Customer Reviews

Weatherbeeta Korsteel Hackamore

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I ordered this hackamore after much online research. I trust the name Korsteel so thought it would be a good choice. I have a horse that throws his head when bitted and thought perhaps this might be an alternative and less stressful. I mostly wanted it for casual trail rides. The hackamore arrived fine, the leather is VERY LIGHT in color. I oiled it immediately to darken it. It took the oil well. It seems well made for the price. However, I don't really think the design is optimal. As others have stated, you have to crank up those cheekpieces on your bridle to make sure the top of the metal is not rubbing on the edge of the bone. Properly adjusted, the noseband should lay above the cartilege portion of the nose and the curbchain should have room for 2 fingers flat against the chin. My horse went okay in it the first ride, he had a bit of trouble adjusting to the direct rein (he goes English) but he figured it out. It was easy to put on and take off.

CAUTION: On the 3rd ride with this hackamore, when I dismounted to open/close a gate, the horse rubbed against me and lo and behold, the strap on the nose part came undone and there he stood with the hackamore hanging from the bridle. Luckily I was in my own pasture at the time, and it was the end of the ride, so he was calm, and I was able to refasten the straps (not too easy when bridle is already on and horse's head is high). I think the strap adjustment over the nose is not easy to do if hurried or your horse is raising his head. So adjust it before your ride until you find the perfect fit. Just be aware that it could come undone like mine did if your horse rubs it on anything. My horse is a paint/QH and I adjusted the noseband more narrowly then expected. The straps that cross over the nose (thin leather straps) have to both lie over the same buckle protrusion. I think it would have been easier with just a regular buckle instead and probably isn't tough to replace it that way if you can stitch leather.

Overall I'd recommend it. Just check your straps lie flat over the buckle in front in case your horse manages to rub one free of the buckle. My horse has adjusted well to this and will stop easily too. Just make sure you can crank those cheekpieces up high on your bridle or you may need to punch more holes and tuck the extra piece of leather or nylon into a low riding keeper.

Overall: I'd recommend this if you are cautious about fit and know how to fit it correctly.