I have a QH gelding 4yo and wont let me touch his mouth would a Hackamore be alright to break him in with.?

Question

when he was 2yo he had a lot of treatment after a tick. now he wont let me touch his mouth enough to put a bit in his mouth. would a hackamore be ok to break him in with.

Answer 1

First off, let me thank you for waiting until he is FOUR to start riding him. He's had a lot of growing to do in the last two years and it will be worth the wait because now you should have 20 or 30 good usuable years with your horse.

Second, YES, you can start him in a hackamore. If you can get a Bosal ( a shaped ring covered in braided rawhide) that would be even better. When you are first starting out you want your signals or commands to him to be clear and simple. The bosal accomplishes that when its paired with a large diameter single rein rope - usually made of horsehair, but those are expensive and hard to find. You can use 1" cotton rope , the large braid and weight will make your neck contacts to him easy to detect.

Getting the Bosal or hack in proper position is important. If you can ,get someone to help you fit it the first time. Check out the website listed below for photos and more information.

Patience will be your biggest training aid, and it sounds like you have plenty of that! Good luck with your colt and happy trails to you!