BAEN Message Board

S Hackamore question

Posted by Bitohoneylady on 7/29/2012, 2:28 pm
67.142.166.21

So there was a lot of discussion on S hackamores, so would like to try one, which is better, flat leather nose band, or the rope? The rope looks a bit rough and harsh, If it works better would it be OK to wrap it with vet wrap so it's not so rough? I've never used one, so thought I'd give it a try for my hubby's horse, she goes great in a side pull/dr. cooks bitless bridle in the arena, but not so sure on the trail and thought the S hackamore would give a little more whoa. (she normally wears a shanked snaffle, but is having dental issues and needs to not have a bit in her mouth temporarily)
Placerville CA

mechanical hackamore

Posted by cjride on 7/29/2012, 3:56 pm, in reply to "S Hackamore question"
24.2.38.217

Ok, I'm biased against any kind of mechanical hackamore. I'll acknowledge that up front.

I look at this one http://www.trail-rite.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=85 and a couple of things concerned me.

The curb chain sits really high up on the horse's jaw. I prefer something that sits lower down in the chin groove.

I also don't like that the "S" part appears to slide freely on the headstall. That creates an action similar to a gag in the sense that there is no resistance from the headstall to keep the S from being overrotated if it were pulled on hard enough. (Reading that I don't know if I made myself clear. Think of it this way. In a regular shanked bit you have a loop at the top of the shank that the headstall attaches to. Lift on the reins, that loop moves slighly and that moves the headstall slighly over the poll. In this bit, there is no such action because the S does not stay in a fixed position in relation to the headstall. Clear as mud?)

If you wrapped the noseband, it would indeed be more comfortable. You could also wrap the curb chain or replace it with a wide, flat curb strap that would not have so much bite as the chain. Maybe something could be added to the S to put it into a locked position with the headstall, but then maybe that would change part of it's functionality? I don't know.

Yep, clear as mud

Posted by Bitohoneylady on 7/30/2012, 9:33 am, in reply to "mechanical hackamore"
67.142.166.23

no I understand, thank you for explaining it to me. I went ahead and ordered one, I will wrap it with foam then vet wrap as I really don't like the rope, the one I ordered has a leather curb strap I don't like using chain ones, and replaced most of my regular bridles with leather curb straps. Thanks for the info, appreciate it.
Placerville CA

I used a mechanical hackamore

Posted by MissDoc on 7/30/2012, 3:16 pm, in reply to "mechanical hackamore"
99.18.104.92

on my barrel horse when I was a kid. I wrapped the chain and the noseband (flat) in fleece. It was great - I never had any wounds.
Go for Longs Walks. Indulge in Hot Baths. Question your assumptions.
Be kind to yourself. Live for the Moment. Loosen up. Scream.
Curse the world. Count Your Blessings.
Just Let Go.
Just Be.

Re: S Hackamore question

Posted by fasthorses123 on 7/29/2012, 5:37 pm, in reply to "S Hackamore question"

I have used the bit that cjride posted on her response and I highly recommend it for horses that may have a problem with denture. I started using it because I tended to be heavy on my hands with one of my barrel horses. With the three horses that I used one on I never had any sore or tender spots on the mares. The rope can be wrapped with vet wrap or some other type of cushion. I have used it both ways. The chain up high as it is supposed to be has never caused a problem or a sore spot on my horses. I not only did competitive barrels, I did trails and gymkhanas with this Little S Bit. I will try and find a photo of it with one of my mares if I can and post it. Wish we were closer I could loan you mine to try. Give it a try they are not expensive about $35 at Tractor Supply. I will go look for a photo of Splash now to post. Good luck.
East of Sonora,CA Tuolumne County North East of Yosemite.

Cool, thank you

Posted by Bitohoneylady on 7/30/2012, 9:35 am, in reply to "Re: S Hackamore question"
67.142.166.23

and I saw your pics above, that's exactly what I bought (last night) got it for $26 and had choice of leather or chain curb so got the leather. Thank you
Placerville CA

Another idea...

Posted by Horse n hound on 7/29/2012, 6:02 pm, in reply to "S Hackamore question"

I personally prefer something even softer, so on my Mom's rawhide noseband sidepull, I added foam pipe insulation, and then vetwrapped over that.

But later I got a Tori Seavey sidepull, and with a leather chin strap, that works perfectly.
Blessed with wonderful horses and amazing friends!
Elk Grove, Sac County

That's what I'm going to do

Posted by Bitohoneylady on 7/30/2012, 9:45 am, in reply to "Another idea..."
67.142.166.23

wrap it with foam then vetwrap. I have 2 sidepulls, but Lady is so forward and very hard to stop with them in the arena, figured I'd need the leverage of the shanks (as I was told by the gal at the tack store) for the trail. BTW, how did the fair go? Did you have fun?
Placerville CA

Fair was fantastic! (pics)

Posted by Horse n hound on 8/4/2012, 8:43 am, in reply to "That's what I'm going to do"

Sampson took a day to get used to being locked in a stall, but after that, he happily hung out with just a leadrope over the doorway. We spent a lot of time in the washrack, but that was mostly to cool me off. I also got to practice lots of different braiding styles.

He performed well each day, and walked all over the fairgrounds with my kids and nephews.

He introduced sidesaddle to a few first-timers, and was very popular around the barns. He had his name and breed announced each time we went out to the arena because he's so unique.

We jumped each day, and progressively raised the fences for him. I know my Pete took video, but I don't have it on me.

Each night I rode him in the arena while the fireworks were going off overhead. He was pretty tuckered out after 5 days of riding twice a day! I was too, but I lost 5 pounds over the course of the week, even eating nothing but fair food!

Blessed with wonderful horses and amazing friends!
Elk Grove, Sac County