S Hack fit & use?

I tried out my new S-hack on Chivas today and he thought it was great! I had no problem direct reining, stopping or backing! I tried longer, looser reins, but Chivas just stretched his nose down into a very light contact. So we were both happy with that!
Lovin' the S-hack Plan to try Drambuie with it tomorrow before work!

I tried the S-hack on Drambuie after getting hay in. He did well with direct reining, actually turned better than he does with a bit! But he was confused with pulling both reins for stopping or backing. Wasn’t really a problem though, he should figure it out without problem

I use S hacks all of the time - they are light - not very cumbersome and are perfect for me because there isn't so much hardware all over their face after you are done getting the bridle on. Depending on how tight you make the curb (S hacks are curbs after all) will depend on the severity of its action when you pull your reins - so adjust it like you would any curb bit - to what pressure your horses are comfy in.

I don't know if anyone mentioned it or not already, but your color choice looks beautiful! I love biothane and yours is exceptionally pretty! Where did you get your bridles from?

Thank you! I love the looks of the s-hack on my horses too.

I purchased the separate items at different places to keep my price down, so the head gear doesn't match exactly, but looks close enough.

My reins I bought used off of E-bay but they look brand-new to me

The headstall is from Riding Warehouse and was a real bargain!
Zilco Deluxe Trail Bridle

And the nose band from The Distance Depot https://www.thedistancedepot.com/S_H.../bbt-tddsh.htm

I purchased the Arab/Cob size noseband, but I think I should have purchased a longer one. It fits, but looks just a bit small. I like that it has the english style chin strap (curb strap?) because it is more adjustable.

I rode Chivas Sunday on the trails with my daughter and four other horses that Chivas did not know.

So, I quickly discovered that Chivas use of the s-hack at home is totally different than on the trails with strange horses!!

At home he went into a long, loose contact responding to just a tiny wiggle of one rein to turn and the slightest touch on both reins to get a fast stop.

On the trails, with strange horses, I could hardly hold Chivas from charging up to the other horses (I discovered he does not like to follow) and nearly had his nose to his chest to contain him. He did mostly respond to a one rein turn but with much more than a little wiggle! The problem being there is not too many places to turn a horse on a trail...

He was not watching were he was going at all, and slipped several times.

After riding slightly over 4 miles at an average speed of 3.8 mph, we get back to the trailhead and Chivas takes off like a rocket! He was definitely determined to pass up the horses in front of him! I could barely contain him at a fast gait! I really had no control

The reason I had to try to hold him then is pretty much the same as on the trails, one of their horses is a kicker, a nearly 17 hand TW kicker!

So I finally got him turned down the road I had the trailer parked and was able to slow him down. But I could easily see he was ready for more! My daughter's horse was ready for more too, and he is 22 yrs old. We are used to riding longer and faster, but my daughter Jenny wanted to hang out with her new trail friends and didn't want to go out again without the other girls.

Overall, lots of fun and I plan to keep working with him in the s-hack. I think with more practice on the trails, and longer rides, it will be fine. It's just too bad he is not a faster horse, cause he has got the heart for racing!!!!

LOL! Maybe try adjusting the headstall so that the S hack sits higher up about an inch, tighten the curb up considerably and see what that does. Sounds like you still had fun, tho! Be safe!