Hi!
If you go bitless for showing, what set up do you use? I am exploring this option for my jumper. I would like something that doesn’t look too out there. I am just starting this journey with him, so I have not used anything but a sidepull at the moment.
He has teeth and mouth issues, so that is the reason. He seems a lot more comfortable. With him being more comfortable, I don’t know if I need the “brakes” of a hackamore yet or not.
Let me know your experience!
Thanks in advance,
Barbara
I used a short shank hack up to 3’6", then i probably would have (if i stayed with the hack) have done some sort of combo hack a bit.
IME, the thing about hacks is not just the breaks/leverage you have, but the steering you need to have down, as the hack functions a lot differently than the bit, your steering will feel, at first, like you’re driving your car and the power steering went out. You can still turn, but it’s a lot more work. This is the hack I use, they are photos from a warm up class on the first day of showing, and then one where i’m schooling at home.
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Also-- you mention teeth issues. Have you had a chiro out to asses his TMJ area? We can float their teeth twice a year, and without proper alignment, it’s like fighting an uphill battle.
I just switched to using the Micklem bridle in the medium bitless setup (with the chin strap rather than just the side pull setup) for my eventer - show jumping and cross country. Most people don’t even notice she is bitless, but Micklem bridles are more common in eventing, I think! I’m also going to try the short shank hackamore similar to BHTC just to see how we like it, but suspect we don’t need the leverage and we might lose some steering.
I use a short shank hackamore too. My horse loves it. You both will get used to steering, you use a bit more body and leg position but the shanks do act somewhat independently so you do still have turning with the reins too.
Another short-shank hackamore fan here for jumping. The horse in question gets a bit for dressage, but at speed is extremely responsive to leg and weight. I’ve never had comments on it, and I think it looked dashing with a “2017 Season Champion” cooler. 
I have also used a short-shank hackamore. I was a fan when it worked for us, but do agree with the previous poster that steering is sometimes more difficult. The side pull might function better for steering if you don’t need the leverage of the hackamore. I know someone who did jumpers in a side pull and no one really thought anything of it since they won a lot 
Hi! Yes, he has a chiro that works on him. They never mentioned TMJ but have worked on his jaw and his pole. At this point, I am pretty sure it is an uphill battle but we do the maintenance to keep him happy.
I have a micklem and that is what I am using. I do not have the bitless setup however so it is just a side pull. He seems to be going OK in it but hasn’t been excited yet. It is that moment I am a tad concerned about.
Do do you have any idea where I can get the bitless set up? I live in Alaska and have been searching around to no avail.
My horse was not as responsive in the side pull set up as she was in the one with the chin groove strap. If you buy the Micklem bridle from any online shop (even Amazon), you should get the chin groove strap for the “medium” bitless setup. You can then add that strap to the nicer competition version of the bridle (without the lunging ring on the nose) for a nicer look (that is what I am doing).
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