Bosals and Hackamores

A bosal is a piece of equipment used on a horse for riding. When used with a hanger and mecate, it is called a hackamore. The three main parts of a hackamore are:

• The hanger. This is the part that goes over the horse's head, behind the ears.
• The reins, or mecate. Traditionally, mecates are made from horsehair but some may be made from nylon or other synthetic materials.
• The bosal. The bosal goes around the nose of the horse and has a knot at the back, underneath the horse's chin.

Normally, a hackamore is used for training before moving on to the bit. It is common for an unbroken horse to start in a snaffle bit, and then move to a snaffle and hackamore together. After this step, the horse will usually move to a hackamore by itself.  Of course this depends on the type of training and purpose the horse is being trained for. Hackamores are not generally used for dressage or jumping horses. Understanding and using tack for a specific purpose requires training and experience. Over tacking a horse as a way of restraint or control is not advised. Training with cooperation and respect will ensure a safer and happier rider and mount. Using the wrong bit or excessive pressure on the horse’s mouth or body will only give the horse a reason to rebel. And like any relationship, cooperation will take you farther than excessive control.