Hackamore for jumping/eventing?

[notlost]

I have a “Miracle Horse” who ran into a tree (she’s special) and fractured her face and TMJ. The emergency vets at A&M weren’t sure she’d make it as they pulled skull pieces from her brain and sanded down her TMJ joint. Even if she lived, they weren’t sure if she would be able to eat, or if she’d have brain damage, vision problems, etc. I was ready to put her down (I had an amount in my head that, if it came to more than that, I’d have to say “that’s it”. She got within $100 of that amount). But she surprised all of us and came back.

Fast forward: she’s as recovered as she can be, and my trainer has been eventing her–they just moved up to Training. She gets fussy with any bit in her mouth, but in a hackamore, she’s great (my trainer has borrowed parts and put them together with duct tape).

SO: What hackamores do people use for jumping/XC? And is it ever possible to get special dispensation to wear one in dressage?

I have a Micklem that morphs into a hackamore, but as she gets going faster/jumps get bigger, we need more of a mechanical aspect.

Thanks in advance!

[Sweeley]

I had a gelding that just hated bits. I finally broke down and got a hackamore for him, and he was a different horse. It was what I think is called a mechanical hackamore, one with shanks and a braided noseband. I used it for some jumping, but by the time I started using it, I had pretty much retired the horse.

[quietann]

It’s pretty amazing to have a horse hurt that badly running Training now!

I agree with notlost that a mechanical hackamore might be needed. There are all kinds of shanks and nosebands… I am using a very mild Little S hackamore with a beta noseband for my mare, but we are not jumping anymore. I have noted that the steering is not as precise as when she is wearing a bit.

There are also all kinds of bitless bridles, so it may be that your horse would do better with a different one than you’re using now. That might be worth trying before you “bit” up to a shanked hackamore. (e.g. my mare hated Dr Cook’s because it doesn’t give much of an immediate release, and the pressure on her chin made her crazy.)

[Scribbler]

Just keep in mind that a mechanical hackamore applies leverage to the jaw and nose, and a sidepull works on the nose bone as well. Given her injuries mare might also find these uncomfortable.

[findeight]

Part of Dressage is acceptance of the bit and contact so might want to check on legality of a hackamore or possibility of an exception with those who govern the discipline before making plans.

[notlost]

Thanks, all–I would love to see specifics about what types of bitless bridles/hackamores you all have seen/used.

I dug up an old article on this topic. I know of a few people who’ve gotten dispensation to use a bitless bridle in the dressage phase (I know they’re ok jumping/XC) because of a health issue (like a melanoma in the mouth) at the lower levels. Just interested to see what your experiences have been, and what bridles/hackamores you’ve seen/used.

https://eventingnation.com/lets-disc…s-in-dressage/

And in straight dressage: https://dressagetoday.com/theory/bitless-bridle-debate-28386

[leighbo009]

I have this one for my TB currently (short shanks):
https://jinstirrupusa.com/shop?olsPage=t%2Fhackamore

I have had it for a couple years now and has held up really well. I found it on tack of the day, but havent seen it again on there. I got the silver shanks because its more traditional, but I kinda want to order another color now…