Hackamores/Bitless Bridle...

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Deefa

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Due to Harry not being able to have a bit in for about 3/4 months i am looking into getting a bitless bridle for him

Whats the differnce between

German Hackamore
English Hackamore
Dr Cooks Bridle
Other bitless??
 
Hackamores work on nose/poll pressure.

Dr cooks bitless puts pressure under the jaw/poll. It looks the most like a traditional bridle to me.

Other bitless include the Parelli special - which is a rope halter and reins.
 
However, if you look at the dually it says don't use the two rings at the same time. Which makes me think only KM and the like do it because they really know what they're doing.
I use an english hackamore and my mare goes better in it than any bit. I wish it was legal for the things I do, but it's not
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ETA - Also I think the difference between EH and a GH is the types/amount of pressure. If you look at GH it has longer sides which I guess put more or a different kinf od pressure on to the shorter EH.
 
Dr Cook works on mild poll pressure, pressure on the cheeks and 'whole head hugging' It pushes ather than pulls for steering. - see this link as to why I use one:

http://www.bitlessbridle.com/

In fact the one for my second horse arrived today from the USA!!

Each to their own, but I could never use a hackamore, the idea of levering on a horses nose gives me the willies, how ever light of hand the rider.
 
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However, if you look at the dually it says don't use the two rings at the same time. Which makes me think only KM and the like do it because they really know what they're doing.




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Where does it say that?

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Most places say you can use it as a halter or a bridle....
From Monty Roberts' website:
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This useful training aid will help get the most out of your work when leading, loading, long-lining, as a bitless bridle and more.

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I'm sure on mine it says that or on the paper it came with, or it might have been the NH person I had out who told me. However I've seen lots of people who do so thought they just new what they were doing.
I personally wouldn't use mine as bitless bridle as IMO you can't get a good enough fit with one.
 
I have been using a Dr. Cook bitless bridle on my boy and I am hugely impressed with it, someone from this forum recommended it and it has worked brilliantly. I have better steering and the breaks work really well. I have been using it for 2 months now and haven't looked back, I highly recommend it!!!!!!
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I have been using a Dr. Cook bitless bridle on my boy and I am hugely impressed with it, someone from this forum recommended it and it has worked brilliantly. I have better steering and the breaks work really well. I have been using it for 2 months now and haven't looked back, I highly recommend it!!!!!!
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That would be ME!! I am an evangelist for Dr Cooks for anyone who wants to/has to try bitless.
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Hi Chico Mio,

Thank you so much for your brilliant advice the Dr. Cook bridle is dog's b*****s of bitless bridles! I am a firm advocate of them and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!!

Thank you again from me, and horsey especially!

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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[ QUOTE ]
I have been using a Dr. Cook bitless bridle on my boy and I am hugely impressed with it, someone from this forum recommended it and it has worked brilliantly. I have better steering and the breaks work really well. I have been using it for 2 months now and haven't looked back, I highly recommend it!!!!!!
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Totally agree with this. Ellie went through a phase of taking off taking off with whoever was riding her inc her owner
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Cue a much more settled mare with brakes and steering and listens to her rider much more
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Oh one thing with the Dr cook, apparently the odd horse will hate the head hugging thing so definatly try in enclosed area! They can be fab though, there was even an article in carriage driving about how someone converted them for driving
 
I always highly recommen the Dr Cook too, and have been using mine for driving for years.
As said, not every horse takes to it and some take longer than others to get used to it. Mine was fine from the word go, but best to test it in an enclosed area. They do a 30 day back trial too.
 
Agree with everyone re testing in a safe, enclosed area. I actually rode FB in both his bitted and the Dr Cook at the same time the first time we tried it as I was a bit nervous. Used the Dr Cook reins and left the others knotted on his neck in case of emergencies.
 
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Oh one thing with the Dr cook, apparently the odd horse will hate the head hugging thing so definatly try in enclosed area! They can be fab though, there was even an article in carriage driving about how someone converted them for driving

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F doesn't like it!
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Although after 15 mins will settle into begrudgingly accepting it. I personally have my own judgement reserved, as if you replace the word "hug" with "squash" it sounds far worse. I was thinking of getting mine stitched so that it couldn't "hug", which would give more accurate rein aids than when I ride in a rope halter without the hug/squish
 
I'm a big fan of the Dr Cook bridle. Well worth a try. If you go on the bitless bridle website, they will actually let you try it for free and can send it back if you don't like!
 
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