HACKAMORE
This bitless option puts pressure
on the nose through
a lever action at the sides
of the noseband. Although
probably effective for a
while, the horse soon gets
accustomed to the pressure
on the nose and becomes
less responsive over time.
It’s a good alternative for
interim use if a horse has an
injury in the mouth, but there
is almost no substitute for the
necessary additional aid of
an outside rein in the higher
classes.
MICKLEM
Bridle
This option has an
extra strap attaching
the bit to the
bridle. It is extremely
comfortable for the
horse, and supports
the ‘chewing’
motion.
I found this excellent checklist regarding the use of nosebands for
you to consider:
• Educate yourself on the nerves, functions, and anatomy of the
horse’s head.
• How sensitive is your horse? Highly sensitive horses do best with
no nosebands or loose ones.
• Determine the best type to fit your horse’s nose shape and
head conformation.
• Your horse still needs to have full physiological movement:
yawn, swallow and lick its lips.
• Use padding judiciously – most bridles are already made to
provide full comfort and extra padding can increase the pres-
sure.
• LISTEN to your horse. Tension creates tension; restriction creates
restriction.
Jochen Schleese, German Certified Master
Saddler and Saddle
Ergonomist, teaches saddle fit principles to
protect horse and rider from long-term damage
caused by ill-fiing saddles.
www.saddlefit4life.com
702-370-1199
info@saddlefit4life.com
www.saddlesforwomen.com
EE
66 www.EliteEquestrian.us