Useing a English Hackamore on a youngster

Not without a good reason. Major dental work/injury. Horse would probably want time off to recover in that state anyway. Or maybe a deformed mouth ?
 
I've often ridden my previous horses in them, and yes, I rode Shy in a hackamore when it became clear he didn't like any bit I tried. This was in consultation with the dentist.... he loved it, and went very gently in it.

I have tried to re-introduce bits a few times, but tbh, he always "chows down" on them within half an hour. He's six now, and bitless full time.

A hackamore is a serious piece of kit. I only use a leather chin strap, and hardly need to touch it, but get a great outline (which was impossible when he was fighting the bit). Handle with care.
 
How young? What sort of previous training has it had?

Green - No. Too strong.

Sidepull is fine. I prefer this style, known as an English Jumping Hackamore for babies.

220px-JumpingCavesson_zpsd990d092.jpg
 
Not quite the same - but I use a little 'S' hackamore on my 3 year old (in-hand).

He loves it and I have failed to find a bit that he likes. So I'm going with what he's happy in and after his next dental check, I will try bits again. However I wont be upset if he stays bitless.

It's like this.
393045_3496072361436_1260408002_3485325_33185462_n.jpg


ETA - I've got mine fitted a bit higher than that one.
 
he is about 5 yrs old and goes great in a English hack but I have had so many comments about them being bad for youngsters
 
he is about 5 yrs old and goes great in a English hack but I have had so many comments about them being bad for youngsters

Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. :)


Never mind what others say, if he's happy then that's fine.
 
If your horse goes well in a hackamore, STUFF what other people say. I have had comments, but I know my pony is really happy in it. As long as you hardly need to "use it" I would rather that than having Shy pulling down all the time in a bit. They are seen as harsh by people who do not know how to use them.

A lot of horses are broken bitless - not necessarily with a hackamore.
 
Top