What are your opinions on the Hackamore?

L

LouiseH

LouiseH
Jul 30, 2006
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0
0
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Northern Ireland
Hello-I was wondering if I could have some advice or opinions about using a Hackamore.
My horse is fearful of the bit-he's like a lamb most of the time but as soon as I tried to put a bit into his mouth he went ballistic!
He turned into a prancing, headshaking monster, so I decided to try using a bitless bridle on him.
I bought him a Hackamore a few days ago and tried it out on him today and he was a different horse.
He had a few moments of sillyness, but otherwise he seemed so happy.
I took it slow-just walked around the field three times, and tried a few transitions to see if the bit worked properly-he pulled up no problem and I used very little pressure.
I just wanted to ask other people's opinions on this product-I am planning to do lots of hacking in the future but want to know that this is going to be safe.
I live in a quiet area with little traffic, but obviously I can't run the risk of him bolting with me.
Is the Hackamore as strong as an ordinary snaffle, or would it not be advisable to use it out of a safe enclosure?
I only ride for pleasure, so jumping and dressage (I know the Hackamore is not allowed in dressage) will be out of the equation anyway, but just wanted other people's thoughts on this.
Thanks for listening-and I am so pleased that a horse I wasn't sure I could even ride now seems really happy to be tacked up.
Louise XXX
 
if your horse is happier bitless, then its safer;) you cant stop a horse who is truly bolting anymore in a bit than you can bitless.
Hackamores can be quite severe, especially if you use it as you would a snaffle bit (ie.lots on contact)
 
Hi.

Your horse is obviously happy in this tack so carry on, I say!

On your first few hacks, particularly hacks where u will get an opportunity/gallop, take someone with u and take a mobile phone (switched off or on silent) for safety purposes. I would reccommend this when hacking in new tack anyway, and the phone part everytime. Don't forget your hi viz.

Hackamores can be very strong. The lower down the nose it goes, the more severe the action. If you are at all in doubt about how to fit it (or any other piece of tack), then consult your saddler or other knowledgeable person, as there are places on the nose (i.e., so low down) that are bad for the horse.

If your horse is happy then carry on! :)
 
I ride my RS horse in a hackamore and took him out on the trail last weekend. He was fine. Also, another place that I normally trail ride (hack) where they take you out on rides on endurance horses use all hackamores. I have never had a problem and I like using them.
 
Hi Louise,

Has your horse always been afraid of the bit? or is this recent? How old is he? He may need to have his teeth looked at, as it could be wolf teeth causing some discomfort. Obviously the hackamore would prevent that during riding, but if it is his teeth, then he may have trouble eating etc at a later date. Just a thought :)
 
As you've posted this thread in the NH section it presume your talking about a natural hackamore?

I've ridden my horse in a natural hackamore for three years without any problems - infact he goes much better in one than he ever did when bitted (he hates a bit in his mouth).

I can't comment on a german or english hackamore though because I've never used them on any of my horses - I believe 'less is more' and only ever used snaffle bits prior to going bitless.:cool:
 
Years ago I used a hackamore on my old pony who was recovering from a troublesome tooth extraction. She went really well in it, better than her usual snaffle, more like she went in a pelham. However I had just borrowed it so had to give it back! They can be quite severe, and exert poll presure like a pelham, so I would be quite sensitive with it at first. I am sure you will have at least the same level of control as a snaffle anyway.
 
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