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Alan Bell

Questions About Bosals For My Friend Grampajoel

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Hey Joel, are all the hacks in the picture you posted yours? If so what are the measurements of the noseband? Inside curve and outside curve? What is the length from inside the noseband to inside the heelknot (without the mecate)? Who is/are the maker/makers? They appear to have a longer noseband (8"+) and a longer length (12"+) If so why do you prefer that length on either noseband or length? There is a trend towards shorter nosebands and lengths for a tighter fit with fewer wraps. Also does your get down end (mecate tail) come out of the bottom or top side of the wraps? I ask all this to help others understand how the bosal is meant to functions and how changing any of these factors when building one affects it use! Thanks in advance for taking the time to measure them if they are yours.

Vaya on Dios, Alan

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Alan

The picture is just a quick grab off the net . It is definitely not my work. It is from this site.

I am no master of horsemanship, but I have been studying the Buckaroo/Californio/Vaquero craft for some years now.

In fact I don't agree with some of the Californio / Vaquero methods. Oh heck I don't agree with many methods I see now days.

As for the braiding, I am also just a novice braider

In fact I was admiring that you had made so much of your own equipment.

I am working on the same at this time.

My original comment was just a spur of the moment reply when I noticed a full size bosal and what appeared to be a spade bit together.

I meant no harm, but was instead just curious about what might be a texas style of equiptment

Joel

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Hey Joel, are all the hacks in the picture you posted yours? If so what are the measurements of the noseband? Inside curve and outside curve? What is the length from inside the noseband to inside the heelknot (without the mecate)? Who is/are the maker/makers? They appear to have a longer noseband (8"+) and a longer length (12"+) If so why do you prefer that length on either noseband or length? There is a trend towards shorter nosebands and lengths for a tighter fit with fewer wraps. Also does your get down end (mecate tail) come out of the bottom or top side of the wraps? I ask all this to help others understand how the bosal is meant to functions and how changing any of these factors when building one affects it use! Thanks in advance for taking the time to measure them if they are yours.

Vaya on Dios, Alan

Well now that I am feeling better,( I have a bad chest cold) let me see if I can answer your questions better.

No, the posted pictures are not mine. so I don't know the measurements.

But I will give you and example of how I prefer my head setup to work.

There is a pressure point on the horses face that differs with each horses face. The bosal as I see it should be built for the face it is being used on. Now I know a person can't go building a custom bosal for each horse they work. But what I am saying is that the bosal should hang at the pressure point , so a bosal that fits is first most in importance. Hench a one size fits all wont work.

I have heard, seen, been told of and witnessed a lot of bosals being used in what I consider an incorrect method. But on the other hand, a horse is so sensitive that a string will work if it makes communication between the horse and rider. So I profess to be just an observer.

Oh, By the way, I have used a string on the mare I ride now with great success in training. (the String is like kite string)

I like a medium soft nose band,( I dont want it to remove hair) and I like it to wrap completely across the nose to the points on the face where the facial bone structure starts to end, So with each horse it will of course be a different length.

The side length I like it to be depends again, upon the individual horses face. I like the side pieces medium firm, to almost stiff, and to go down far enough that I can get at least a 5/8 " nylon mecate on with enough wraps to close the side pieces close to the face without pinching, and still have a proper wrap on the mecate.

I like a heavy terminal button to help with a natural head set, and to pull the bosal back into it's place after I have pulled the reins as in making a stop or slowing down.

I like the tail ( get down rope) to come out right under and between in (the center) my rein loop. I use a my own style/ designed bosal hanger that is a combo hanger and throat latch. I also use a fidora that is made to fit this head gear of my own design and have found that this works well for me.

When I get up and around I'll add a few pictures if you wish. I'll have to take some because I don't have any that are close up enough for a person to see the complete design.

I will be leaving on vacation for a few weeks in two days, so it might be some time before I can post the pictures. I'm heading for a couple weeks camping in the mountains of northern Idaho. I hope this chest cold goes away soon. I'd hate to die up there just trying to have fun.:rofl:

I hope these answers are what you were looking for.

Good things to you.

Joel

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Joel, have a great time camping and when you get some time I would love to see your setup! I like to use a fiador too and there aren't many that still do! I'd also be interested in hearing more about the location of the pressure points you refer to and how to find them on different horses! I've heard folks talk about this but so far no one has shown me where they are. As a braider and aspiring bridle horseman I am VERY interested.

Vaya con Dios y hacer in buen viaje! Alan

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joel, you lucky duck! i used to live up there...whereabouts are you headed?

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