Talk to me about hackamores

skint1

skint1

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My daughter has been trying her mare Bella in a few different bits recently as she can be a little fussy with her mouth and also strong out competing (though not at all like this at home).

Today she tried her in a hackamore and said she went great in it, they tried a small jump in the school and also went on a short hack and all was well.

BellaHackamoreMarch2011.jpg



She said the only thing she struggled with was trying to communicate things like "coming round" (which i think must be working on a contact/working through) Bella kept halting but not in a nappy way, just in a "oh I thought you were asking me to halt" sort of way.

Also she wondered what it might be like to control her in an actual competitive situation when she's excited and raring to go. (FTR they only do small unaffiliated sj/hunter trials/ode type stuff at the moment)

So, does anyone have any experience of using a hackamore, any tips or advice or things to be aware of?
 
You have to have a very soft hand with a hackamore as some horses have been known to rear and go over because of the poll pressure.
But if it suits your horse go ahead!
As far as I know you can SJ in a hackamore, not sure about XC but they are not dressage legal.
She will come round I am sure when she gets used to the differant action of the hackamore and starts to work properly :)
 
Thanks Damnation, the rearing/going over thing is a bit worrying, I will make sure she knows that. She probably does know that, but I will just make sure.
 
I used to SJ my really good horse in a hackamore, but I preferred the German one to the English as I think you get more connection. As for getting the horse round when riding in one, it is ALL about seat and leg, just how any riding should be. Hackamores certainly show up if schooling has been done with mostly reins and not enough seat and leg. You do not need anything in the mouth for a horse to work correctly over the back and into the hand, it is just a matter of practise and tuning your riding. I suggest your daughter practises riding from her seat in the arena - set out bollards, etc., and ensure that she can go where she wants to go using seat and leg only. This will sharpen her and her pony up. Her reins should only be picked up when absolutely necessary, otherwise the shank should be hanging down and free at all times :)
 
I ride my 5 yr old in an English hackamore (teeth problems) and have been for 7/8 months.

I really like it, the only issue I have if something really doesn't take her fancy when we are out hacking, she would like to turn away.
I can prevent her doing that but I have to have my wits about me a bit more than if she had a bit in.

As for the rearing, I have had no threat of that but then she isn't the type to do so.

Agree with Weezy, you really do need to ride from leg and seat. Mine goes very lightly and in a correct position when ridden 'up' iyswim.
 
Duly noted and some good advice thanks!

I think she knows its too low down as she was asking me where the odds n sods bits of old bridles etc tack box was. I keep a training log on another forum for them so I will C+P this info over there for my daughter to read if that's ok with everyone.
 
martlin said:
I would also suggest she puts the cheekpieces up a couple of holes, as this hackamore is fitted too low.
Click to expand...

I agree with this :)

recently made the swap myself, and the noseband should sit two fingers below the cheek bone in the same place a cavesson noseband does.

Also, make sure that the curb isn't too tight and only comes into action when the bit is pulled to 45 degrees, just like a pelham :)
 
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