Bit/Hackamore Question

[Annie&Dixie]

I just got done reading Laceyloo's thread on her hackamore and it got me thinking. I won't be able to do anything really soon because I'm taking some time off for my back to heal but I would love to hear your opinions.

I want to barrel race with Dixie (among other things but that's a big one ;) ) and I'm hoping that I could do some fun shows this summer, there are local ones throughout the summer. Anyways, I've started her on the pattern. I've went up to cantering but we had some problems with turns. I need to lift her up more, I know that.

Right now, I've got her in a Full Cheek Waterford. When I was doing barrels, I almost want to say that it felt like I needed some more leverage but then again if I probably keep on lifting up and showing her exactly what to do then that should improve.

I've been thinking off and on about possibly trying a wonder bit, I know those are popular for barrel racing. I also just started thinking of trying a hackamore, my BO barrel races in one too. Although I have no idea of what kind or where to start with that. I've always had the feeling that Dixie might respond better to a hackamore, she responds great to just a halter and often have problems, as most of you know, with leaning on the bit. She's gotten a lot better with that with the Waterford but it will always be a problem for us. Also, maybe a combo hackamore/snaffle bit?

Just throwing out ideas here, feel free to tell me what you think!

Thank you!!

Oh and another factor would be with the hackamore is I'm concerned about how the pressure would be for her, she's not much of a neck-reiner, she does here and there but I wouldn't really say that she neck reins. It's more direct contact with her with some added neck reining to help.

[ImaBronsonBear]

As the saying goes, there's no harm in trying! Try a hackamore, try a wonder bit, find the bit/hackamore that works best for you and Dixie. Ask your BO if you can borrow some different bits and stuff from her to try.

[TheBadLands]

I would keep her in her bit when schooling at shows and only use a hackamore or shanked bit for "reminder" training and competition. That's how it works with most gaming and rodeo horses. Reiners school in short shanked low or no port bits and compete in higher port, longer shanked bits. Generally horses school at home on the pattern in a snaffle and get put into the bits with more "umph" for competing when you need that extra edge..

Also.. watch a barrel racer.. few neck rein. They ride two handed to the barrel, drop the outside rein, grab the horn, pull the horse around with the inside rein, then return to two reins unless they're on the straight home..then they ride one handed and use the whoop if needed etc.