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Hackamore questions!

1K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  SketchyHorse 
#1 ·
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
 

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#2 ·
Both my horses that are under saddle right now go in a hackamore. I can do dressage, show jumping and cross country with it and also do lots of trail riding. My horses are trained to go off my seat and leg so I use very little hand. As long as you know how to use your seat properly there is no reason you cant do everything you want in a hack. I love riding with mine. I honestly rarely use a bit much at all anymore except for when i'm competing in dressage or hunters where I have to have a bit and then I just use a full cheek or eggbutt snaffle.
 
#4 ·
No issues at all :) It doesn't phase them in the very least, even my uptight precious princess who gets cranky if anything in her routine changes(at 23 I figure shes earned the right to be a precious snowflake lol). She just takes it all in stride.
 
#6 ·
I use a sidepull for trail riding on our 20 yo TWH mare, but for arena work and training, I use an O-ring French link. She's soft and responsive to both since she works off of legs, seat, weight, and core. The sidepull does not allow for as precise an execution of the cues as a bit, but on trails I normally don't need that refinement.
 
#7 ·
I am not familiar with the English version of the Hackamore.

The traditional Hackamore (La Jaquima) is a wonderful piece of equipment. My next horse I start will be 100% Hackamore until they are ready to move on to Two Rein. Heritage Hackamores & Bosals - Central Coast Ranch Rawhide

I can't tell from that picture, but I hope that is not a mechanical Hackamore. Just keep in mind that a horse's nasal bone is not a thick heavy bone and it becomes quite thin as it tapers to a point.

The point of a Hackamore is to develop that light touch. In the literal Hackamore tradition it is in preparation for a Spade bit down the road, which is a signal bit where just the movement of the reins means something the horse understands, it is a very long process. As far as your hackamore, I am not sure but I would think the basic goal should be the same. I hope that works out for you, very worth pursuing that level of fine communication in my opinion.
 
#8 ·
We swap from English hackamore to bit all the time with no trouble at all.
I believe that Valegro is often ridden in one to help keep his mouth responsive in a bit so you'd be in good company
Horses trained to direct rein off light pressure and alongside leg cues don't need to be neck reined in a hackamore, they're often used by showjumpers at top level, one of the horses in the last Olympics jumped in one to Silver medal position - you don't see a lot of neck reining in that discipline!!
 
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