Hackamore
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A hackamore is a bridle for a horse which does not use a bit. Instead, it works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin. Despite not using a bit, hackamores may be very severe, especially if they have a long shank or a harsh noseband material such as a rubber-covered bicycle chain. Improperly-adjusted hackamores may even break the horse's nasal bone.
Hackamores are seen in the western disciplines, as well as in endurance riding, show jumping and the stadium phase of eventing. They are also useful if a horse has a mouth injury that would be aggrivated by a bit.
Types of Hackamore
There are three main types of hackamore: the bosal, the side-pull, and the mechanical hackamore.
- The side-pull attaches the reins to either side of the hackamore's noseband, directly pulling the head from side to side. It is especially useful on young horses, to teach them to turn their heads. Due to its mildness, it is also a good bridle for beginners to use, so that they don't injure their horses' mouths as they learn the rein aids.
- A mechanical hackamore, or leverage hackamore, has long, metal shanks and a curb chain, making it work similarily to a curb bit. The shanks and curb chain increase pressure on the nose and make it harsher, which helps to stop the horse. They are more commonly seen in the jumping arena, where the hot horses used in competition will often ignore a side-pull and run through their riders' hands.
- The bosal is seen in western-style riding, made of braided rawhide and knotted below the chin, with the reins attached to the knot. Like the side-pull, it is very mild and good for use by novice riders.
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