Hackamores - what works?

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1alex1moose

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I have a 4 year old who has been worked and ridden for about 6 months in total and is still incredibly fussy in the mouth. I have tried a few different snaffles and nosebands and he wont settle in any of them - not excessive swopping I'll add - he gets a decent amount of time but he just opens his mouth and faffs with all of them! He opens his mouth as soon as you use any rein and stuffs his head down. He is VERY soft mouthed and sensitive which I think it the main reason (his teeth and back are fine). He understands totally what you're after but just hates rein contact and sits behind it.
I'm thinking of trying him in a hackamore and want something i can compete jumping in - i have no interest in dressage!! Just wondered if people had any experience of them such as english, german or abbey combinations. Not keen on sidepull.... I dont want anything strong which is my other concern as I know they can be very harsh
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Thanks
Alex
 
have to say i have been looking at the myler combo for mine as very fussy do ride in english but shes not great to jump in it. however haverecently had phyio on her and she is still a bit fussy but so much better and reasonable happyin a normal french link. so wouldgo for check of teeth bk etc firstbut the english hackmore is the mildist one have to say nver got onwith the dr cook one but side pull was fine.
 
I have used the English ones very successfully for jumping. As with any new bit always try it first in a safe enclosed manage type area just until you are sure it is what you want.

At the end of the day any bit, or bitless bridle is only as harsh as the hands on the end f the reins.
 
I am also a fan of the Dr Cook bitless bridle, and have sucessfully competed show jumping, hunter trials and now endurance using it. My Arab mare is incrediably sensitive and no matter what type of bit I used she was very unhappy.
Since trying the Dr Cook we have not looked back, however they will not suit all horses and if you want to try one, make sure you do so in a safe environment.
 
qr.

Have tried bitless bridle, no brakes for me tho have seen it work well on old TB we had.

Tried english hackamore and although still quite strong he is getting used to new method of give and retake rather than a constant contact, definately not gobby pony anymore!!
 
My 4 year old would not settle initially with a bit - looked really uncomfortable, tongue over etc. I tried a Low Port Comfort Snaffle from Myler and he accepts this and works very well without any fuss.

Have you considered that as a young horse he may just be struggling to cope and the bit is his way of trying to tell you? Don't rush him - I still do lots of work from the ground in a very soft, homemade cavesson with my young horse. If there is a problem remember that a wise horseman will go back a step or two before getting stronger and some of the bitless bridles can be severe.

One of my horses was very harshly treated before he came to me - I could not get a normal bridle on him and just the sound of a bit would scare him. I made him a rope bitless bridle; he works well in his bit of rope !!
 
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