hackamore technique

[Chelle Sherman <cms@fluent.com>]

Hello wise and wonderful Ridecampers - I just ordered an S-hackamore to
try with my mare. My riding background is 100% English (dressage and
some hunt seat when I was a kid) and I ride her now with a french link
snaffle. I decided to try a hackamore because my horse is quite
light-mouthed and obedient, and I think we might both be more
comfortable on long rides with this set-up. I find that as she gets more
settled and relaxed on the trail, I like to ride her one-handed, with a
loose rein, and she seems to like it, too. My question is - how do I
ride with a hackamore? I have almost zero experience with curb bits and
have never ridden with a hackamore. Is the S-hackamore more of a western
style hackamore? Do I neck rein? Can I half-halt when I need to? My
horse will neck rein and is very responsive to my leg and weight aids,
so I think I'll be fine riding Western style. Any tips on hackamore
technique would be appreciated. Thanks!

Chelle and Dy (ready to chow down on trail without a bit!)
Plainfield, NH


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