S Hack fit & use?

Hi everyone, I am looking for help with a S-hackamore I just purchased. I want to do endurance, and am trying to gather up supplies and training tips.

I have two horses, a coming 6 yr old 14.3h Chocolate Rocky Mtn gelding, Chivas, that is currently my main trail horse, but unfortunately is too slow to do endurance.

Also my new coming 8 yr old 16.1h Bay Appendix QH, Drambuie, that I haven't riden out on the trails yet do to other issues we are working on.

Neither horse neck reins and I currently ride both horses in a double-jointed bean snaffle.

I have only used a hackamore on a friend's horse that was used to it, and honestly I didn't know how to work it and was very uncomfortable with it. It was an english style hackamore and I did not fit it to the horse, the owner put it on him.

So I need some help with the correct fit on my two horses, and how to operate the S-hack. Also, do the horses need to be able to neck rein?

Here are pictures:

Drambuie first in red halter then Chivas in black halter.

Sorry picture heavy!!

That hack looks way too small on both horses. The nosepiece is too narrow. Here is a pic of the same hack you have, but fitted properly: http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...33185462_n.jpg

As for direct reining in a hack...I trail ride my gelding in a little S and he doesn't neck rein, but he works mainly off leg pressure, so really the only time I use the reins is to stop him.
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That picture looks like Dawn's horse Dream.

I can make the noseband longer if that is what you are meaning by too small? It has adjustment holes.

That's because it is. Lol. It was one of the first pics that popped up when I did a google search. Lol.

Anyway, yes, make it longer.
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I see what you mean! Will do

I think it is too far down on Drambuie's nose too.

Drambuie is pretty good turning off the leg, but has his moments when he looks like a drunken sailor too...he is more of the kick-em kind, so no worry about stopping!

Chivas is very responsive and will leg yeild easily, he is actually a little hotter horse, but I am used to Dressage and ride with contact, esp on Chivas. Stopping is more of an issue with him, but he was ridden some in a rope halter with his previous owner, but only in the ring.

It will be an adjustment, but I like the idea of the horse being able to easily drink out on the trail. Chivas has a big problem drinking with his snaffle bit.

I think you're right about the positioning of the hack on the first horse.
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Neck reining really isn't very hard to train. Look up "neck reining" on YouTube and watch the first video. I would link it here, but I'm on a phone and it's a pain to do.
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Tell that to Aires. Little turd just doesn't get it. Lol.
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Thanks Poseidon, I have sort-of started trying to teach Drambuie neck-reining, but it is more of a both reining right now.

Chivas just doesn't get it either, freaks him out when I try

I am the bigger problem, I am just used to years of riding on contact, so it feels really strange to lose that connection...I don't know how western ppl have any control with the flopping reins. The reining folks hold more contact, but with those curb bits it all seems a bit harsh.

I would say no, you don't need to neck rein, because I've seen way too many experienced endurance riders using an S-hack and direct reining.

Of course, they're also riding on a trail, so the horse doesn't need a whole lot of correction, either.

I wouldn't ride with constant contact - just let your horse move out on the trails with a loose rein and then cue him when you need to.