Parelli Hackamore

[blackmare]

Can anybody please shed light on the Parelli Hackamore? I have a stroppy but affectinate Welsh D that has been abused I imagine with the wrong tack, as she came to me in an American gag! I've had her over a year & she has no brakes:eek: Tried going back to a snaffle...no chance. Tried a pelham reluctantly, no good...she is only 11 but fairly dead in the mouth. Not a problem until I want to stop at a crossroads because of oncoming traffic etc.........last resort...hackamore. So, along those lines, thinking Parelli Hackamore if I knew something about it. Any suggestions would be great.:) Only ever ridden snaffle before this girlie.

[janet hakeney]

A parelli hackamore is a rope halter with reins attached. I would seriously reccommend that you don't attempt to ride in one (especially on a strong forward going horse) out on the roads unless you have completed the groundwork exercises to quite a good level and ridden in one for some time in a safe confined area.

[Foxfold]

I must say that I agree with janet's reply. a Parelli hackamore is not a 'problem solver' it is a means of comunication with your horse.
If you try to use the hackamore without doing the groundwork and ridden work that comes before the use of the hackamore you will be in deep trouble with your mare. The best thing you can do is to go back in your training and develop some comunication with your mare.
I too have a Welsh Sect D, and I agree with you that they have the sweetest of natures, but they can be quite strong willed if not taught properly. I ride Magic in a hackamore, but I can get her to go forward and get her to stop with just my seat. We are half way through Level 2 of the Parelli program.
A bridle and bit alone will not stop a horse running off with you, and a natural hackmore won't either.
I wish you well with your mare, keep us updated on your progress.

Regards

[Kay-Cee]

I agree with janet and foxfold. If you say that your mare is dead in the mouth, then you know that you can't physically stop her, so you can't look for a bit or bridle to use as the sole stopping device. You've got to get her mind working with you, and use that as your tool to stop her. Some consistent ground work and riding practice in a ring/field or very close to home will establish her responses. After these are going well, then you can approach that cross-roads with a successful tool IN her head - her mind - instead of relying on a tool ON her head. Use a hackamore or bit that she seems to learn well in during groundwork. Good luck and happy trails!

[hackedoff]

Hmmmm I would have a go in a Myler Combination bit instead- it gives poll and curb and nose pressure BEFORE mouth pressure and is good for strong in the mouth horses, I've seen it used to great effect on a strong nervous speed demon
heres a link
myler combi bit (http://www.themylerbitbank.co.uk/)
Click on 'combination bits'
Good luck!!