Hackamore

[Countrychic]

I've not really had much to do with them but how do you find them for turning. It would be used for showjumping so I need to be able to turn well. A few show jumpers seem to use them yet they are supposed to be hopeless for steering.
I have a german one but would like to know how the English differs.

I've ridden a mare that wore a german hackamore with a bit but the horse I would like to try with it is struggling to accept a bit at all. The dentist says her mouth is small and narrow, so I thought it might be worth trying.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Thanks

 

[VRIN]

I use one on mine sometimes for SJ (comeptition an schooling) and also schooling XC.

I find it fine. Best to try it (perhaps start in an indoor arena just in case of lack of brakes or steering) and see how you get on.

 

[BronsonNutter]

If your horse moves off the leg, I don't see why it should be a problem I have one for my horse, but just tend to use it now for if he's bitten his tongue or something like that. Never had any problems steering out hacking in it

 

[milz88]

When my horse went through a phase of being very difficult to bit, I put him in an English hackamore, it worked very well, unfortgunately couldn't use it for BE dressage, but I did use it for SJ and XC with no steering or braking problems but each horse is different, so it is best to try it out in an arena to begin with. Good luck.

 

[Countrychic]

Thanks, does anyone know what the difference is between the English and the german?

 

[Countrychic]

Very helpful!

 

[flyingfeet]

Thanks, does anyone know what the difference is between the English and the german?

Shank length and material

German has much longer shank and made out of a bike chain on the nose covered with either plastic or leather. This has little steering, and due to leverage is capable of breaking a horses jaw / nose

The English is a shorter shank, in a flat design against the face so a bit better for steering, the nose piece is usually leather with a real or faux sheepskin lining, the posher ones are leather padded.

If using for the first time, unless your horse is a lunatic, I would try the English first

 

[Countrychic]

Thanks will buy one and try that first

 

[Orchardbeck]

I use the little s hac and to be honest, I forget sometimes that we are wearing a hackamore, the steering is so good. Ithink the s hac.looks nicer on the head than the English, although they have pretty much the same action.