Is a hackamore good for?

Question

is a Jim warner hackamore with long shanks good for barrel racing? will it help her turn and stop? let me know thanks!

Answer 1

That depends entirely on each individual horse.  Keep in mind that hackamore's tend to be much more harsh than they are perceived to be.  Of course there is nothing in their mouth, but that in no way means they're more comfortable.  Shanked hackamores, regardless of shank length, act like vise around the face.  As you're applying rein pressure to the nose, the lever action of the shank cinches down on the lower jaw.  With leather chin straps this might not be too bad but if they're tight or made from chain, this can be particularly painful and lead to plenty of head tossing to ease the pain.  If it's a combination hackamore that also has a bit, the vise can be even worse since the tongue, lips, and potentially teeth are also involved.  Many hackamore combos can be quite cruel if the rider is at all heavy handed.  

Personally, I'd experiment with broken mouth pieces like a nice thick full cheek snaffle combined with a tie down (if necessary) before moving onto this hackamore.

As for her turn and stop, those are achieved with more training, not more hardware.  Always try to use the softed gear you can to get the best results and the most responsive horse.  They should respond out of respect, training, and willingness, not out of pain, fear, or force.

Answer 2

I have seen many people use a Jim Warner hackamore (both long and short shanked) for barrel racing. I've never used one personally, so I don't know exactly how it works. They look to have a lot of stop and rate power. http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?...  (You can see a review there.)

I would also suggest a "S" Horse hackamore. I have used that type and really liked it. It is another really common barrel racing hackamore. It has a lot of flex and rate. I highly recommend that hackamore. http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?...  (Just a little review on this one too.)

As always, if you believe the rope noseband is too much, you could put a fleece cover on it. I have known many people to do that with different gag bits and rope nosed hackamores. The rope nose shouldn't be a problem unless it is adjusted wrong, though.

Answer 3

A Hackamore is like a halter and the shanks are for more control, but if you were Barrel Racing I would use a S Hack. Is is a hackamore with shanks shaped like an S. I used that on my 16 year old mare because she was so broke you can run her in a halter.

I have a 4 y/o APHA mare now that I am training, and she does best in a Snffle with short shanks. Long shanks tend to be a bit difficult for some horses. It is best to just try it and see how your horse reacts. Sometimes they won't like it and throw their head, or they can drop their head and relax. It also helps with more information about the horse and what he is used to.

Good luck with barrel racing :)

Answer 4

I am not familiar with a Jim Warner hackamore, but if this type has a curb, it will make the horse raise her head and not look at the barrel.  I think that barrel horses do better when they drop their heads when they turn, right?  Do you have a friend with a side-pull bridle you can try?  I am not sure why you are looking for a bitless bridle, but you could try doing some basic re-training up through practicing on barrels with your halter and see how you horse goes.  This can help horses be more forward.  Just start slow and easy and make sure you have control, like brakes!, before you get going too fast.  If this works then you can go back to a snaffle or other milder bit.  

Answer 5

I use a long shank hack. on my barrel horse...its more leverage if your horse needs more WHOA & also you dont have to move your hands as much because the contact you need is VERY light in a long shanked hank.  Be careful with hand placement tho...hacks can cause rearing if you ride with your hands too high  

Answer 6

a hackamore?!?! ouch they put pressure on the soft tissue of the horses nose causing long term damage...id just get a bit unless you want to get a fleece cover for ur hackamore but idk how tht would look for western