>>>> On the side-pull (the bridle you describe most likely has reins attaching at the side of the noseband rather than underneath). This encourages bracing in the horse's neck. A hackamore brings the feel from under the chin and encourages "uh huh" muscles instead of "uh uh", softening the under neck instead of building it.... On this list I've read that the sidepull is better than under the chin. Now I'm confused!
And of course, some people say you MUST have a bit...or a bigger bit...! It does get confusing Virginia, that's for sure, and I don't know all these details. Maybe the truth is that some horses do better one way or another. Or maybe the truth is that some riders do better with one than the other depending on their individual habits. I like the Parelli program but I don't think they have the "only" way. I assume the under-chin theory may be based on the western/Spanish bosal way, but I wasn't exposed to that in my early lessons, so that's always seemed a little foreign to me...not exactly wrong to me, just not what I've been used to. Are you interested in trying the one-rein riding? I think there are some merits to it - in a controlled space. You learn not to depend on your hands and reins, and to use your seat and legs. But, when you play Passenger game, you don't use reins at all - unless there's an emergency - so you can to that with about any bridle-halter-sidepull. The first NH trainer who showed that to me simply had us drop our reins and follow my horse wherever she took us. I guess my attitude is pretty simple with tack: "generally less is more, but always listen to your horse." The rope hackamore and a sidepull both seem pretty mild to me, so I honestly don't sweat the difference. I just feel a little more comfortable with the sidepull. While I really like the Seven Games and the Passenger Game and a few other parts of the Parelli program, I maintain a healthy skepticism about the "necessity" of their tack and equipment. I can use a lot of their theory without their special "stuff." I'd read what they say, digest it, and consider how you might think Gat and Orri would respond, and then do what you feel is best for them. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/626 - Release Date: 1/14/2007 8:29 PM
