Hackamores – Bitless riding with control, comfort and refinement

A hackamore is a bitless system that works by applying pressure to the nose, chin, and neck, without straining the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth. At Ruitersport Maddelin, you'll find a carefully selected collection of hackamores designed for riders who want a light hand, subtle communication, and maximum mouth freedom . Ideal for sensitive horses, horses with mouth problems, or riders who want to approach bitless riding with finesse.

For horses that benefit from mouth freedom

A hackamore works externally—there's no pressure in the mouth. This makes the bit ideal for horses that:

• Have sensitive or damaged corners of the mouth,
• Responding poorly to bits or having difficulty accepting bites,
• Be strong but remain light in the hand,
• Relax better without a mouthpiece.
  The pressure points on the bridge of the nose and chin strap help with direction, braking assistance and balance, without overtaxing the horse.

Different types of hackamores for every rider

Not every hackamore works the same. That's why Maddelin offers a complete selection of models so you can tailor your hackamore to your specific discipline, sensitivity, and desired impact. You'll find, among other things:

• Short shank – subtle, soft action, ideal for dressage riding or sensitive horses.
• Long shanks – more leverage and control, popular with show jumping and eventing riders.
• S-shaped hackamores – even pressure distribution and more finesse in direction.
• Mechanical hackamores – adjustable leverage for powerful horses.
• Combination hackamores – a mix of nose pressure and rein action for extra balance.

Mouth-friendly but technical

A hackamore is bitless, but not automatically "mild." Its strength depends on:

• The length of the scissors,
• The material of the noseband,
• The width of the chin strap,
• And the hand of the rider.
  Our hackamores are designed for balanced, controlled pressure distribution , so your horse remains responsive without tension in the jaw or neck.

Comfort thanks to high-quality materials

In our collection you will find hackamores with:

• Soft leather nosebands,
• Anatomically shaped padding,
• Chin straps in leather, neoprene or soft fur,
• Stainless steel scissors and buckles,
• Durable constructions that remain safe, even with intensive use.
  These materials prevent chafing and pressure points and ensure that the horse remains comfortable, even during longer rides.

Popular with show jumping and eventing riders

Hackamores are often used in disciplines where horses are powerful, enthusiastic, or sensitive to the mouth , such as jumping and eventing. By keeping the mouth free while still providing precise aids, the horse remains more focused, lighter in the hand, and freer in the forehand. Recreational and dressage riders who prefer to ride bitless also often choose the softer hackamores with short shanks.

Adjustment and customization

Correct adjustment is essential. The noseband should always rest on the hard bone of the nose bridge , never too low. The chin strap should be tight enough to prevent slippage, yet soft enough to ensure comfort. We're happy to help you determine which model, size, and shank length best suits your horse.