How to Adjust a Hackamore

While most riders begin riding a young horse with a snaffle bit, some prefer using a hackamore. The hackamore consists of a bosal or nosepiece usually made from braided rawhide, a mecate or long horsehair rein that wraps around the cheeks of the bosal for reins and lead, and a fiador that acts as the throatlatch to help hold the bosal in place. There is no bit in the hackamore, but if adjusted and used properly, the horse will be responsive and work as well as he would with a traditional bit.

Things You'll Need

  • Bosal with mecate and fiador
  • Headstall
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the headstall to the bosal, right below the nose portion.

    • 2

      Place the hackamore on the horse. The horse's nose should should go through the bosal with the fiador and headstall resting right behind the ears.

    • 3

      Adjust the headstall and fiador so the bosal is located approximately halfway between the inner corner of the horse's eye and the bottom of his nostril. Ideally the top of the bosal should rest low on the soft cartilage of the nose. You should be able to feel the cartilage with your fingers.

    • 4

      Place the reins over the horse's head as if you were going to ride him. Pull back on them slightly. The heel knot of the bosal should touch the horse's chin at the same time as the nose piece makes contact. If more collection is desired, readjust the headstall so the heel knot will lift slightly ahead of nose contact; this will put more pressure on the nose and encourage collection.