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What type of bit is best

2K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  CowboyBob 
#1 ·
I have started training my horse who is only green broke but here lately I have started using a hackamore bit when he was trained on a snaffle bit. The things I am lookin for to do is use him in the arena to rope and this along that manner and do some pleasure riding. I am wondering if to get him back on the snaffle bit or keep trying with the hackamore bit.
 
#2 ·
A snaffle or curb will likely be best as they are made for western horses. If you want to continue bitless you might consider looking into Bosals. I don't like using a hackamore on my western horses because the fast paced western movements make the hack bounce uncomfortably on their nose. Some western ridding styles limit the types of bits you can use, I can't remember these specifically, but it's a good idea to look into the discipline of your choice.
 
#4 ·
Is the horse neck reined or direct reined? Depending on his current level of training, I would use either the snaffle or maybe switch to a curb if he is neck reining.

It also depends on what this specific horse does better in. Some prefer snaffles, and some do better in curbs. :)
 
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#6 ·
I started the using a hack because a friend of mine told me that my horse would probably do better in it but I haven't seen it because he is always fighting it because he is not use to it.

I have always used a snaf or sometimes a curb bit but have never had much luck with a hack.
 
#8 ·
If your horse is green you definitely shouldn't be going to a curb right away. Once your horse is fairly broke in a snaffle or hackmore then move to a curb. I'm also not a huge fan of bosals as the horse needs to be ridden in a bit/broke first before they're successful. I would highly recommend staying with a softer hackmore (not bicycle chain one) or a snaffle. I use a twisted snaffle on my 3 year old and I love it :)
 
#9 ·
Okay, more questions.
What, exactly, is the horse's training level?

Is he proficient at neck reining? Soft in the mouth? Responsive to leg and rein cues?

What did you do to prepare him for being ridden in a hack? Did you train him to accept the new pressures or just put it on him and expect him to ride the same as he did in a bit?

What kind of hack are you using on him, can you get a picture?

Also, video of him being ridden in both a snaffle and the hack would be greatly helpful as we could maybe see if he has any other holes in his training that should be addressed.



...I'm also not a huge fan of bosals as the horse needs to be ridden in a bit/broke first before they're successful...
Sorry, banana, but if that's what you believe, then you've been hanging around the wrong crowds. A bosal is no different than any other training tool. In good hands that know how to use it, the results will be good. In bad hands that are clueless, the results will be bad. It is 100% a matter of pressure and release to teach the horse to respond, not how much force or pressure a person can inflict to make the horse respond.

That's the tragedy of bosals, there are too many people out there using them that don't have a clue how to use them. So, other folks see them riding their horses in a bosal but the horse doesn't respond worth a darn and they blame the tack :?.
 
#10 ·
smrobs...great points about the bosal, I find it the best tool for me to start a horse but then I have been trained to use it. As far as the original post goes, a mechanical hack is not allowed at most events, so it you want to compete in roping or show, better go back to the snaffle bit, then work the horse into a curb. And PLEASE don't listen to folks who preach "bigger bit / more curb chain = better stop". Stops and turns and body control comes long before the big bits are introduced to the horse.
 
#11 ·
Here is the answer to your questions:

The horse has been broken and is an easy rider but thats about it he was only getting riden from time to time but now I am starting to ride him on a more regular basis.

He is not soft in the mouth he is good with neck reining as well as leg cues.

Preparing him for being riden with a hack I would place the hack on him on the ground and apply pressure until he left off a little as a reward. Was not hoping for a lot since he is new to a hack.

I think I am just going to go back to a snaffle I put one back on him today to see how he would take hit or handle and it was a major improvement from the hack by far.
 
#13 ·
"He is not soft in the mouth he is good with neck reining as well as leg cues."

If his is responding well to Legs and is neck reining then you could try a curb bit BUT remember that if you are using a soled curb bit with no hinges then grabbing an inside reins is a very bad idea and only as a last resort. Also make sure your not putting to much pressure on the neck rein. If he nose is tipping in the opposite direction that you are asking for him to turn, you are putting to much pressure on the neck rein. Just one of my little pet-peves.
 
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