Hackamore problem question

Question

I've been riding my horse with a beetle hackamore for about three months. She was previously rode with one before I bought her but she doesnt seem to respond to it to well. She fights me really hard with it to the point of rubbing her nose raw and me and my trainer can't for the life of us figure out whats wrong. Its positioned correctly on her and I have enough experience to ride correctly. Someone has suggested getting a mechanical hackamore because I might not be strong enough for her regular one. What should I do about this? I can't have her throwing hissy fits for no obvious reason. Should I switch to a bit? We're going to try that this afternoon and see if that works better.

Answer 1

tire a bite

Answer 2

If there is nothing wrong with your horse's mouth that would create problems with a bit, then you could try a loose snaffle. Most horses that use hackamores, though, tend to have mouth or bit issues. I don't suggest trying a mechanical hackamore, though. Instead, I would hope that you work with her with the beetle hackamore. It may be that she's just trying to push you around.

Edit: I had a mare similar to that. She had a huge bitting problem because of some jerk that had her before us. But I rode western, so I'm not sure about types of hackamores for english. I used a basic leather, long shank hackamore. I looked up your beetle hackamore, and related it to my Jim Warner hackamore http://images.smarter.com/300x300x15/44/...  It is a bit more severe than the basic long shank. I don't know if a long shank is appropriate for english riding. http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/g...  That's the one I used (and would recommend), but I don't know if it would be acceptable. Another one I saw that seems a bit less severe that still looks like it may work is a shorter shank hackamore. http://www.horselovers-tackapparel.com/c...

Answer 3

ok

Answer 4

The best practice is to always go backward when a problem of resistance occurs, never forward....and it is especially true when it comes to bits and hackamores.

Unless you have some reason to need to bit your horse, I'd go with a Dr. Cook bitless bridle.  I use one, and my horses love it...and I love it.  Both of my horses are retired show horses, with histories of being ridden on bits.  I still bit them in a light snaffle periodically, just to maintain their ability to work on a bit, but we prefer the bitless bridle.  I have 56 years of riding experience, so I've used most equipment that is out there along the way.  This is a superior headgear and I highly recommend it.

Answer 5

Hackamores seem pretty gentle because they are bitless. But, they work through putting pressure on the poll and the nosebone of a horse. If your horse has a sensitive poll, or is sensitive to pressure, she may not understand why she is feeling such sharp pressure on the top of her head, and is not fighting YOU as much as she is fighting the pressure. When you pull on the curb of the bridle, it sends a rocking motion pressure, and that is most likely what she is fighting. I do not think a "stronger" hackamore is what she needs, if a horse is resisting something, most of the time it is out of pain or lack of understanding. Try her in a gentle snaffle bit, and make sure she understands your hand aids. What style of riding do you do? Is there any particular reason you have been avoiding bits? What kind of resistance is she displaying? Also, if her nose is being rubbed raw by the hackamore, it is a sign your noseband is too loose. Loose nosebands are another misconception of kindness, it seems gentler to have loose straps, but then they flap and rub.

edit, I just saw your additional details. If she had a biting problem before, you need to get your saddle fit checked by a professional. She probably associates the bridle with the pain that is being caused by riding, which may also explain her behavior under saddle. Do not be reluctant to use a bit, even though she had bad experiences before. Start her off with a nice gentle bit and ignore her biting when you put it on. Wear gloves and thick clothing and DO NOT punish her when she bites. If you ride with soft hands, and NEVER yank on your reins as a form of punishment (ie trying to move her head up if she is eating grass, this makes her associate the bit with pain), she will eventually learn to trust you.