How to Train a Western Pleasure Horse With a Bosal

Bosals are sometimes used instead of bits to control a horse.

A bosal is a noseband, typically made of rawhide, that is used instead of a bit to control a horse. Young Western pleasure horses are often shown in bosals, especially at futurities for 2- or 3-year-olds, where mounts can only be shown in either bosals or a snaffle bits. The bosal, which was originally employed by Spanish vaqueros, works on pressure points on a horse's face to control it.

Things You'll Need

• Long lines
• Lunge line
• Bosal or hackamore

Instructions

1. Fit the bosal to your horse's head. The bosal should sit near but never rest on the soft cartilage of the horse's nose, as it can cause permanent damage. The snugness of a bosal often is a matter of preference and sometimes riding style; however, a bosal should not be too loose, as it will move around too much and possibly irritate the horse.

2. Teach your horse, while lunging him, the basic vocal cues you will be using to ask him to walk, trot, lope and stop. Practice until you are sure your horse completely understands the commands.

3. Ground drive your horse in its bosal now that he understands the basic commands. First, attach long lines to the bosal and stand a safe distance behind the horse. Have an assistant at your horse's head at the beginning to reinforce what you are asking him to do. Next, ask the horse to move forward, using the cues you have been practicing. Practice stopping and moving forward many times before moving to the next step.

4. Ride the horse in the bosal. Again, have an assistant on standby. While sitting in the saddle, ask the horse to move forward and to stop a number of times.

5. Teach the horse to turn by giving a wide pull with your hand. For instance, to turn right, pull the bosal's rein to the right side far enough for horse to see and feel what you are asking. As the horse starts to understand, you can gradually make your movement less exaggerated.

6. Teach the horse to neck rein, which is a requirement for Western pleasure horse riding. Start by tugging lightly in the direction you want the horse to turn and also applying pressure on his neck with the opposite rein. For example: to turn right, pull slightly with the right rein of the bosal and press the left rein against the horse's neck. Practice until the horse understands the concept.

7. Perfect your horse's paces. Judges want to see a Western pleasure horse with a nice ground-eating walk and a slow, controlled, even jog and canter. The horse must look like a pleasure to ride, be able to maintain a steady pace, and respond well to its rider's commands and to the bosal.

8. Lighten your aids so your horse responds flawlessly to your lightest cues. A judge should not be able to see you cue the horse.

References

• Rock N Ride: Bosal Basics - The Bump, The Bar & The Knot
• El Vaquero: Some Thoughts on the Hackamore

Resources

• Cowboy Way: A Horse Bosal