Struggling to fit Hackamore

[charleysummer]

So as Finn has rubbed his mouth and appears to dislike bits in general (for jumping anyway) , I bought him an english hackamore- but on the loosest setting I can't get it over his nose! I was told they come in one size, and the one I bought said 'one size' with no other indication of sizing on the 'bit' anywhere.

It will go on, but the chain is vey very tight and it just doesn't look right at all

Help?

 

[Tnavas]

You could try using a normal curb chain instead. Find one that is long enough and have the saddler change the leather straps from the existing one to your curb chain. You need to ensure that the front is wide enough that the cheekpiece clears the eyes (not too far forward that it catches the edge of the eye)
Again you may have to ask the saddler to adjust the fitting by adding longer straps.

 

[Brightbay]

They're really not "one size" despite what the label may say! My horse takes a WB size bridle, and it's been a challenge to get a hackamore noseband to fit him. As it is, he's on the last hole. The chin strap on mine is leather, and allows for a bit more adjustment - and I think I'll be visiting a friendly local saddler to get a custom made one in the end!

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Could u try a Dr Cooke instead?

 

[charleysummer]

Have not considered a dr cooke- I dont know much about them! Oh no this hackamore buissness seems a lot of hassle He has a fairly average sized face- inbetween a cob and a full size - and quite a TB shape so thought he would be easily to fit! I've been riding him in his travel headcollar (sheepskin all over for comfort? with the reins attached to the side square bits at the front- to cause a bit of leverage. Seems to get on well but there is obviously lack of communication/miscommunication in a headcollar at times! Is there an easy way of sorting the hackamore out? dont mind buying another one which would fit better

 

[Kallibear]

Have you maybe been trying it too high? they sit much lower that a stanadrd noseband although they MUST sit on the bone, not the nasel cartilage.

 

[Rose Folly]

I had my hackamore custom made, years ago, by a wonderful saddlers called Plas Equestrian (Welsh of course!). But as it was at a LDR venue they actually came to the stable and measured my mare.

I think you might do better trying to get a saddler who knows what he's doing (which some of them don't over hackamores) to come and measure your horse, or perhaps advise you want measurements to take so that they can make you one that's just right. Good luck - and stick with it! My horse went like a dream in hers (she hated bits).

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

HI. i hwve discovered that Dr Cookes can b a bit controversial on here. But my mare hates bits and loves her Dr Cooke. I have been able to completely reschool her since changing to it. something i could not have achieved with a bit! She will willing put Jersey head down straight in to it when it used to b a battle to get a bridle on so she must prefer it?!

Personally I prefere them to a hackamamore as they spread the pressure more evenly over the whole face not concentrate on the nose or one side of mouth, and they offer a push rather than pull action. I think they offer more control.

I ride all horses that come to me in them now (For around the last 4 years) and haven't met a horse yet that really dislikes them (my background is in biology/ animal science and behaviour and equine foot rehab). Most horses I work with r very sensitive. Sometimes they take a few rides to understand that there is no bit anymore which can b strange and u definitely have to ride with ur seat, it can make ur legs really hurt if ur not a used to it as u think!!

U Do have to fit it correctly (and i have never Come across any issues with this. Def doessnt interfer with breething etc - un like a bit does if u actually consider the mechanics). It can b better to start with the noseband a bit higher than recommended (ie nearer the 'normal' position, then drop it down a hole at a time until u find tonight place for u. There is about an inch variation! so they get used to the feeling been a bit different.

Most cases I have come across that say they don't gettin with them is because either they r using an imitation which fit differently or have the noseband at the wrong height!

What I like about the Dr Cooke too is that they have a 30 day money back guarantee so if u dont like it send it back!! And u can get full head piece with cob or pony noseband or vice versa! A little tip tho is on my horses I have opted for pony reins as the bridle adds a few inches to the rei length so i found full reins far too long!! Lol!!

http://www.bitlessbridle.co.uk/

Hope u find what works for u and ur horse