whos tried riding in a hackamore style bridle??did u survive??

[prudunce]

well im always trying new things 2 calm my mare out and chill her 2 get more long and low riding.(if only)! im not in2 this monty Roberts thingy but wondered if riding her at home in a halter style bitless bridle/halter(£17 on ebay),she may relax?? any experiences???? i will prob get bucked off or i will have NO control and she will jump out of the school and i will go PLOP??(im defo going batty in my old age)

 

[Bluecat45J]

I tried one when my boy couldn't have a bit in for a while, I didn't have any brakes that you could speak of, but was like being a kid again, just on a much bigger pony!!

 

[abb123]

I ride my mare in a hackamore. we have no problems, great brakes, really relaxed, much better than in a bit. I would ride her in one all the time but unfortunately it's not dressage legal. We've done showjumping, hacking, fun rides and xcountry training in it.

 

[lisan]

I use mine quite a bit, more for hacking out. Did a 20 mile pleasure ride in it on Sun, my mare likes hers.

Edited to add, did'nt have that much control on the beach and it lowers her head too much xc (only tried that once!) But have SJ her at home in it fine.

 

[Bluecat45J]

The one I trues was the halter one not the true Hackamore style, Many people have said that they have more control in the true hackamore type, always worth a try.

 

[prudunce]

ahh,maybe i shud try a hackmaore bit rather than a halter parelli type thing then????

 

[StaceyTanglewood]

I have tried both - the halter stile is scary no brakes or turning !! the hackamore is fantastic - had lots of breaks but not fantastic turning but i could turn !!

I competed showjumping in one for a while it made my mare not fight me !!

 

[spaniel]

I hunted my 'full on' connie mare in an english hackamore after she had dental work. I was worried sick but actually had great steering and breaks!

I dont think I fancy one of those sidepull /NH type things though....looks way to flimsy for my liking!

 

[little_flea]

I used to ride my strong showjumper in a hackamore for a while, didn't work brilliantly on that horse, but generally speaking lateral flexion and turning can be harder, plus it is not a pleasant feeling to have to use anything other than very light hands. Be sure to not fit the noseband too low down.

 

[spaniel]

Yes, not sure I would want to do too much in an arena in one, at least hunting is mostly straight lines, stop and go!

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

English hackamore, excellent brakes, I don't use reins for turning anyway, just weight/leg so no problems there, as little_flea says though, you have to have super sensitive rein contact.

It is my prefered 'bit'.