How to Adjust a Hackamore
- 1). Attach the headstall to the bosal, right below the nose portion.
- 2). Place the hackamore on the horse. The horse's nose should should go through the bosal with the fiador and headstall resting right behind the ears.
- 3). Adjust the headstall and fiador so the bosal is located approximately halfway between the inner corner of the horse's eye and the bottom of his nostril. Ideally the top of the bosal should rest low on the soft cartilage of the nose. You should be able to feel the cartilage with your fingers.
- 4). Place the reins over the horse's head as if you were going to ride him. Pull back on them slightly. The heel knot of the bosal should touch the horse's chin at the same time as the nose piece makes contact. If more collection is desired, readjust the headstall so the heel knot will lift slightly ahead of nose contact; this will put more pressure on the nose and encourage collection.
