ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] mechanical hackamores, not bits

Re: [endurance] mechanical hackamores, not bits

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Tue, 23 Apr 1996 09:04:38 -0400 (EDT)

Yes, the placement of the mechanical hackamore is critical to its proper
functioning and the comfort of the horse. Many of the poorly designed
models will "tilt down" even when you have actually placed them high
enough. This will impact on the horses ability to breathe properly and
can cause some pretty nasty rubs on the face.

I like using a plain headstall (Teddy Lancaster makes a nice one) rather
than a halter/bridle combo to secure the hackamore better. If you use a
combo you may find that the hackamore will overlap the noseband when the
hackamore is placed correctly--often this depends on the length of the
horse's face. You can still attach lead ropes to the underchain--not
quite as convenient as the combo. We also use a Vosal which allows more
freedom to drink out of buckets. But if the hackamore is high enough on
the face, the long shanks will not interfer as much while dipping into
buckets. It has certianly never slowed Kasey down!

Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentwon, PA