Hackamore

[greydales]

I tried Dancer in an English hackamore on Sunday - well the difference to his fussiness was amazing. Since I've had him he's always fussed with the bit, reacted to bit pressure by sticking his head in the air and hollowing, or going overbent unless you have no contact at all. He flaps his lips and tries to turn the bit around in his mouth, and has never had a consistent head carriage.

During the entire ride he kept his head in the same position, just in front of the vertical and not once did he toss his head up or go upside down. I sneaked into an open field to see what he was like to control, he wanted to take off but I kept him easily in a controlled canter, still with no head flinging ;D.

So it seems the hackamore is what I am going to be using with him in future!

[SuzieP]

Excellent! That sounds really good, Gill. Could you post a pic of the hackamore?

[harleydales]

I use a German hackamore on Harley sometimes and he gets on well with it too - and there's nothing for him to set his head against and tow me off!

Glad it's working out for Dancer Gill!

[Daftmare]

I used one of these with Hennessey as he has such sharp teeth the bit really bothered him. After a while I put the bit back in but still rode him in the hackamore and after about 4 weeks of that we went back to the bit and he was fine. It amazing how well they do work I know a couple of people who have gone onto the Dr Cooks after trying a hackamore as you dont have the same schooling finesse in a hackamore as you do with a Dr Cook

[valerie n scout]

thats brilliant Gill,I use the Micklem Bitless on Sprout,and he loves havig no bit he is such a fussy pussy,tho it does give him the excuse to snack as we go....

[SuzieP]

I'm really interested in this. I've been reading up about the Dr Cook bridle after reading Sarah's post. Does anyone else have experience/thoughts about going bitless.

[greydales]

This is the kind of thing Sue

English Hackamore

[harleydales]

I've got a Dr Cook as well but do find Harley can be VERY strong in it, though it works on the same principle as the BeNice and he has huge respect for that.