[CrazyHorse]

But I finally figured out that Hope, my TWH mare, goes much better, much more relaxed and willing....bitless....
After 3 months of trying different bits, trying to figure out why she fights me so when trying to bit her up, I finally caught on that she prefers to go bitless.
I tried her in a walking horse bit, a med. shank correction bit and a fixed-butt snaffle, none of which she liked, except for the fixed-butt, but even with that one it was a battle to even get her to take it into her mouth.
I'm on vacation this week and have had the opportunity to ride her almost everyday, so on Tuesday before the first ride of the week, I said to myself "Why not try her bitless?" I went to the local tack store & purchased one of these; It's called a "stop & turn" hackamore & oh my gosh, what a difference!!! She has given me 3 great rides so far and I'm so proud of her! She's like a different horse and I couldn't be more pleased All it takes is the slightest pressure, little vibrations of the rein, a light touch and she does everything I ask of her. She's such a good girl
So do any of you have opinions? Stories to share? Questions?
Thanks for reading!

[nicz2cu]

I've never heard of it, but I'm glad to hear she improved with it.

[bnwalker2]

I've never tried one but have been reading about them a lot lately. I'd really love to try Shiloh in one. Glad to hear that it worked for Hope, your story makes me want to give it a try a little quicker now, LOL.

[Dawn]

That is an incredibly severe hack. I'm not suprised that she behaved in it

I'm pretty sure I remember you mentioning that she direct reins? If so you should look into a 'bitless bridle' (like dr. cooks or nutural), a jumping hack, or something like an indian hack. Even just your every day run of the mill mechanical hack is much less severe than a stop and turn.

[CrazyHorse]

Originally Posted by Dawn

That is an incredibly severe hack. I'm not suprised that she behaved in it

I'm pretty sure I remember you mentioning that she direct reins? If so you should look into a 'bitless bridle' (like dr. cooks or nutural), a jumping hack, or something like an indian hack. Even just your every day run of the mill mechanical hack is much less severe than a stop and turn.

I used a mechanical hack once on another horse and hated the way it made him seem uncomfortable
The noseband on the stop & turn is very soft, like a rope halter, and I adjusted it loosely enough that I could get a finger underneath it. The cheeks swivel so that you can direct rein and neck rein with it.
She direct reins and neck reins. When I first got her, she was direct reining for the most part, but I've been working with her and she now neck reins as well.
I have very light hands so I need something which will allow me to ride as light handed as I possibly can, and this hack does just that With a snaffle I found I had to be slightly heavy handed and I'm not used to, nor am I comfortable with having to ride like that, and so far, this hack has allowed me to ride even more light handed than usual.
It also helps that she's well-trained to leg, seat and light hand cues

[Peteysmom]

I think a severe hack is fine, as long as you use it gently (it seems obvious you are doing as such). I really believe some horses just don't like bits. My old pony has a busy mouth and is always chomping on the bit, rolling the roller, etc. at home I always ride her in jsut a halter and I thnk she likes it much better - her head is lower, she doesn't gnash her teeth or bare her teeth.
* she recently had her teeth done by a real equine dentist, so I know the bit was not causing her discomfort.

[CrazyHorse]

Originally Posted by Peteysmom

I think a severe hack is fine, as long as you use it gently (it seems obvious you are doing as such). I really believe some horses just don't like bits. My old pony has a busy mouth and is always chomping on the bit, rolling the roller, etc. at home I always ride her in jsut a halter and I thnk she likes it much better - her head is lower, she doesn't gnash her teeth or bare her teeth.
* she recently had her teeth done by a real equine dentist, so I know the bit was not causing her discomfort.

Exactly! Any bit or device is only as harsh as the rider using it
I'm glad your pony is doing well for you

[cowgirl up 2]

you did make sure her teeth are fine?if they are and she just likes being bitless then stay with hat works.

[CrazyHorse]

Originally Posted by cowgirl up 2

you did make sure her teeth are fine?if they are and she just likes being bitless then stay with hat works.

Yes, I had her teeth checked while I was off this week and they're fine I think she just prefers bitless

ETA: I'm going to ride her a couple more times in this hack and start her in a regular halter with reins attached. This is just being used more as a "reminder" right now and is not meant for long term use

[cowgirl up 2]

I have a spotted saddle horse,he prefers a hackmore,but will do a bit for 4h,however he is 20 yrs old and thanks to my kids he puts up with stuff you wouldn't believe..lol.