to be light with your hands. Like you have already said, make sure it is not fitted too low otherwise it can damage the cartilage - you may find you need to get shorter cheekpieces for your bridle, I know I did. Then don't be too heavy with your hands, use your legs more for direction etc etc. Other than that, I don't have any problems. I can let mine canter off on a hack (off road on soft tracks obv) and have complete control and know that I will have no problems with brakes. I also found mine were much more relaxed in the hackamore. Vinnie (Haffy gelding) works in an outline naturally, on a loose rein, not held in by a strong bit. Any questions, just ask. I've been using them for 2 years now and don't regret it for a minute.
Good luck :)
 
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