Horse Bridle Question?

Question

Okay, I should be getting a horse soon, and I wanted to ride the horse in a hackamore, or a Bosal. I was hoping to go with a more natural care route (except for maybe a blanket in the winter, it's cold here in Canada!). Are hackamores a good thing? Also, I've heard that you can't use hackamore's and Bosals, in shows.... is that true?

Answer 1

You can use a hackamore or bosal in some shows. You could use one in jumpers or in the jumping or cross country phase of eventing.

There are probably other kinds of shows where you could use a hackamore, but I know those off the top of my head.

You cannot use a hacamore for dressage.  

Answer 2

I hosistly wouldnt use a hackamore, you dont have as much control and you would have to train your horse so they can direct rain and understain how to go in it. and if its your first horse or your not a trainer i wouldnt recomend it at all!!!  there are some really light bits you can use, such a snaffals, tom thum, stay with something that breaks in there mouth, with a small or on shank at all dont.

but truely its all about the horse. ask what the people usually ride the horse in. you arent going to go from a lead stove to a feather in its mouth, you wont have any controll. you should would with a trainer and get lesson when you first get your horse. they can show you ways to get "soft hands" and you can get your horse in to almost anything.

it is true if you do show you cant use a snaffal or hackamore/ bosal in a class if your horse is over five. (all this applys for western) english you can use a snaffle. if tyou have any question fill free to email me.

Answer 3

Hackamores are great if your horse will respect it and tends to have a soft mouth. Also great if your hands are not quiet. Not good at all for the fast, uncontrollable horse. Some shows are very lax about those things, but I believe in rated shows they do require a bit. You can inquire with the event holders rules and regulations prior to entering.  

Answer 4

It all depends on what kind of show you want to do, and what part of Canada you are from, and what discipline. I have a mare that refuses to take a bit and I use a hackamore on her and I am able to show with her, but I also don't go into the really BIG shows, and it's all western riding. I have seen a few pleasure classes that they have used hackmores with, and also some show jumpers use them.

Hope this helps

Answer 5

i use a hackamore on my horse and actually found that he responds better to the hackamore as opposed to the bit.

there are several different types you can get, there's a rope noseband and there's a bicycle chain that's covered in rubber.  it sounds harsh but it's not, the chain is VERY well padded.  i have the rope noseband and the only problem is that if your horse has sensitive skin you have to be sure that the rope is padded or they rub their noses. but my boy would fight me tooth and nail before giving my his head when i used a bit, but with the hackamore he gives it to me with a teeny touch.

so basically i like hackmores, but you should try both before you settle on one or the other.

Answer 6

As long as you don't get a horse that is too headstrong for the mild contact of a hackamore, then it should be perfectly fine, and probably more comfortable for your horse.  It is true that there are many shows that may not allow you to compete without a bit, but it depends on your event.  For example, competing in dressage can't really happen without a bit.  But for everyday riding, it is great.  Also, there are bitless bridles that look exactly like a normal bridle does, but it applies pressure to the head in a way that allows you to encourage poll flexion and other things like that.

Answer 7

no you cant use those in shows but idk about using them for fun

Answer 8

I don't think you can use those in shows. There MAY Be special shows for Hackamore. Bits are VERY natural. I don't get ANY rough ones. Full cheek ones are GREAT. I haven't EVER used a hackamore. They are a bit confusing.I would say bridle is the way to go, but Hackamores- I've just never used them. There are VERY light bits that aren't harsh at all! Try them! Visit the tack shop near you or call Dover.

Answer 9

Check you area rules for showing, but where I live you cannot use a hackamore and can only use a Bosal for ages (horse) 4 and under. So call around to some associations in your area. Good Luck

Answer 10

If you plan on showing you cant sue them unless there is a special show for them. I would also suggest useing the same Bit that the owner before you was useing. Your best bet would be to use a snaffle there more of a training device but most arnt severe at all and infact some horses will walk right threw them so you want to make sure you get one that your horse will not walk right threw. If your horse is under 5 years old you cans how him in a snaffle but if your horse is over you will have to show him in a shank.

Answer 11

hackamores are ok, i use one on my horse but i would not do anything where you have to pull back a lot on them cause if you pull back hard enough, it can break the horses nose

try a softer hackamore that is more spread out like this one:

http://www.crossedsabers.com/images/Hack...

so it wont be so hard on their noses  

Answer 12

Hackamores, as I said to ya a minute ago, are communication tools and only as good as the person using it to communicate.

In certain shows and classes you cannot use hackamores and in others you can only use hackamores.  There are whole shows where the purpose is showing how well a horse performs in a bosal.

The old vaguero cowboys made the bosal part of their process of bridle breaking a horse.  The hackamore helps to train a horse the reinforcement of head/nose pressure in the communication of what's expected.  It just adds another level of ability.  Here's waht they did:

A 2-3 year old horse was started in the snaffle bit.  When it was 3-4 years old and it's bit path was maturing, they'd switch to a bosal to teach the horse all the same things taught with a snaffle using this different tool and making them "lighter" (more responsive more quickly) than they were in a snaffle.  A 5 or 6 the horse was put back in a light curb or snaffle again and a pencil bosal - a thinner bosal imparting a bit smarter point of pressure.  The rider rode with both reins first engaging the bosal for the command and only engaging the bit when the horse didn't respond or wasn't quick enough in responding.  Any horse could stop progression at any time along this path - some may never have the ability to progress to the next phase at all.  the final step was when the horse was mature and very responsive to the two-rein.  At this time a rider would introduce the "full bridle bit" which was more than likely ported and the ones highest trained had higher ports even to the cathedral ports we hear of in "legend".  These bits function was to communicate with very small, subtle movements and the horse would respond with lightning accuracy.

I would suggest a good resource for you too would be the Myler brothers book and DVD on bits and bitting.  It runs about $20 for the set and is carried on-line, at tack stores and the Myler's website www.mylerbitsusa.com.  You want to watch the video first maybe even a couple times.  Then use the book for reference.  These are really meant to explain the way Myler bits work, but after watching it, you'll understand more about all types of bits, how they work and why.  You'll get a lot of wonderful, useful information that will help you communicate well with your new equine partner.

Good luck!

Answer 13

Im pretty sure that a hakamore cant be used in a show. And i think that it is good that you want a horse like that. i bought my horse that had always used a bit and i trained him in a halter and two lead ropes, he still takes a bit and wears a bridle in a show. iwould say buy a horse that knows what a bit is and just work with him using a hakamore, just make sure that you show him the bit every once in a while som he is not fussy at a show