Facts About Using a Hackamore

A hackamore is a type of bit-less bridle which works by exerting pressure on sensitive points on the horse's head. A hackamore is not necessarily a kinder alternative to bits, because the pressure can be severe. These bridles are often used on young horses, and older horses that have dental problems.



Various types of hackamores are available. These include the European 'mechanical' hackamore, and the traditional rope-version used in Western riding and natural horsemanship.

  1. English and German Hackamores

    • These types of hackamore are fitted to a conventional bridle headpiece. The bridles consist of long metal-shanks, a curbchain and a leather or rubber band that fits over the nose. As the rider squeeze the reins, the shanks put pressure on the nose; this encourages the horse to stop. The German version is the more severe of the two hackamores, as the shanks are longer and the pressure greater. These hackamores are called 'mechanical' hackamores, and work via leverage.

      Riders who are used to conventionally bitted bridles may find it difficult to adapt to this type of hackamore, as it important only to exert pressure when required.

    Western Hackamores

    • A traditional Western hackamore consists of a bosal, a mecate and a head piece. A bosal is a plaited noseband, normally made from rawhide. A mecate is a single long-rein; it is tied to the bosal under the horse's jaw. The headpiece generally consists of a single strap that holds the bosal in place.

      The mecate rein is knotted to -- and weights -- the bosal. As the rider pulls the rein, pressure is exerted on the horse's nose and jaw. When the rein is released, the weight of the knot allows the bosal to drop down and forward; this releases the pressure.

    Sidepulls

    • Sidepulls are generally used to prepare young horses for proper bridles. It combines the top half of a bridle with a noseband; the latter runs over the horse's nose and attaches to a strap under the jaw. The reins are attached to the rings that connect the noseband to the jaw strap. This allows the horse to learn about the relationship between the reins and pressure.

      Certain types of sidepulls are adapted to allow the use of a conventional bit.

    Natural Horsemanship Hackamores

    • These types of hackamore are more usually referred to as pressure halters. There are several different designs available; the most common looks like a standard halter with an additional band over the nose. The reins are attached to this additional noseband.

      The pressure halter should not be used as a conventional bridle; its purpose is to teach the horse to seek the release of pressure as a reward. Pressure halters are very popular as a training aid, and for riding.