So I have an OTTB gelding that I currently ride english. I do mostly jumping with him but we also have a field and tons of trails to hack around in and have some fun.
I currently ride in a D ring, french link snaffle and he is good with it... but on the days that I want to just have a relaxed ride outside I feel bad putting metal in his mouth because I feel that it's not as relaxing for him. I'd like to be able to hop off and let him have a bite of grass/drink of water when out on the trail in the summer but having a bit makes that situation not ideal.
Moral of the story is, I bought an english hackamore (second hand for super cheap so if this plan fails, OH WELL). So here's my questions:
1. Is it possible to train him to accept/respond to the hackamore so we can have our relaxing days but still ride with a bit during our training/showing (jumping)?
2. What can I expect with the training process? (He is currently learning how to neck rein and is doing really well, he knew almost right away what I was looking for.)
3. Aside from proper positioning of the hackamore (I know how to properly adjust it), what else should I know about using a hackamore?
4. Any other tips or suggestions?!
THANK YOU
I currently ride in a D ring, french link snaffle and he is good with it... but on the days that I want to just have a relaxed ride outside I feel bad putting metal in his mouth because I feel that it's not as relaxing for him. I'd like to be able to hop off and let him have a bite of grass/drink of water when out on the trail in the summer but having a bit makes that situation not ideal.
Moral of the story is, I bought an english hackamore (second hand for super cheap so if this plan fails, OH WELL). So here's my questions:
1. Is it possible to train him to accept/respond to the hackamore so we can have our relaxing days but still ride with a bit during our training/showing (jumping)?
2. What can I expect with the training process? (He is currently learning how to neck rein and is doing really well, he knew almost right away what I was looking for.)
3. Aside from proper positioning of the hackamore (I know how to properly adjust it), what else should I know about using a hackamore?
4. Any other tips or suggestions?!
THANK YOU