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Hackamore or Bosal?

5K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Henk Plompen 
#1 ·
My 3 year old Quarter Horse has been started and he responds really well in just a halter so I'm not really inclined to use a bit on him yet. What are the pro's and con's or a Hackamore vs. a Bosal?
 
#2 ·
Most people don't know how to use them correctly.
 
#3 ·
Hi there. I just posted the following on another thread but I felt it might be helpful in this case too.

There are many bitless options available. One of the simplest and mildest is a noseband hackamore (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/86...20a4db4604.jpg) (http://images.auctionants.com/5-170460.jpg). It acts somewhat like a fullcheek snaffle but doesn't offer the option of evading the bit.
The next step up would be (IMO) and indian bosal (http://www.horsejunction.co.za/embed...l_4f03c239.jpg) (http://img.tweedehands.nl/f/normal/6...dian-bosal.jpg). The indian bosal is just a little firmer than the simple noseband because the bottom straps cross over each other and come out the opposite side through a ring.
If neither of those options seem strong enough to you, I would suggest using a crossunder bridle (http://www.naturalhoof.co.nz/picture...sbridle300.jpg) (http://www.actionridertack.com/catal...eather-web.jpg). This bridle acts like the indian bosal but with the addition of poll pressure as well, and more of a "push" when applying pressure to the reins. I personally use a Dr. Cook's bridle on my gelding who had mouth trauma.
I hope this was helpful.
 
#4 ·
To clarrify, sorry, the bitless options I posted were ones I find more useful because they offer sideways pull rather than only having the option of neck reining.
 
#5 ·
Moroso231, Thank you for the info. Its very helpful.

Kevinshorses, Thank you for the comment, but I dont see now telling me most people dont know how to use them correctly helps me. Possibly telling me how you use them properly may help me decide.
 
#7 ·
Moroso231, Thank you for the info. Its very helpful.
You're welcome. The only other advice I can really offer is to NOT get a sidepull with the rope/waxed rope noseband. They are less expensive but can rub the skin raw if use incorrectly. Hope I helped.
 
#6 ·
If it was simple enough that I could explain it it a few paragraphs on an internet forum then people wouldn't be using them improperly. There are resources available if you look for them but the best way is to find someone that knows how to use them and can demonstrate that knowledge and learn from them.
 
#8 ·
Unfortunately, Kevin is right. IMHO a mechanical hackamore is harsh and confusing and most people have no business using them anyway. The bosal, on the other hand, is a very good tool in the right hands but it takes years of experience with an experienced teacher to be able to use them properly and teach a horse to respond properly to them. I am just beginning to learn how to use them and I have my Dad helping me. He studied for a few years under one of the old California vaquero's, who knew how to make a true "bridle horse". I believe that if you are getting along well in the halter, there really isn't much reason to change.
 
#9 ·
Thank you every one. I wasn't to keen on a hackamore but I thought I'd ask. My trail horse that I had about 12 years ago was in a hack but I bought him with tack. I'm going to keep on with the rope halter but I think I'm going to give the Indian Bosal a shot, its pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Thank you again for all your feedback.
 
#10 ·
I think you will like it. Buy good quality & I think you will like it. I don't have any binding problems myself but use fairly heavy rope & reins with a bit of weight to them. If your horse is well trained,simple voice, hand movement & leg pressure will be pretty much all you need. Sometimes I think the bridle & reins are more for the rider than the horse.
 
#12 ·
Can anyone tell me the difference between all the fancy bitless halters, and a simple classical halter?

I find it confusing that there is a lot to do about which bitless bridle to use, and then see people riding a horse without a bridle.

I have little experience with different bitless bridles.
I do ride my horse with a classical leather halter and one rope, out on a hack, occasionally. When it's a steady hack.
When things get a bit more excited, I think a bit is the safest thing.

I do think riding bitless is a very good teaching method to force horse and rider to use their *** more.
Once the riding skills are improving, the used method can go from bitless to snaffle up to western bits with shanks.


WHat I don't like is strong bitless bridles - such as a hackamore with levers. The forces that are applied here are so strong that there is no point in going bitless.

Aspin231, what do you think?
 
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