Sidepull hackamore?

Question

I just purchased a sidepull with a rope noseband for my 5 yr old who was trained with a sidepull. I was just wondering if anyone has put any additional covering over the rope part to take away some of the severity of the rope. Note: he was trained with a leather noseband. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Have you just tried a bridle and mild bit?  If he is 5 yrs old and still needing a side pull, I would be thinking of a different angle.

Answer 2

I use vet wrap on all of my hackamores its nice soft and cushy!

Answer 3

Why don't you just use a piece of fleece?

http://www.horsetackco.com/fleece-noseba...

http://www.aussiesaddle.com/images/drop-...

Answer 4

The reason they make it out of rope is to make it more severe.  Even the rope nosebands are very harsh though.  If your horse seems irritated by it - then you could purchase either one with a leather noseband (I had to search long and hard, but found one at Ace Tack and Outfitters that was made by Schultz Leather and cost about $60).  Otherwise, you could get one of the fleece covers for halters and put it on the nose band (or have someone make you one.  I know that some barrel racers that I ride with will sometimes put vet wrap around them - but I don't believe tha'ts actually nicer - vet wrap tends to be sticky - especially on hot days and can pull the hair!  Best wishes!