Riding in a hackamore

SarahX

SarahX

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I've seen a lovely horse for sale who is ridden in a hackamore. He can be ridden in a bit, they have just found that he goes better in a bitless bridle.

I've never ridden a horse in a bitless bridle before and i was just wondering if it is any different from riding a horse with a bit?

Thanks.
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I've ridden in a hackamore and as long as it is fitted properly it feels fine, steering can be a bit weird at first and you just have to be a bit gentler with the hands until you get used to it.
 
I ride my horse in a Dr. Cook bitless bridle after he had an accident , and thanks to this forum was advised to use this rather than a hackamore, which I believe is harsher on the horse than the Dr. Cook which has been brilliant and I think is far better in steering and control than a bit!

(Another big thank you to this forum for helping me!) sorry not meaning to hijack your post!
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I had a horse come to me a few years ago who was ment to be a SJ but was so unsettled and off balanced in the head department. Plus she was literally unstoppable - good back teeth etc. Previous people had tried to but very harsh bits and combinations in her mouth but no improvement - oif anything, she just fought the bit more. We tried her in a hackamore on the advice of a friend of ours and I literally was amazed with the difference. She was so responsive and light. Literally a completge 180! But they are strange to ride in to start with and yes, be light with your hands.

I really wouldn't be put off by a horse with a bitless bridle - unless you want to do dressage or PC where they aren't allowed. It is just a diferent preferance for the horse. Some like them, some don't, just like some horses will go nicely in differnt types of snaffle. it doesnt necessarily point to an injury or behavioural problem.

Good luck with the horse!
 
hackamores are fine - you just have to be very careful (as with any bit/bridle) to have kind hands. I know people say the steering is a little different but tbh I've ridden English & Western with/without bits and with Dr Cooks/hackamores and the transitions for me are pretty easy. I notice much more of a difference from them being different horses.

I do always try to steer with my legs and weight though. I find both a strong contact and riding on the buckle slightly odd.
 
My old mare would only go in a hackamore. She had a Blair pattern (English hackamore)

Your riding needs to be centred and balanced, legs, seat, weight orientated rather than hands.

It might feel strange at first, but really I found her very nice to ride in one.
 
Afters months of trying my mare in different bits, I succumbed to the idea of riding her bitless. I bought a Dr Cooks and the transformation in her was almost instantaneous. I would have no qualms about buying or riding a horse that required a bitless bridle. Sadle, the only obstacle I have come across riding her bitless is other peoples perceptions on them.
 
Oh thank you!!
I would mainly be doing SJ with him if i did get him..
But he was a succesful eventer for the past 5 years and was ridden in a bit so if a fancied doing a bit of dressage etc i could easily put him back in a bit for a while!

Thank you again everyone, i really appreciate it!
Merry Christmas to you all, i hope you have a wonderful day
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