Hackamores of the horse are a tried and tested alternative to the traditional bit; they are favored by riders who wish to communicate clearly but without the use of a traditional bit. You have young colts to train or the best performance horse to continue to perfect, then Graysville MFG Customs has a hackamore bit or loping hackamore to help you maintain control, add comfort and to bring the best in craftsmanship.
What Is a Hackamore for Horses?
A hackamore is a bitless bridle; an added mechanism uses contact points on the horse at the nose, jaw, and the poll to indicate directions and to stop. Hackamores have the advantage over bits that go in the mouth, in that they do not obstruct the muzzle of the horse; they are therefore suitable.
- Young horses in early training
- Bit-resistant horses or horses that have dental problems
- Riders who use natural horsemanship approaches
At Graysville MFG Customs, we specialize in custom-made hackamores for horses that are both functional and beautifully handcrafted, designed for the serious horseman or woman.
Understanding the Hackamore Bit
The term hackamore bit is somewhat misleading it is actually the mechanical aspect of some hackamores that supply leverage but there is no bit actually used to insert in the mouth of the horse.
These are two broad types:
- Mechanical Hackamore An instrument with metal shanks and a noseband/chin strap to put on leverage pressure. Most suitable when riding experienced horses or those well conditioned to this style.
- Traditional Bosal Hackamore- A soft, rounded noseband of rawhide or leather, with a hanger and mecate reins. It is popular in Western training (especially the vaquero tradition).
- Graysville MFG sells both styles; well-made and fitted according to feel, balance, and horses needs.
What Is a Loping Hackamore?
A loping hackamore is a less serious form of a conventional hackamore, that is often used in slower working, groundwork, or light riding. It is usually used by riders to:
- Horses should be warmed up and then tack changed to a heavier one
- Keep softness and restrain during loping circles or transitioning practices
- Training in a non forceful, non punitive manner (continue bitless training)
To ensure they are stable and featured to work and fit the individual horse, our loping hackamores are not stock off-the-shelf orders, but are custom fashioned with hand braiding, adjustable hanger loops, and the best rope mecates money can buy.
The Advantages of Hackamore:
- Mouth friendly
- Excellent on green or to change to bits
- Promotes the characteristics of softness and bending
- Suitable to western riders and natural horsemanship
Too often in the industry we see the use of tack that does not work with the horse, that functions instead against the horse. At Graysville MFG Customs, we know first hand the difference between making your horse work and making your horse work. Our horse hackamores are also handcrafted and strong and are customized according to the needs of your horse.
What Makes Graysville MFG Hackamores Special?
Craftsmanship quality
- Hackamore styles: Older and newer designs
- Designed in favor of western rider and trainer
- Individual size, style and leatherwork variants
If you are starting a young colt in a loping hackamore, switching to a hackamore bit, or you are just trying a bitless alternative, we have the equipment you need to ride auspiciously and with empathy.
Shop Now and Ride the Graysville Way
- View Our Store for Hackamores for Horses
- Contact Us for Custom Orders
FAQs
Q: Should I use a hackamore on my horse as opposed to a bit?
A: This is dependent on the experience of your horse, what you want to achieve about the mouth sensitivity of your horse. Hackamores are kinder on the mouth and need clear training, and rider feel as well.
Q What is the difference between loping hackamore and bosal?
A: The loping hackamore is relatively lighter and reserved as being more of a warm-up hackamore or light work hackamore, whereas a bosal hackamore is a component in a system of training that will aid in creating the softness and collection defined in an all-around training system.
Q: Can you run a hackamore?
A: Yes! The use of hackamores in many western disciplines is permitted in some classes, particularly young horses. To be sure, always look at the competition rules.