08-01-2006, 01:39 PM
Hi all,
Chiming in late I know but you're using the term "hackamore" wrong. A hackamore is specifically a bitless bridle, which as the description implies, is never used with a bit. See pics of different styles here:
[url:jgznzcnq]http://ellenofstad.com/articles/hackamoreseng.htm[/url]
The "hackamore" that you are discussing is actually a "caveson" or a noseband. It looks like it pushes down on the horse's nose when the rider pulls back on the reins. There might be some action on the top of the horse's head as well. The reasoning for this is a) you don't want to be hit in the face if the horse throws his head up when you stop and b) more control on the horse. There are modern cavesons that have similar effects tho' not as severe as a full metal one.
Pictures of different cavesons are here: [url:jgznzcnq]http://www.eurosaddlery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=78[/url]
For bits, the one in the reconstruction is a curb bit, which is a bit that has shanks where the reins attach. The bit in the photo with the saddle is a snaffle bit, specifically a "loose ring snaffle." A snaffle is any bit with a joint in it. The most common type is a plain snaffle with one joint in the middle but there are bits with 2 joints (3 piece bit like a French link or a Dr. Bristol.)
As for staying in the saddle all day long, you get used to it. One of the reasons for saddles is to distribute your weight more evenly on the horse's back so the both of you don't get sore.
Chiming in late I know but you're using the term "hackamore" wrong. A hackamore is specifically a bitless bridle, which as the description implies, is never used with a bit. See pics of different styles here:
[url:jgznzcnq]http://ellenofstad.com/articles/hackamoreseng.htm[/url]
The "hackamore" that you are discussing is actually a "caveson" or a noseband. It looks like it pushes down on the horse's nose when the rider pulls back on the reins. There might be some action on the top of the horse's head as well. The reasoning for this is a) you don't want to be hit in the face if the horse throws his head up when you stop and b) more control on the horse. There are modern cavesons that have similar effects tho' not as severe as a full metal one.
Pictures of different cavesons are here: [url:jgznzcnq]http://www.eurosaddlery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=78[/url]
For bits, the one in the reconstruction is a curb bit, which is a bit that has shanks where the reins attach. The bit in the photo with the saddle is a snaffle bit, specifically a "loose ring snaffle." A snaffle is any bit with a joint in it. The most common type is a plain snaffle with one joint in the middle but there are bits with 2 joints (3 piece bit like a French link or a Dr. Bristol.)
As for staying in the saddle all day long, you get used to it. One of the reasons for saddles is to distribute your weight more evenly on the horse's back so the both of you don't get sore.
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Deb
Sulpicia Lepdinia
Legio XX
Deb
Sulpicia Lepdinia
Legio XX
