Which is the better choice for pleasure riding? A hackamore or a bit? We have a young stud colt that we are working with, and while he is a long ways from either one, I would like to know which one would be best.

It really all depends on the horse, although if you are just starting him out a bit might be the way to go, for if you just break him in a hackamore, and later on find he nees a bit, he will know nothing about it and it will be just that much harder to teach him. If you plan on keeping him a stud, I would choose a bit for him, for they tend to be very playful and some end up being studish undersaddle as they grow and you wont have much control with just a hackamore.

Yes, I would think a bit would definitely have to be used to control a stud horse. I have to admit that I have never even ridden a stallion. I have heard so many things about them, mostly negative, that I can say I probably never will. If we decide to keep him we will definitely geld him.

I had this question asked not too long ago and well I have to agree with what has been said.. (not that I know..lol) but for a stud yah I am thinking you need to have that control.. I am thinking a bit has more control somewhat over a hackamore? Just my opinion..

Thanks for the information. There is so much to learn about horses here. I did not know that about hackamores. Is it true one has more control with that breed?