The Professional's Choice Loping Hackamore with Rawhide Noseband and Mountain Rope Reins solves a problem every performance rider knows: how do you warm up and condition a finished horse without dulling their mouth before you even step in the pen? This bitless setup moves the signal to the nose, letting you lope circles, work on softness, and build fitness while keeping your horse light and responsive in the bridle when it counts.
The rawhide-wrapped noseband delivers clearer communication than a plain rope nose — firmer contact, more refinement — while the soft mountain rope reins give you that instant release the moment your horse yields. Built by Professional's Choice for riders who train hard and need gear that holds up, this hackamore is a go-to tool for cutting and cow horse trainers, colt starters, and anyone rehabbing a horse that's gotten heavy or resentful in the bit.
Performance riders and trainers looking for a bitless warm-up solution that keeps finished horses fresh and responsive without sacrificing communication or control.
The rawhide noseband should sit about halfway between the eye and nostril — roughly four inches above the nostril. Check that you can fit two fingers between the jaw and the heel knot under the chin. This ensures clear communication without restricting jaw movement or causing discomfort.
Rawhide provides a firmer, more defined contact point than rope alone, giving you clearer lateral and vertical signals without needing the weight or severity of a traditional rawhide bosal. It's a middle ground — more refinement than rope, gentler than a full bosal — perfect for finished horses that need subtle cues.
Absolutely. Many trainers start colts in a loping hackamore because it allows you to teach lateral flexion, forward movement, and responsiveness without introducing bit pressure. The clear release from the mountain rope reins helps young horses learn to yield and soften naturally. It's also excellent for giving older horses a break if they've become heavy or defensive in the bit.