Hackamore?

[dallastheo]

Hi, I want to try my mare in a hackamore...
iv never tried her in one or ridden in one myself she is a welsh sec D and iv owned her for 9years. she is currently in an american dutch gag with rollers, you dont need to take up much rein with my mare, she is pritty sensitive, but has completley her own mind and is extremely strong, and when she does, she does not stop and drags me where ever she feels like going!! she is 23 this year, not particually schooled or neither am i going to start now! she hasnt done this much winter but i like to jump in the summer, and i generally like to hack out everyday if possible!!

what do i need to know before trying in a hackamore? i no there is another couple of types too,..iv tried many bits through out the years and especially now she is getting older would like to try something softer on her, and we dont do as much nowadays!

any help/ experience would be appreciated..

thanks.x

 

[Montyforever]

I have a strong welsh d as well
I don't ride her but I do longrein her from behind as I'm hoping to get her driving again, I tried a hackamore on her when she had problems with her teeth and didn't have a problem stopping her at all, it's very surprising how strong they are! Obviously she was only being pulled up from a walk and turning so I dunno if it would work for cantering/galloping!

 

[Tickles]

I don't know where abouts in England you are but there are riding schools who have horses in hackamores (pressure on nose), Dr Cooks bitless bridles (whole head hug pressure) and some other bitless variants too.

Perhaps consider trying a lesson or two at one first?
Or can you get an instructor/experienced friend to be with you the first couple of times you try with your horse both to ensure your safety and help with hints on how to use the new contact?

Personally I like side pulls which are pretty much like riding in a headcollar so you could alwasy try that to see if you like it before buying. (In a safe enclosed area, with company the first time...). The sidepull will probably give you least breaks of anything though so might not be best for your partnership!

 

[Orchardbeck]

I now only ride my mare in a hackamore when we do fast work (as opposed to bitting her for fast work), its the only thing I can 'communicate' with her in when her blood's up...

I use an 's hackamore' as they are a bit prettier than a trad Englist one. We are working on our bitted communication in slow work, but I like to have options. My mare is really sensitive to turning aids from her nose - I can ride her in a headcollar.

Op - try a basic side pull first, or a scawbrig, be wary of the Dr cook style ones that tighten all over the head - some people love them, my horses hated them. The s hac wins for me, but you have to either have a combination bridle, or one with shorter cheek pieces.

 

[Natz88]

I have had to put my rising 5yr old in a hackamore, not for the same reason just as he really doesn't like a bit in his mouth at all & he is like a different horse in it. All the advice I can give is you need to be light handed with it & make sure it is fitted properly. I am going to be having lessons with my boy once the whether has improved.

Here is the link to my post about hackamore's

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=514859

 

[dallastheo]

thanks for the advice everyone, sounds like i need to find someone who is experienced in fitting and riding in a hackamore.. the one thing i do NOT want to do is harm or even slightly hurt my girl,even by ill-fitting it! so i will find somebody with the knowledge to help me!
thanks again