Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you searching for the best bitless bridle or hackamore?
Whether you ride western, English, jump, or barrel race a high quality bitless bridle or hackamore can be an effective choice for you and your horse.
I have reviewed the top brands on the market for quality, performance, and value and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my top bitless bridle and hackamore picks, or read on for the full review:
- Reinsman 951 Mechanical Hackamore with Flat Leather Nose Stage C
- The Bob Avila Collection Equine Mechanical Hackamore
- Tough 1 King Series Browband Bridle with Hackamore
- Mustang Side Pull Rope Halter with Braided Nose
- Nylon Side Pull Bitless Horse Bridle With Padded Non-slip Noseband
- Royal King Rawhide Single Rope Side Pull
- Tough 1 Basket Weave Bosal Hanger
- Showman Leather Futurity Knot Headstall with Rawhide Braided Bosal
- Showman Light Leather Futurity Knot Rawhide Wrapped Show Bosal
Table of Contents
Bitless Bridle vs Hackamore
Mechanical hackamore: A mechanical hackamore attaches to a headstall which can be leather nylon or rope. The hackamore works by applying pressure not to the inside of the horse’s mouth, but to the horse’s nose, chin, and poll. A mechanical hackamore has shanks which provide considerable leverage when the reins are used.
Sidepull bitless bridle: A sidepull is a bitless bridle that applies pressure to the nose and poll of the horse. The sidepull has knots along the noseband which increases the pressure put on the horse when using the reins.
Bosal: The bosal has a long tradition in horseback riding going back to the wild west. They are a loop like piece often made of rawhide with a knot that is on the bottom of the bosal. The reins are attached to the bosal at the bottom at the knot. The reins are often made from hair or cotton. The headstall for bosals are made from leather, nylon, and rawhide.
Western and English Hackamores
I have reviewed the top bitless bridles and hackamores on the market for performance, durability, and value. You will find my recommendations below.
Mechanical Hackamore
Reinsman 951 Mechanical Hackamore with Flat Leather Nose Stage C
This is a very popular best selling horse hackamore. It is a stage C mechanical hackamore with a flat leather node. It has 8 inch cheeks and is ideal for experienced and novice riders.
- Stage C
- Flat leather nose
- 8 inch cheeks
- For experienced and novice riders
The Bob Avila Collection Equine Mechanical Hackamore
This high quality mechanical hackamore is very popular with riders. It has an 8.5 inch cheek length and is great for western riding. It is well constructed and is built to last.
- 8.5 inch cheeks
- High quality
- Well constructed
- Excellent value
Tough 1 King Series Browband Bridle with Hackamore
This is an excellent value hackamore headstall set. It features double stitched leather that is durable and well constructed. It comes in two colors and is ideal for beginner and intermediate riders.
- Excellent value set
- Double stitched leather
- Durable
- Ideal for beginner and intermediate riders
Side Pull Bitless Bridle
Mustang Side Pull Rope Halter with Braided Nose
I really like this rope side pull halter. it has a braided nose and nickel plated hardware that is durable and well made. It is constructed from one piece of braided rope which adds to the durability.
- Quality side pull rope halter
- Nickel plated hardware
- Braided nose
- Excellent value
Nylon Side Pull Bitless Horse Bridle With Padded Non-slip Noseband
This is a great value bitless sidepull bridle. It is built of quality nylon that is comfortable for your horse. It has a a non slip lining on the nose band to increase stability and the quality of your cues. It has stainless steel hardware and is machine washable.
- Lined non slip noseband
- Quality nylon construction
- Stainless steel harware
- Excellent quality
Royal King Rawhide Single Rope Side Pull
This side pull bitlless bridle surprised me with it’s quality and performance. It is constructed from quality leather with a waxed nylon rope nose band. The noseband goes across the nose for great head position. This is a great value side pull bitlless bridle.
- Quality leather sidepull headstall bitless bridle
- Waxed nylon rope nose band
- Excellent fit
- Exceptional value
Bosal
Tough 1 Basket Weave Bosal Hanger
This high quality leather bosal and hanger is tooled. The basket weave is a great look. It has a double buckle adjustment bit ends. Comes with a 22″ cord mecate. It fit perfectly and was durable. The quality of construction was good and built to last.
- Premium leather bosal headstall
- 22″ cord mecate
- Basket weave
- Durable and good fit
Showman Leather Futurity Knot Headstall with Rawhide Braided Bosal
This high quality knotted headstall is constructed from braided rawhide. It features horse hair mecate reins and the headstall is double stitched leather. The bosal has braided rawhide with a classic zig zag pattern ideal for the arena.
- Premium quality bosal and headstall
- Braided rawhide mecate reins
- Bosal has zig zag pattern
- Excellent value
Showman Light Leather Futurity Knot Rawhide Wrapped Show Bosal
This is a great looking showing bosal. It features a durable cotton mecate rein and futurity knotted headstall. It has rawhide cheek pieces and it is double stitched for durability. Comes with the headstall, browband, and cotton mecate reins.
- Ideal for showing
- Double stitched and durable
- Comes with browband, headstall, and mecate reins
- Excellent value
For more horse gear guides and tips read these articles:
- Ride Right: Top Horse Bridle Picks
- Show Trail and Barn: Horse Halter Reviews
- Horse Leg Wraps and Leg Boots That Keep Your Horse Safe
- Get The Right Feel: Horse Riding Gloves
- Ride In Comfort: Horse Riding Jeans for Men and Women
- Reviews: Western Horse Spurs
- Safe and gentle Horse Bits
Whether you are a barrel racer, trail rider or any other riding discipline, a high quality hackamore or bitless bridle can be a great option. The final picks for best hackamore and bitless bridle were rated for performance, durability and value.
Here is the quick list with my best hackamore and bitless bridle picks. To view the prices and customer reviews see the links below.
- Reinsman 951 Mechanical Hackamore with Flat Leather Nose Stage C
- The Bob Avila Collection Equine Mechanical Hackamore
- Tough 1 King Series Browband Bridle with Hackamore
- Mustang Side Pull Rope Halter with Braided Nose
- Nylon Side Pull Bitless Horse Bridle With Padded Non-slip Noseband
- Royal King Rawhide Single Rope Side Pull
- Tough 1 Basket Weave Bosal Hanger
- Showman Leather Futurity Knot Headstall with Rawhide Braided Bosal
- Showman Light Leather Futurity Knot Rawhide Wrapped Show Bosal
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com