Types of Hackamore

Hackamore is a term derived from the Spanish word "jaquima," which means headstall. Originally introduced to the Western world by the Spanish vaqueros, today the term is loosely used to describe a bitless bridle, although a true hackamore is made up of a bosal or plaited leather noseband with a knot on the underside to accommodate the mecate reins.

  1. Bosal Hackamore

    • The bosal is a noseband made of rawhide braided over a core, for which an old piece of rawhide or mecate may be used. The braiding can be made up of as many as 32 strings. It is attached to a simple headstall. The reins, most often "mecate" (rope or braided horsehair), are tied to the bulbous "knot" at the underside of the bosal. This type of hackamore is used to train a young horse, and it takes many hours of practice to make the horse responsive to the lightest pressure of the reins. It is most often used on cattle horses and by endurance riders.

    Side-Pull Hackamore

    • The side-pull hackamore is not a true hackamore but rather a bitless bridle. It is made up of a leather noseband, usually flat, with rings on each side to which the reins are attached. The horse is controlled by direct pulls on the reins. For example, to turn left a rider must pull on the left rein, which will bend the horse's neck to the left. This is most often used as a training device and by endurance or trail riders.

    Jumping Hackamore

    • The jumping hackamore is a bitless bridle used by show jumping competitors for horses that cannot take a bit for various reasons including mouth injuries. Also known as a "cavesson" hackamore, the thick leather nosepiece has a cable or rope core, which exerts pressure on the nose, and side rings to which the reins are attached, similar to a side pull.

    Mechnical Hackamore

    • The noseband of a mechanical hackamore, or "brockamore," has long shanks attached to it and a curb chain or chin strap. The reins are attached to the end of the shanks and act by leverage, tightening the curb and exerting pressure on the nose when pulled. A horse's nose is very sensitive, and this type of bitless bridle must be used with great care. It is often used for lively horses that are difficult to control.