What Is a Hackamore and Is It Better Than a Bit?
Michelle DrumLet’s face it: some horses are less than thrilled about having a bit in their mouth. Hackamores are a great alternative to bits for horses with mouth injuries or sensitivities or for owners interested in bitless riding. They provide a way to communicate with your horse using less pressure, which is more comfortable when used properly and may even improve your horse’s response to cues. As we explore hackamores and how to use them, consider whether it’s time for you and your horse to switch from a bit to a hackamore.
What is a hackamore?
A hackamore is a type of bitless bridle that applies pressure to the horse’s head, giving the rider control. The two metal head pieces, or shanks, attach to a leather or rope noseband and headstall. The hackamore also connects to the reins, which allows you to initiate communication with the horse. By eliminating the bit, hackamores can provide horses greater comfort, which could translate to more focused performance.
How does a hackamore bridle work?
The hackamore sits between the horse’s cheekbones and nasal cavity, allowing you to apply pressure to the horse’s face with the reins. When the horse feels the hackamore compress around the bridge of the nose, poll, and chin, he knows you’re asking him to change direction or speed. When used correctly, the hackamore should apply a gentle pressure on the horse’s face. If it’s fitted incorrectly or if you pull with a heavy hand, the horse may experience pain or even injury from the hackamore.
What is a hackamore used for?
Competitive riders use hackamores for more nuanced control of their horses. With proper training, hackamores can improve the precision of your cues while reducing the pressure on the horse’s face. The refined control makes them especially popular among show jumpers and cross-country riders, but hackamores can be used by competitive riders of any discipline except dressage. However, a hackamore can create excessive force if its power is not harnessed correctly and should only be used by highly trained individuals.
A hackamore can be used in place of a bit if the horse suffers from mouth pain or injury or if he exhibits behavior that makes it difficult to use a bit. Some conditions that may be good cause to switch to a hackamore include:
- Dental issues
- Broken jaw
- Tongue injuries
- Headshaking
- Rearing
- Hypersalivation
Headshaking and rearing can indicate your horse is experiencing mouth pain, and a hackamore can confirm whether mouth pain is the issue. If your horse is experiencing mouth pain from the bit or one of the listed conditions, the hackamore can prevent this pain from worsening. A horse reacts but does not respond to cues if they are causing him pain, so pay attention to his body language to determine if a hackamore may provide more comfort than a bit.
If you’re thinking about trying a hackamore for your horse, seek training from a professional before making the switch. The way you apply pressure differs from a traditional bit and bridle, and you could hurt your horse’s face without proper education. When you introduce the hackamore, start with some simple groundwork exercises to acclimate your horse to the new aids. It may take some time for him to learn how to respond to pressure on the face instead of the mouth.
Hackamores vs. bits
A bit is a metal mouthpiece that allows the rider to give cues by applying pressure to the mouth. Like a hackamore, a bit connects to the bridle and can cause pain if fitted incorrectly. While hackamores may be more comfortable for some horses, most horses don’t mind wearing a bit.
Learn how to choose an English horse bit →
Is a hackamore better than a bit?
One of the biggest misunderstandings about hackamores is that they’re less harsh than bits. While this may be true for a horse suffering from mouth pain, a horse’s face is very sensitive in the places where a hackamore applies pressure. Therefore, a hackamore is not necessarily better than a bit.
A bit should be used for green horses and less experienced riders. Experienced riders with soft hands can use a hackamore on a well-trained horse for more precise communication or increased comfort for the horse.
Bitless bridle vs. hackamore
A bitless bridle is any type of headgear that does not require a bit. Hackamores are one type of bitless bridle, but they’re not the only type. While a hackamore primarily applies pressure to the horse’s nose, other types of bitless bridles apply pressure to different areas of the horse’s face.
Learn more: What Is a Bitless Bridle?
How to fit a hackamore bridle
Fit is crucial when using a hackamore bridle. When not placed correctly, the hackamore can cause pain, damage to cartilage, and broken bones or apply a constant pressure that may confuse the horse. For a proper fit, follow these steps:
- Ensure correct sizing: There are various types and styles of hackamores, and each is a slightly different size. If your horse has a small face, try a short shank length to ensure proper fit. Some horses may also require a smaller bridle to fit a hackamore.
- Place the noseband: Adjust the noseband so that it sits just above the nasal cavity and a few fingers below the cheekbone. Exact placement depends on the size of your horse’s face, but the bottom of the hackamore shank should lay near the lip and the top at least one finger from the cheekbone. Tighten the noseband so that you can fit one finger between it and your horse’s nose.
- Adjust all straps: Ensure the headstall and chin strap are securely fastened around your horse’s head and muzzle, with enough room to fit two fingers under each strap. While leaving the straps slightly looser may seem like a gentler fit, this may cause the hackamore to rub against your horse’s head or interfere with his vision when the hackamore is engaged.
- Check for comfort: Once everything is adjusted, double check the fit. The hackamore shanks should be just loose enough for you to fit your hand between them and your horse’s face. You should also make sure your horse is comfortable, breathing normally, and able to open his mouth.
If you follow the steps above and the hackamore is not fitting correctly, you may need to try a different type or size hackamore. Remember, the hackamore can cause pain if it sits too low on the horse’s nose, which means the horse will react, not respond, to pressure. If you place the hackamore too high, it won’t apply pressure to the right areas, and your horse will get confused.
Learn more about horse anatomy →
Types of hackamores
Hackamores come in several different shapes and sizes to provide different levels of pressure and fit horses of all sizes. The mechanical hackamore is the most popular, but some horses and riders prefer the anatomical, S, or flower hackamores for their unique benefits. While some hackamores are either designed to be added to a bridle, others are sold as a combination with a bridle attached to the hackamore.
Mechanical hackamore
The mechanical hackamore is a classic option known for providing leverage. When the rider gives a cue, the horse feels additional pressure compared to the 1:1 pressure ratio that bits and other hackamores apply. While this extra pressure can be too strong for sensitive horses, other horses respond well to the pressure of a mechanical hackamore.
Jump’in Long Shank Rigid Hackamore ($210)
This mechanical hackamore has leather straps and a rubber-coated noseband for your horse’s comfort. Plus, it’s offered in long and short shank sizes to fit any size horse.
Anatomical hackamore
An anatomical hackamore is designed to keep the hackamore in place for improved communication. Horses can get confused when the hackamore and bridle shift, so the anatomical hackamore keeps them in place with a headstall and other straps.
Waldhausen X-Line Hackamore Bridle ($149.95)
This beautiful hackamore bridle is anatomically designed, made from quality leather, and softly lined for optimal effectiveness, durability, and comfort.
S hackamore
The S hackamore, named for its “S” shape, typically provides a pressure ratio similar to that of a bit. It features a contoured noseband for the horse’s comfort, and its shape allows the horse to more easily eat and drink, making it popular among trail and endurance riders.
Nunn Finer Seahorse Hackamore ($116)
This intricate S hackamore is crafted for performance, comfort, and style. It’s designed with some leverage for extra control and a padded noseband your horse will love.
Flower hackamore
The flower hackamore is a versatile option, offering many different configurations. The extra rings allow you to adjust the position of the reins to change the leverage, increasing or decreasing the amount of pressure the hackamore applies.
Nunn Finer Multiple Choice Hackamore ($116)
This flower hackamore features a padded, contoured noseband, comes in two different colors and cub strap styles, and offers adjustable leverage for all different preferences.
Using a hackamore bit combo
For horses that struggle to respond to cues, hackamore bit combos are a great way to provide an additional method of communication. The bit works along with the hackamore to apply pressure to both the nose and the mouth for improved control. You may choose to use a hackamore bit combo if your horse doesn’t respond well to a traditional bit.
Trust Inno Sense Hackamore Combination Short Flexi Soft Bit ($310.50)
This hackamore bit combo is gentle on horses’ mouths and great for young horses or horses with mouth sensitivity. It’s sturdy and flexible to maximize durability and comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a hackamore or a hackamore bit combo, the Farm House has a wide selection of hackamore types and sizes to fit any horse. If you’re wondering whether you should try a hackamore or which one to try, give us a call. Our team of riders is knowledgeable and always happy to help.
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