rope halters/hackamores?

[emmilou]

Hi, this may be a really stupid question, but what is the difference? i am looking into trying pip in a rope hackamore and was looking into buying one. they look identical bar the 22 lead attached?

does anyone know?!

thanks x

 

[flyingfeet]

Lots of parelli type people (**ducks***) will try and flog a normal rope halter as a "natural headcollar". Whilst its a bit better than a webbing headcollar, you won't have great brakes or steering without very good training.

The next level up is a bosal - good for starting younger horses this has a stiff noseband

A sidepull is the next type of 'snaffle equivalent' hackamores. this applies modest pressure to the nose and uses the whole bridle for steering.

Then there are the cross under bridles which claim to be pain free and use a natural push action. My mare had deep marks in her chin where she wouldn't stop, so couldn't quite see how this was superior to others!

The next hackamore up is one we stock, that was sold as 'equibridle', but we seem to be the only manufacturers left. This uses rollers and a mechanically action to tighten round the nose. This was designed to give the best dressage feel when bitless. However the mechanical design is not as strong as shanks for braking.

Finally there are shanked versions, ranging from mild (wheel design sold in Germany) to English and finally the long shanked German and American.
Worth bearing in mind the fitting of a long shanked hackamore is vital so it doesn't damage the nose or affect breathing. Also the longer shanked german and American types are quite capable of breaking bones in the face, so should be used with caution.

 

[emmilou]

thankyou very much for the info! x