Bosal Headstall Reins
What do you think of rope bosals?
My arabian hates a bit in his mouth, he has no teeth problems, he just hate a bit. In my opinion, mechanical hacks are too harsh, and I have been thinking about trying a rope hack/bosal. I dont like the regular bosals bc it bugs me how the reins attach. I have seen rope bosals that attach to a headstall, and ones that look like a rope halter. Does anyone know about these? how much control do they offer?
How much control do you you have with a rawhide bosal?
Before you decide to get a bosal, think about why your horse hates the bit. Is it the particular bit that you are using, or does he not tolerate any bit? If you're using a very simple, low pressure bit then you should probably switch to a bitless bridle or some sort. The other thing you need to ask yourself is how much control do you need, and how responsive is he with or without a bit?
Now about bosals... one of the greatest thing about bosals is that you can use mecate reins, which are great, especially if you trail ride. Its like having a lead rope attached to your horse at all times and definitely comes in handy. How thick the bosal is and what kind of material its made of can tell you how much pressure or control you will have. Rope bosals that are made of a thicker rope will offer more control than the ones that are made out of what looks like string. Neither of them however will give you as much "control" as a bit, but if your horse responds to pressure on his head and cheeks without a bit, then it shouldnt be a problem for you. You will get much more control if you get a bosal that is all one piece, rather than one that attaches to a headstall.
If you dislike the way the mecate reins attach to the bosal, then you might want to consider riding your horse with a halter, or a bitless bridle. Bosals and mecate reins just go together, so if you're looking for something that you can attach reins to, but take off just as easily... you might want to stay with a bitless bridle.
Another alternative you have is getting a Halter/Bridle Combination. The majority of them are made out of nylon, so you don't have to worry about the leather getting wet. Instead of buying a bosal or bitless bridle and not liking it and not being able to do anything with it, you can buy a halter/bridle combination. It is pretty convenient if you decide to start using a bit with your horse again because all you have to do is unsnap the bit, take it out of the horses mouth and its an instant halter.
Check out the website I put at the bottom. It has alot of information about bitless bridles, and why you might like them versus a bosal. They can be a little costly, but it might be a good choice for you and your horse.
The second website has some Halter/Bridle combinations on it.[they're expensive]
If you type in halter/bridle combination into google you'll get alot of websites that offer them.
GOOD LUCK!!!
http://www.bitlessbridle.com/
http://www.snowcanyonoutfitters.com/horse_products.htm
Bosal help?
I started my two year old in a snaffle and plan on showing in a bosal. But I have a ton of questions, because I've never used one before.
How do I buy the right size and make sure it fits right? Can you use a regular headstall used for a snaffle, like a show bridle for a bosal? How thick should it be?
Does anyone know any sites that show how to tie the macate reins on? Or show diagrams of where exactly they should go.
I know how the bosal works, like the pressure points and everything, I just don't know anything else aha.
Thanks a ton.
Please no telling me I shouldn't use a bosal, I'm going to use one anyone.
I've learned alot about how they work and when I should start using one I just need to know the fitting stuff.
Thanks.
Check with the rule book for your breed association as to what types of bosals are allowed for showing. Most bosals are kind of a one-size-fits-all type thing, but the actual width of the bosal is a little different (I think 5/8" is pretty standard), so thats what you wan to check with. For the headstalls, sometimes you can get something that works for both a bit and a bosal, but the bosal hangers typically have a wider loop on the end before the screw so that it can fit around the bosal correctly.
If your horse has never been ridden in a bosal, don't expect them to just "take to it" right away, I've had some horses that absolutely hated them, and others that only took a week or two before they rode really nice in one. I agree that they look way prettier on the rail then a snaffle bit (and you can cheat a little easier for checking your horse with the bosal than a snaffle) so I understand you wanting to show in one.
I really like the stuff on www.sstack.com and www.pards.com and they have some good deals on hangers also. Chavez makes some great ones that double as regular headstalls/hangers as well (like their tear-drop style ones). If your horse bobs his head at all, try to get one that blends into his color (black one for a bay, etc) instead of going with a contrasting color.
Here's a link for tying the mecate:
http://www.congressleather.com/clmecatetie.htm
If you want something with a little more "bite" for training your horse at home, you can always go with one of the aluminum ones for training and softening them up, and then the rawhide covered ones for show.
Good luck!
oh, I checked pards site, and they don't have nearly as much as they have in store....call and ask for a catalog if you want all their bosals and mecates, they have a great selection.
