Bits: Little S Hack

almost_mozart · 04-11-2007, 09:51 AM

OK, this isn't exactly what I would call a starting bit, but this comes when the horse is greenbroke on.

- Product Info -

Manufacturer: Reinsman
Model Name: Little S Hack

Bits and Hackamores/Training, Finishing, Riding

Usually around $30 - $40. Most catalogs and tack stores carry them.

- Product Description -
Really nice little hackamore. Works well on young horses and more seasoned mounts, as well. Great for training, trail-riding, and barrel racing.

Pros: It has a lot of lift, which is nice. You can get a lot of bend with it, too. Horses generally won't fight it because it's not harsh at all. No bit to pinch. You can really stay out of the horse's way while he's working.

Cons: Not very much whoa. Some horses just don't respect hackamores.

Would you recommend this to a friend?: Yep!

Other comments: One of many good bits to add to your "arsenal."

Overall Product rating: 9/10
Reviewed by: almost_mozart

almost_mozart · 04-13-2007, 08:40 PM

Edited to add a photo and make the information more readable.

snickers · 04-13-2007, 08:47 PM

I have them and love them.

I get more response from the S hack than I do a regular hack.
I have used in on every horse I have that rides and they all respond very well to it.
I wanted to see how it worked on different trained horses and it works good.
I actually get a whoa.

I give it a 10.

Did I do this right?

almost_mozart · 04-13-2007, 09:13 PM

Aw, shucks, I would have given it a 10 but I didn't want to look like a suck-up.

calicocalgirl · 04-13-2007, 09:53 PM

My dad uses this on my gelding for trail riding. The horse hates a bit and gets heavy in one, but he loves this!

Give it a 9 for that use.

ToveroMom · 11-30-2007, 12:38 AM

Bringing this on up..
I loved mine-I believe I lost it in the divorce.
It sure wasn't around after

shayla · 11-30-2007, 01:09 AM

I've seen that in the catalogues, but haven't ordered one yet.

So would everyone recommend this for a non-greenie? Would you use this over a bosal? Or, if you were to also use a bosal, would you recommend this before or after bosal work?

I'm trying to decide if I want to invest in a hack for my Arab. He whoas nicely in a bosal, but I want a little more "oomph" when it comes time to make turns. Would any of you say that the hack might do that?

I admit it, I'm a bitless wonder.

roberts617 · 11-30-2007, 01:13 AM

I give it a 10, love the Little S hacks. Use it on all of ours.

dreamer1 · 11-30-2007, 07:37 AM

Love it too I have 3 of them..All my arabs work well in them.I don't like using a bit unless I have to.I would give it a 10 also...

Kat · 11-30-2007, 09:05 AM

Love it! (And various other hacks.)

AlbertaGirl · 11-30-2007, 02:58 PM

Am I allowed to ask how it actually works here? I've seen them before and been quite curious! Also, can you direct rein with them, or neck rein, or both? How much collection can you get with it?

I have a mare I can ride with a rope halter, with the lead rope on the center of the halter, and ride her mainly using my legs. To help my leg aids, I'll neck rein her one way, and direct rein the other way (since I only have one "rein"). I think it would work good for her, but would love to learn more!

HorseDork · 11-30-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlbertaGirl

Am I allowed to ask how it actually works here? I've seen them before and been quite curious! Also, can you direct rein with them, or neck rein, or both? How much collection can you get with it?

I have a mare I can ride with a rope halter, with the lead rope on the center of the halter, and ride her mainly using my legs. To help my leg aids, I'll neck rein her one way, and direct rein the other way (since I only have one "rein"). I think it would work good for her, but would love to learn more!

when you pull back the chain applies pressure behind the jaw, and the noseband tightens across the nose. also there is pressure on the poll, so most horses carry their heads more down-and-in in a hack.

you can direct reign or neck reign in them, and a little s or similar would probably work well on your mare...i have a horse like her that loves it.

as far as collection goes, its pretty crude. theyll give you a fake headset and you can get a little real collection from leg and seat, but for the most part its woah or go.

cameo05 · 11-30-2007, 07:19 PM

I love this hack. I use it on my mare and my daughter uses it on her mare. I can direct rein or neck rein with it and so does my daughter. Both mares respond wonderfully with it. I give it a 10 as well.

almost_mozart · 11-30-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shayla

I've seen that in the catalogues, but haven't ordered one yet.

So would everyone recommend this for a non-greenie? Would you use this over a bosal? Or, if you were to also use a bosal, would you recommend this before or after bosal work?

I'm trying to decide if I want to invest in a hack for my Arab. He whoas nicely in a bosal, but I want a little more "oomph" when it comes time to make turns. Would any of you say that the hack might do that?

I admit it, I'm a bitless wonder.

Over a bosal, as in, prefer it to a bosal, or use it at the same time as a bosal? A definite "no" to the second one; to the first, I've never really used a bosal nor am I schooled in vaquero horsemanship, so I have no idea.

It has more whoa, lift, and flex than a bosal, I'd venture to say. I use it on horses who don't like bits or go well in a noseband and curb chain but don't need a big ol' combination bit. You can be very light-handed in this bit and still get the desired response, but it's not harsh, either.

I'd say about 2/3 of horses absolutely love love love this bit, and the other third can't stand it.

A worthy investment and worth a try, at any rate. Just try to find a good deal--shop around, you should be able to find one for close to $30.

almost_mozart · 11-30-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlbertaGirl

Am I allowed to ask how it actually works here? I've seen them before and been quite curious! Also, can you direct rein with them, or neck rein, or both? How much collection can you get with it?

I have a mare I can ride with a rope halter, with the lead rope on the center of the halter, and ride her mainly using my legs. To help my leg aids, I'll neck rein her one way, and direct rein the other way (since I only have one "rein"). I think it would work good for her, but would love to learn more!

Pulling on the reins rotates the "S" shank that gives the hackamore its name. This tightens the curb chain and brings the noseband down slightly. I consider this to be a rather mild hackamore with an almost bit-like action.

It's good for both direct reining and neck reining (I actually try to teach neck reining in a snaffle bit, but the bit's action makes this rather difficult. As you put your rein across a colt's neck, the bit pulls on their mouth slighly, confusing them and giving them a conflicting signal. So I switch to a hackamore or halter to test how much they know, and suddenly they get a lot more comfortable neck reining because there aren't two commands going on at once). And, for a hackamore, it has a suprisingly good amound of lift, bend, and flex.

It's not the best for collection. I recommend teaching collection in another bit, then switching to the hack. The knowledge should transfer over.

Finally, yes, I think it'd be a good match for your horse.

AlbertaGirl · 11-30-2007, 10:46 PM

Thank you both HorseDork and almost_mozart for your explaination of how it works, and your opinions. I think I'd like to give it a try on my mare; great idea for a Christmas wish list present

shayla · 11-30-2007, 11:00 PM

Thanks for explaining how it works!

I want to get back to neckreining, and my horse had it down when I was using a snaffle, but he hated the bit so dang much that I dropped the bit and went to the bosal instead.

I have mentioned I've wanted a hack for my horse before, but wasn't sure where to start. There is such a HUGE selection in the catalogues, and I wasn't sure even where to begin.

So this has been a HUGE help to me!

rubysmom · 12-03-2007, 10:23 PM

I love my little s hack. I would give it a 10

EquineAlberta · 12-06-2007, 04:08 PM

Do you guys use it as is, or do you cover the noseband and/or chain? Have you ever used it with a leather strap instead of the chain?

Karen

AlbertaGirl · 12-06-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EquineAlberta

Do you guys use it as is, or do you cover the noseband and/or chain? Have you ever used it with a leather strap instead of the chain?

Karen

Yes, I was also wondering the same things! I mentioned to my boyfriend that it sounded like something I might like to try on my mare, and he went and bought one, but provided a big hint, then left it in the vehicle

, so I have it now. The noseband is really stiff, and hard and I was worried about it hurting her... It was almost $60 here

!

Does anyone have pictures of their horse actually wearing one? I'd REALLY like to see how it sits loose, and with contact on it...

04-11-2007, 09:51 AM
almost_mozart Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .....transitioning..... Posts: 2,423	Bits: Little S Hack OK, this isn't exactly what I would call a starting bit, but this comes when the horse is greenbroke on. - Product Info - Manufacturer: Reinsman Model Name: Little S Hack Bits and Hackamores/Training, Finishing, Riding Usually around $30 - $40. Most catalogs and tack stores carry them. - Product Description - Really nice little hackamore. Works well on young horses and more seasoned mounts, as well. Great for training, trail-riding, and barrel racing. Pros: It has a lot of lift, which is nice. You can get a lot of bend with it, too. Horses generally won't fight it because it's not harsh at all. No bit to pinch. You can really stay out of the horse's way while he's working. Cons: Not very much whoa. Some horses just don't respect hackamores. Would you recommend this to a friend?: Yep! Other comments: One of many good bits to add to your "arsenal." Overall Product rating: 9/10 Reviewed by: almost_mozart

04-13-2007, 08:40 PM
almost_mozart Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .....transitioning..... Posts: 2,423	Edited to add a photo and make the information more readable.

04-13-2007, 08:47 PM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 8,850	I have them and love them. I get more response from the S hack than I do a regular hack. I have used in on every horse I have that rides and they all respond very well to it. I wanted to see how it worked on different trained horses and it works good. I actually get a whoa. I give it a 10. Did I do this right? __________________ " You cant fix stupid " Ron White Life is to short to argue with ignorant people.

04-13-2007, 09:13 PM
almost_mozart Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .....transitioning..... Posts: 2,423	Aw, shucks, I would have given it a 10 but I didn't want to look like a suck-up.

04-13-2007, 09:53 PM
calicocalgirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belleville, Pa Posts: 3,032	My dad uses this on my gelding for trail riding. The horse hates a bit and gets heavy in one, but he loves this! Give it a 9 for that use.

11-30-2007, 12:38 AM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,296	Bringing this on up.. I loved mine-I believe I lost it in the divorce. It sure wasn't around after __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

11-30-2007, 01:09 AM
shayla Coming two Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,717	I've seen that in the catalogues, but haven't ordered one yet. So would everyone recommend this for a non-greenie? Would you use this over a bosal? Or, if you were to also use a bosal, would you recommend this before or after bosal work? I'm trying to decide if I want to invest in a hack for my Arab. He whoas nicely in a bosal, but I want a little more "oomph" when it comes time to make turns. Would any of you say that the hack might do that? I admit it, I'm a bitless wonder. __________________ "Oftentime, the notion of "Following one's heart" is used as an excuse to avoid doing what is best because it's to hard or to complicated." ~David Hopkins

11-30-2007, 01:13 AM
roberts617 Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 4,774	I give it a 10, love the Little S hacks. Use it on all of ours. __________________ Never be too quick to criticize yourself. It's not fair to all the people who are dying to do it for you!!

11-30-2007, 07:37 AM
dreamer1 Seasoned Join Date: May 2007 Location: with my horses Posts: 4,307	Love it too I have 3 of them..All my arabs work well in them.I don't like using a bit unless I have to.I would give it a 10 also... __________________ "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

11-30-2007, 09:05 AM
Kat Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 547	Love it! (And various other hacks.) __________________ “Too often man handles life as he does the bad weather, He whiles away the time as he waits for it to stop.”

11-30-2007, 02:58 PM
AlbertaGirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,259	Am I allowed to ask how it actually works here? I've seen them before and been quite curious! Also, can you direct rein with them, or neck rein, or both? How much collection can you get with it? I have a mare I can ride with a rope halter, with the lead rope on the center of the halter, and ride her mainly using my legs. To help my leg aids, I'll neck rein her one way, and direct rein the other way (since I only have one "rein"). I think it would work good for her, but would love to learn more! __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o)

11-30-2007, 07:19 PM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,644	I love this hack. I use it on my mare and my daughter uses it on her mare. I can direct rein or neck rein with it and so does my daughter. Both mares respond wonderfully with it. I give it a 10 as well. __________________

11-30-2007, 10:46 PM
AlbertaGirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,259	Thank you both HorseDork and almost_mozart for your explaination of how it works, and your opinions. I think I'd like to give it a try on my mare; great idea for a Christmas wish list present __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o) Last edited by AlbertaGirl : 11-30-2007 at 10:49 PM.

11-30-2007, 11:00 PM
shayla Coming two Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,717	Thanks for explaining how it works! I want to get back to neckreining, and my horse had it down when I was using a snaffle, but he hated the bit so dang much that I dropped the bit and went to the bosal instead. I have mentioned I've wanted a hack for my horse before, but wasn't sure where to start. There is such a HUGE selection in the catalogues, and I wasn't sure even where to begin. So this has been a HUGE help to me! __________________ "Oftentime, the notion of "Following one's heart" is used as an excuse to avoid doing what is best because it's to hard or to complicated." ~David Hopkins

12-03-2007, 10:23 PM
rubysmom Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: michigan Posts: 212	I love my little s hack. I would give it a 10

12-06-2007, 04:08 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,424	Do you guys use it as is, or do you cover the noseband and/or chain? Have you ever used it with a leather strap instead of the chain? Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?