Hackamores, Bosals & Mecates

When to use a Hackamore Bridle or Bosal Bridle

Many riders choose to ride in bridles with no bits, like bosal bridles and hackamores. These bridles work by using pressure on the horse's face, poll, and nose to allow bitless communication. They are especially good for green horses, horses who respond well to gentle rein aids, or young riders who tug on their horse's mouth.

Bosal Hackamore Bridle

A bosal hackamore bridle looks similar to a rope halter except the noseband is made of thicker, heavier, and harder cow hide material. Instead of reins, a mecate attaches to the bosal bridle just under the horse's chin. The bosal bridle uses mainly nose pressure to control the horse however, they are often used by riders who neck rein. A training bosal bridle can also help teach green horses how to neck rein.

Mechanical Hackamore Bridle

A mechanical hackamore bridle uses leverage on the nose to communicate with the horse. The noseband functions similarly to how a curb bit works in the horse's mouth by creating pressure using shanks that connect to the bridle where a bit would traditionally be placed. Some mechanical hackamore bridles even have double reins.

English vs Western Hackamores or Bosals

Hackamore bridles can come in western or English styles, and there are also show hackamores available that are suitable for certain competitions. However, the bosal bridle is usually only made in western styles though English riders can definitely make use of training bosal bridles for young horses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hackamores

What is a bosal bridle? What is a bosal bridle used for?

A bosal bridle is a bitless bridle used for green and sensitive horses. The bosal bridle works by putting pressure on the horse's nose using a mecate that attaches under the horse's chin. They often used to train horses how to neck rein.

What is a hackamore? Why would you use a hackamore?

The hackamore is another bitless bridle used for green or sensitive horses. This bridle uses leverage on the horse's nose and poll to give directions. Hackamores can be great for sensitive horses, green horses, or for young riders who may accidentally yank on the horse's mouth.

What is the difference between a bosal and a hackamore?

The difference between a bosal and a hackamore is that a hackamore uses leverage to communicate directions to the horse while a bosal only uses nose pressure.

Can you start a horse in a bosal?

You can definitely start a horse in a bosal. It is a great tool for teaching young horses how to neck rein and how to understand hand aids.

Will a hackamore stop a horse?

This depends. Hackamores are not the right type of bridle for every horse. Strong horses who are hard to control may not do well in a hackamore. However, some kinds of hackamores are designed for strong horses and can be effective. It definitely depends on your horse, if they are quiet and well trained a hackamore should be able to stop them. But if they often misbehave and run away with you a hackamore may not be the right choice.

Is a hackamore better than a bit?

The effectiveness of a hackamore or bitted bridle depends mainly on the hands of the rider. If the rider gives clear and consistent directions either should be equally as effective. In addition, riders with gentle hands will not hurt the horse more or less if they are wearing a bitted bridle or a hackamore. However, hackamores can potentially be better for riders who are learning not to yank on the horse's mouth or for horses who have sensitive mouths. Bitted bridles can be better for stronger horses who are hard to control. Which option is better depends entirely on the specific situation.

What is the difference between a bitless bridle and a hackamore?

A bitless bridle is an english style bridle that uses pressure around the nose to communicate with the horse. Most literally look like english bridles without a bit, bitless bridles also come in western styles but they are designed similarly. Hackamores are similar but have shanks attached on either side to increase leverage on the nose. Hackamores are generally more severe than bitless bridles.