If you cannot do one or more of the above, then you need to do some serious
training/retraining--in a ring, with an instructor, perhaps on trail with a
qualified assistant.
And no amount of hardware, be it a bit or hackamore, will provide the magic
bullet that we call "good horsemanship".
And Bob is absolutely right--if your horse can pass the halter test then
he/she is ready to take on bigger challenges. I can ride with complete
safety and confidence with a simple rope riding halter, in a competition or
at home, because I've done my homework.
Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentown, PA (wistfully looking at the bright sun, and sheets of ice on the
ground)