silly questions about hackamores

[MontyandZoom]

So I have managed to improve Zoomy's headshaking alot with vaseline and a nosenet, but she still does it to a degree. She also constantly gurns and bares her teeth whilst shaking. She is only in a happy mouth hanging cheek and goes well in it but my friend suggested that she might be happier bitless over the summer.

She rides like a giraffe at the best of times and I have been schooling to try and get her to accept a contact and work nicely from behind.

How do you school in a hackamore??!! I know that is a really stupid question but..........well I guess I'm stupid!

 

[GatefieldHorses]

my old show cob mare used to go like a giraffe in a bit but instantly schooled nicely in a hackamore.
Best just to try it.

 

[Lobelia_Overhill]

AFAIK you ride exactly the same way as when using a bit...!

 

[Ottinmeg]

i used a hackamore on my mare while her mouth was healing after teeth removal.It is the best she has ever gone!! when i can afford one i will buy one.You ride exactly the same way as you would with a bit.

 

[Ludi-doodi]

[ QUOTE ]
AFAIK you ride exactly the same way as when using a bit...!

[/ QUOTE ]

That it!! I've been using a hackamore for the last 3 weeks due to a tooth injury. THe first time I used it I had my instructor tell me what to do and she said ride exactly the same. The only difference is that when you give with your hand you need to make sure that you <font color="red"> really </font> give it as even a slight contact onthe rein will have an effect on the bridle due to the long shanks on the hackamore. If the hackamore was dressage legal I'd seriously consider keeping Ludo in it as he's being going fantastically well in the school with it.

 

[Tickles]

Have tried Dr Cooks English-style and that was pretty much as normal. Only ridden Western in a hackamore. English instructor says I have super light hands that wouldn't hurt a fly. Western trained horse in a hackamore said he was going to turn quietly into a corner and stand still until I gave more! Was great training for my legs, body &amp; trust! Enjoy