[kellidahorsegirl]

OK I'm interested in a hackamore or bosal for our quarter horse mare. She's 5 years old...had two foals and then we got her. She is super safe too. But she doesnt' know a whole lot training wise. She is currently in a plain ol egg butt snaffle bit with a medium sized bar. She seems to be rather hard mouthed. She won't move into contact and if you go to stretch her head around, she will not do it cuz she resists the bit. (she can stretch her head all over in the halter on the ground)

I'm working with her to learn basic reining skills so that my husband can have fun on her (he's a beginnnnnner). I'm just wondering if y'all think I should take the route of a hackamore, bosal, different bit...what? and I'll add that I've been a jumper my whole life....I haven't ridden any western really..just use the saddle. I do know some western stuff and have been around it, I just want to make sure I'm not pushing too much "english" into a western horse.

I hope that was enough info....any help would be appreciated. And I would appreciate a lack of lectures about how this is ruining this. Please be kind and actually helpful with your posts. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[Canadian Sage]

I would do a bosal if she responds with a halter.

A hackamore is stronger than the bosal, and it doesnt seem like you have control issues, just "streatching" and "resisting" issues.

If you can stop her and get her to move around great in a halter (when ur on her back, not on the ground) than the bosal will work, but if you have stopping issues and other listening problems then I suggest the hackamore.

I wouldn't force her to get used to a bit if you don't plan on showing her (unless its like barrels or whatever, because you can use a bosal or a hackmore), but if you plan on showing her i would try finding a snaffle that would work.

Also, if you have never used either before, i would ask someone who has, or a trainer to show you how to properly fit both.

[kellidahorsegirl]

thats some good advice..thanks. Makes perfect sense too I'm definately not leaning towards a hackamore cuz I don't want anything too harsh. We don't plan on showing her, but if we did, it'd be VERRRRY local and prolly wouldn't matter too much out here....
Thanks!
Maybe I'll try riding in the halter a couple times and see what that brings me.

[PeggySue]

There are alot of hackamores out there now I would not go with the traditional bicycle chain one I would go to a beetle.. just do a search at country supply that is where I found them the cheapest at.. I like a bosal on a young horse with no issues.. the beetle has great bend and whoa when placed properly..

[Canadian Sage]

Also, if you feel you can control her just as much with a halter than anythign else, and your hubby feels comfortable riding in a halter, just ride in that. I know many people who do that with their horse. I for one do it alot, whats the point in putting a bit in when they can be controled by barely anythign anyway?

I own a bosal too, and will put that on my mare if I don't want to ride in the halter. The bosal DOES give a bit more control than a halter, but its not alot more.

[kellidahorsegirl]

Originally Posted by PeggySue

There are alot of hackamores out there now I would not go with the traditional bicycle chain one I would go to a beetle.. just do a search at country supply that is where I found them the cheapest at.. I like a bosal on a young horse with no issues.. the beetle has great bend and whoa when placed properly..

a bike chain??? I'm picturing that aweful chain going across my horse's nose........tell me I'm wrong...
I'll have to look for a beetle and see what its about. I have country supply catalog all over.
I've found a couple decent bosals in NRS world....does anyoen have one they don't use anymore?

[Canadian Sage]

Originally Posted by kellidahorsegir

I've found a couple decent bosals in NRS world....does anyoen have one they don't use anymore?

I am willing to let my bosal go as I will have to buy a new one anyway (the one I have will work for ranch/farm use but isn't show quality, which I need).

I would probably let it go for $100, that includes the reins also.