Market Harborough - what are your thoughts?

[Jinete12]

I tried a market harborough on my boy on a hack today and he seemed to go so nicely in it, no throwing his head around which he does with a running or standing martingale and no fighting with it. I used it a little bit when I first started schooling him (he's an ex racer), but have never used it since or for hacking so just wondered what people thought about it being used for that purpose. His teeth and back are fine, he just turns into a giraffe when he's excited about having a canter or being with lots of other horses which makes controling him quite difficult. Thoughts please

 

[Perissa]

I used to hack my mare out in one of these - for the reasons you mention. I think they are good correctly fitted as they should only come into play once they raise their head.

 

[Jinete12]

Forgot to mention, I only used it on the 1st ring.

Thanks Perissa. Keep your opinions coming please

 

[TinselRider]

Very usefull tools Have used one on Lord when jumping as he tends to lean against me with his neck......it helped to encourage him to soften and round......only used for a month and is now hung back up in the tackroom for the next time it is needed

 

[Sparkles]

Very useful on occasion I find, not permenant however

 

[miss_bird]

I love mine it does spend most of the time hanging in the tackroom but when needed i find it a very useful bit of kit

 

[greenlivery]

I use one on my strong boy when hacking as it helps me keep him in check, I also use one when my mare is schooling as she has a habit of throwing her head about when she gets excited, it only comes into play if she chucks her head up really, perfect for the job. I think they are great, if used carefully for the right reasons.

 

[debsflo]

we used one briefly on our mare on instructors advice .she used to stick head up and this reminded her to work nicely. only needed it short term and has definatley helped with schooling.

 

[Debz87]

Good, helpful bit of kit if used correctly. use it a good handful of times then try without for a bit to see if it's made a difference. It helped with my mare on the schooling side and for hacking.

 

[somethingorother]

The arab x lippi mare i used to share wore one on the first ring for hacking as she was a giraffe when excited, although very well mannered. I put it up a ring for schooling because she used to get very tense and stiff, and it really helped her to ballance in the early schooling stages. I normally don't like gadgets but it did really help. I think i'm a much improved rider now though so maybe i would be ok without it? Who knows. It was good at the time though!