Hackamores

Montyforever

Montyforever

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My ponys got teeth problems buts going MAD not being worked lol.
I only longrein/lunge, and i bought a hackamore today tried it on her longreined her and ive never had her go so nicely
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Your thoughts/tips on hackamoress please
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Well done for getting her sorted and trying out the bitless option, I'm glad it's working for you as I know you were very concerned about her uncomfortable mouth.

I haven't used a hackamore myself as I don't like the idea of levering on a horse's nose, so I use a different bitless, but I know there are lots of people on here who will be able to give you some tips and advice.
 
Hi rode my pony in a hackamore whenever possible,used a bit for show classes,used the "long cheek eddie macken type"
pony responded to a featherlight touch on the reins and was very happy.Until i got used to the light touch i rode with my knuckles gently touching and used my little fingers for control and aids.
 
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Well done for getting her sorted and trying out the bitless option, I'm glad it's working for you as I know you were very concerned about her uncomfortable mouth.


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Haha .. shes worked out that she can eat with the hackamore
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so its a hit
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horse at my stables was only able to use a hackamore for a while as he had such a tender mouth. they were careful to only let riders with gentle hands ride him. I found he went very nicely in it - from my limited personal experience i'd definitely recommend giving it a try!
 
It was years ago so wouldn't want to say with authority if you know what I mean!! It has to be fitted lower than a traditional nose band obviously and needs to be tight enough to be effective without stopping the horse breathing - best bet to be honest would be to discuss with a saddler as to fit.
I seem to remember ours being adjustable over the nose as well as on the strap, and the bigger the hanging bits the more leverage you get so they're not the most straight forward to fit!
 
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It has to be fitted lower than a traditional nose band obviously and needs to be tight enough to be effective without stopping the horse breathing - best bet to be honest would be to discuss with a saddler as to fit.


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if anyone needs to ask a saddler to fit it, then maybe they shouldn't contemplate using in the first place!

a correctly fitted hackamore should be roughly the same place as a correctly fitted cavason nose band..ie about 3 fingers width above the cartlege of nose...i'll post some pics of my bogpony wearing his..
 
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a correctly fitted hackamore should be roughly the same place as a correctly fitted cavason nose band..ie about 3 fingers width above the cartlege of nose...i'll post some pics of my bogpony wearing his..

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Ooh, if you would, JM, that would be great. I might have a go with a hackamore on PF assuming, of course that the curb strap doesn't press on her sore bit (barely sore now, of course
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I looked at some Dr whatsit bridles but the straps cross too high up. Right on her bump.
 
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Thank you. If I put a hackamore on PF and take pics, will you let me know what you think of the fit and position of curb in relation to bump?
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will do..
 
Quite possibly but it was a picture I could find of an English Hackamore - don't have any pics of my old pony in one to hand. Also they automatically look lower because of the bulkier noseband.

Anyway I still stand by saying to check with a saddler neither you nor I will be there when any of these people try to use a hackamore and personally I would always check if I was using something completely new for the first time - safe than sorry etc.
 
I use them quite alot for various reasons and showjump one in it all the time, mine was finally fitted my by instructor even though i had a rough idea. She told me that different horses like them in different places, ie breaks were not great with it in one place so we put it up a few holes and it was brilliant, the other horse likes it lower. I suppose its the same as some horses like the bit higher in the mouth than others.
I have always used an english!
 
I have used english hackamores on and off for 22 years. They should be fitted with the metal cheeks 1 - 2 fingers below the protruding cheek bone or they will put too much pressure on the thinner more sensitive part of the nasal bone.
They need to be fully adjustable front and back, you will need to check that when you pick up your reins the leverage of the hackamore does'nt push the bridle too close to the eye(one of my personal pet hates). The back strap should never be tighter that two fingers, or the contact will be too severe. They are not too bad to fit once you get the hang of them.

I might have pics somewhere of my old mare in hers if you would like to see them.
 
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