Horse control problem
I am thinking of purchasing a new horse. I have ridden the horse the last few days and he seems to very well behaved. The only behavior that I would like to change is that the horse has always been ridden with a hackamore and he like to take a hold of it. This seems to lessen the control I have over the horse. We are cattle people and I do not want the horse telling me what to do. For example we were trying to sort the neighbors bull out of our cattle and while we were running him the horse decided that we should chase the whole herd not just the bull. Is this behavior something that can be changed. We have talked of putting a bit in his mouth and trying that. Is that a smart move?
Hi,
It is not about a bigger more severe bit. A hackamore can be very severe in the wrong hands. There are many varieties of hackamores as well. Are you speaking of a bosal (brainded leather noseband type) or a mechanical hackamore (shanks and curbchain)? Also, I would suggest schooling this horse some and getting its responses light. Additionally, I would practice riding from your 'seat' and legs. This will give you additional skills and tools to stop your horse and change directions without relying so much on rein pressure. Nice, simple schooling time in an arena or open space will probably up your horsemanship as well as your horse's responses. Schooling will acclimate you and your horse to each other and get you acting as partners as opposed to one controlling the other. Please beare in mind a horse will only come up to the level of the human with it, either on the ground or in the saddle. Going to more severe bits, used by heavy hands only toughens the horses mouth. Eventually, it will run through whatever you use. I have seen cowboys use barbed wire to try to get a stop on a horse. What an abusive and ugly mess. Good horsemanship is more than the bit and bridle. But I'd bet you know that already. School this horse for the first month or so. It will do wonders for your new relationship. I appreciate your question. Please keep me posted. Thank you.
Sincerely, Franklin
