[Ag-eq] hackamores and such

[Nella Foster]

Jody:

I wanted to add something to my earlier answer.  I said that hackamores can be quite harsh, which they can, but they can also be gentle.  It all depends on how they are designed.  I believe the gentle ones are often used when training young horses.  I've never ridden with one, so don't know how much different it is to use.  I believe the hackamore comes in one piece, not like a head stall where you can exchange bits.  I'm going to make it a point to check some out next time I'm in a tack store.

I highly recommend checking out all the bits in tack stores if you never have.  I never knew there were so many types available.  

If your riding instructor has several styles of saddles you might want to see if you could ride in different ones to get an idea of how they feel.  I've learned a lot about tack through trial and error.  I finally have a head stall with a bit for each of the mules.  They each use different bits.  I have a saddle to fit each of them, all of which are different.  I buy most of my tack used, to save money.  I've never purchased a new saddle.

  If you are getting ready to buy tack have fun.  I love shopping for horse supplies; it's more fun than shopping for clothes!

Nella