S Hackamore

[mackieb]

Hey guys,

Give me your opinions/experiences on S hackamores and their steering ability- looking into hackamores for a jumper who goes better in a rope halter than in a bit but loses steering with that, and I’ve read a lot saying this kind of hackamore is best for steering, but not sure if that’s meant in the context of neck reining or direct reining. From my basic understanding, the longer the shank, the less lateral steering ability but again, I don’t have any experience other than tons of reading online. If you have any wisdom about any other hackamores in relation to steering, that’s very welcome too! Looking into this one

https://www.amazon.com/Coronet-Rope-Nose-Hackamore-Horse/dp/B000F97LPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481395367&sr=8-1&keywords=coronet+s+hackamore

[Scribbler]

I used the mechanical hackamore as a kid riding Western.

http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mELMkAJvkarprkzs3CjD3hQ.jpg

Very little lateral, unless you pulled the horse’s head around by force. We had a good neckrein by that point.

[Scribbler]

I used the mechanical hackamore as a kid riding Western.

http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mELMkAJvkarprkzs3CjD3hQ.jpg

Very little lateral, unless you pulled the horse’s head around by force. We had a good neckrein by that point.

[MissingASock]

I’ve used this one on a jumper I had that couldn’t hold a bit (health issues from previous owner).
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/western-cp-fleece-lined-hackamore-with-curb-strap/SLT731329/

He had a lot of holes with his training and steering was a weak point for the first handful of rides for us, especially since he was under the impression that any amount of leg from me meant flat out run. :eyeroll:
After a while things got better, and if your legs aids are solid it will be easier for you.

[surgicalstainless]

How about a sidepull? http://www.mossrockendurance.com/view_product.asp?category_ID=1&prod_ID=12

The leverage hackamores is more for stopping than for turning. A sidepull is basically a well-fitted halter that looks like a bridle, so your horse might go well in one.

(My horse is the one in the second photo from the left on the linked page — we both love that sidepull!)

[mackieb]

Scribber- the mare doesn’t know how to neck rein

Missing socks , I actually just bought that exact same one from State line, I’m just wary about the quality though since a few people said it broke so I was thinking about cancelling the order and looking into the S one! How is the quality of the one you have?

Surgicalstainless, I was thinking about a side pull but the mare is a bit of a hot head over fences and I don’t think she’s been jumped in the rope halter she might relax over fences without the bit but I really don’t know so I was thinking about that S pull since it only has 5" shanks compared to the state line one with 7.5" shanks. I’m really not sure though:confused:

[steelerino]

Expensive but the best hack I’ve used so far for my tall, long necked, and strong TB. I think the secret that helps me turn is the molded/rigid nosepiece. Lightweight and short shanked so not a ton of leverage. It sits lower on the nose then some other types and I lined the backside to f the nosepiece with some thinline material then wrapped in electrical tape to provide some cushion

https://bitspecialist.com/hackamore-tp.html

[steelerino]

Expensive but the best hack I’ve used so far for my tall, long necked, and strong TB. I think the secret with this design that helps me turn is the molded/rigid nosepiece. Lightweight and short shanked so not a ton of leverage. It sits lower on the nose then some other types and I lined the backside of the nosepiece with some thinline material then wrapped in electrical tape to provide some cushion

https://bitspecialist.com/hackamore-tp.html

[steelerino]

Expensive but the best hack I’ve used so far for my tall, long necked, and strong TB. I think the secret that helps me turn is the molded/rigid nosepiece. Lightweight and short shanked so not a ton of leverage. It sits lower on the nose then some other types and I lined the backside to f the nosepiece with some thinline material then wrapped in electrical tape to provide some cushion

https://bitspecialist.com/hackamore-tp.html

[OllieOxenFree]

Does a “pelham hackamore” sort of thing exist? A sidepull/leverage hackamore combo? Has anyone tried doubling up a simple sidepull noseband with a leverage hackamore?

[OllieOxenFree]

Does a “pelham hackamore” sort of thing exist? A sidepull/leverage hackamore combo? Has anyone tried doubling up a simple sidepull noseband with a leverage hackamore?

[CERT]

I know a lot of endurance riders enjoy the S-Hacks and that they are better for steering than your traditional mechanical hackamore, but lack personal experience riding in one myself. The combination rope and chain can be pretty harsh, even with the shorter shanks. I’ve heard good things about Zilco’s S-Hack http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Zilco_S_Hackamore/descpage-ZSH.html

Running Bear has one as well, more expensive, but fun colors! http://store.runningbear.com/catalog/display.php?cartid=584c96f0d8d18&zid=1&lid=1&olimit=0&cat=36&scat=280&searchkey=&nlst=&olst=

The one the OP linked to lacks a slot for the headstall, which I wonder how it might cause the cheek pieces to slide and reduce stability in its position on the horse’s head (and lack of engagement over the poll). It also has the shanks linked, which could reduce independent engagement of the cheekpieces.

I second Moss Rock Endurance. They make some good tack and are great to work with. The sidepull is nice, but it can lack stopping power as there is only pressure over the nose. Some horses are fine coming off of that, but others will push into it. I have jumped in Moss Rock’s Evolution bitless bridle http://mossrockendurance.com/view_product.asp?category_ID=1&prod_ID=390 with good success on both my Fjord and Arab. I use it mostly in the cross-under/over configuration (like Dr. Cook or Nurtural, but with a single continuous rein instead of the cheek straps and rings for rein connection), but it can also be used as a sidepull, with a bit (or even a hackamore), or as a combination. My oldest bridle I’ve had for over two years with nearly daily (sometimes multiple rides) use and it has held up well.

[CERT]

Does a “pelham hackamore” sort of thing exist? A sidepull/leverage hackamore combo? Has anyone tried doubling up a simple sidepull noseband with a leverage hackamore?

Not to my knowledge, but it’s something that you could do in the Moss Rock Evolution bridle mentioned above or a Running Bear Smart bridle with sidepull rings. I’ve ridden in the Evolution as a combination with a bit and cross-under with two sets of reins when my Fjord would get strong (short, thick neck and a tank body that knows how to throw her weight around if desired!). It worked well and sharpened her up nicely to the bitless rein aids.

[CERT]

And when in doubt, search the forum: http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?411570-Little-S-Hackamore

[rugbygirl]

I wanted to use an S on my gelding, but it didn’t seem to fit as well as the regular T shaped one. I’m sure you can get them in different sizes outside the Enuance suppliers, I was using it for LD Endurance, and all of the Arab people I talked to seemed to agree it was for small nosed horses. My horse is a big 16.3hh Trak.

The stiff noseband is really important.

I abandoned the idea and went back to a bit. My horse rides on a light contact all the time. I can maintain the connection a lot better with a bit.

[RedHorses]

[QUOTE=OllieOxenFree;8968615]
Does a “pelham hackamore” sort of thing exist? A sidepull/leverage hackamore combo? Has anyone tried doubling up a simple sidepull noseband with a leverage hackamore?[/QUOTE]

Yes. Mylers makes one.

[Made_In_Canada]

My jumper shows in the S hackamore, and honestly, if you want “good” steering (ie: direct rein type steering) a hackamore isn’t going to give it to you. I spend a lot of time getting her exactly where I want her (responsive, giving, getting super bendy, etc) on the flat so that I know I can rely on other aids in the show ring. We use the hackamore because of the rope noseband feature and when she is jumping she can get kind of heavy on the bit.

[andhourspass]

My very hot, sensitive and occasionally explosive TB cannot wear a bit due to a mouth issue and I very successfully ride her in a Zilco Flower Hackamore. She goes better in it than she ever did in any bit.

https://www.thehorseshoof.com/bitless_zilco.html

Before I found the flower hack I tried a mechanical/english hackamore, which was linked above but it gave me ZERO brakes and mediocre steering. I tried an S-hack which infuriated her to the point that she started popping up on me at a walk. Just the pressure it exerted and the inflexible nose rope was way too much for her. I also tried a rope halter - big fail. I tried a side pull - again, no brakes. I tried a slightly different model hackamore that a western friend uses and that infuriated my horse as well. The second I put the Flower hack on my horse was happy as a clam!!

It comes with a flat curb strap which is worthless. I immediately swapped it for a regular curb chain. The genius part of the flower is you have multiple positions you can use depending on the severity and amount of pressure you want exerted. The height of the hack on the horse’s nose also makes a difference - when I have the hack up even 2 more holes, I suddenly have an irritable horse again. So that is really, really important when fitting any hackamore. Interestingly enough, I was able to use the flower hack on its normal settings as it is demonstrated on the website:

https://www.thehorseshoof.com/ZilcoFitting.pdf

Because of the design you can attach the bridle to different “petals” if you will which is awesome and what sets this apart from other hacks. I expected to have to set it pretty strongly but nope! Pretty great! I highly recommend it. My horse steers great in it - we have jumped in it and now do dressage with stellar results. Took a few rides to get it dialed in and then we were good to go.

[Feliz]

I switched my jumper to a hackamore as he was very fussy in his mouth. After a bit of trial & error the Zilco Little S seems to be the best. Steering hasn’t been a problem as he’s pretty good at steering off the leg. I try to use my hands together – ie no sudden inside rein on its own.

I’ve learnt a few things along the way: The leather on cheap ones stretch really badly & could break easily. My horse does NOT like a chain under his chin. A hackamore specific bridle with a jowl strap to add stability really helps. Hackamores come with their own set of problems.

Unfortunately he’s learnt that he can evade the hackamore action by rooting down after a fence. Just last week my trainer & I decided to put him back in a bit as it just wasn’t improving. The mouth fussiness is still a problem, but he was sooooooo much easier to ride – up in front, light, waiting for the fences. I’ll try him in his “accepted” flat work bit over fences tomorrow & hope for a miracle :lol:

[MissingASock]

[QUOTE=mackieb;8968548]
Missing socks , I actually just bought that exact same one from State line, I’m just wary about the quality though since a few people said it broke so I was thinking about cancelling the order and looking into the S one! How is the quality of the one you have?[/QUOTE]

Mine held up fine and I even gave it to a friend of mine once the gelding sold.
However, I did find it a bit ‘ugly’ because of how light it was and I was so scared to try and darken it. I didn’t buy mine from the link I posted-just googled it. When I still had the gelding I was looking at buying the one Stubben (I believe) makes, much more appealing to a jumper-with-a-hunter-brain like myself.

I’ve also seen some jumper show in a hackamore like the one a posted with having a bit in the mouth. Always looked like a D-ring snaffle but I never opened up one of their mouths to check. They used double reins like you would with a pehlem.