✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
Gentle Control Hackamore aluminum control plate bitless bridle on horse
Gentle Control Hackamore The Gentle Control Hackamore (GCH) is amazing, you will love it and your horse will too!
About Our Company
The original concept for Gentle Control Hackamore was handmade by the father of the CEO Barry Howard. The GCH you see today is a modification of that original design. Our motivating factor in the GCH design is to have lightweight, sure one-handed control with instant release. The GCH is designed with a one to one ratio, meaning your horse will feel exactly the same pressure that you apply to the reins.
Our mission at Gentle Control Hackamore is that we seek to provide an innovative new and kinder hackamore for horses and horsemen alike. It is our desire to produce quality American made products made of quality material to ease the communication between horse and rider. We strive to provide our customers with exceptional customer service and maintain lifelong relationships.
Gentle Control Hackmore (GCH)
Introducing the Gentle Control Hackamore (GCH). The GCH will fit any size headstall in your barn as long as it has a throat latch. The GCH hangs just like a halter unless you apply pressure. The fulcrum point is in the middle of the control plate, half way between the rein attachment points and the lower jaw contact point. This positioning allows your horse to feel exactly the same pressure that you apply to the reins. When you apply pressure for reining, backup, stop, or collection, pulling on the reins will pivot the top end of the control plate. It is a pound for pound pressure, just like a teeter-totter. Once you release pressure, the horse feels instant and total release as the plate drops right away from the horse. The positioning of the plate under the jaw is higher than where the nose band is, which encourages the horse to break at the poll. For neck reigning, when you apply pressure with the GCH asking the horse to move to the right, the control plate has a pivoting action. It applies pressure on the same side of the jaw as your neck rein pressure. This action helps clear up signals to your horse. In order to accommodate the inch of clearance, again no pressure unless it is applied, we have two ways of adjusting the nose band. Either raise or lower the side cheek pieces on your headstall or the adjustment can be made on the underside of the control plate.
How Is The GCH Differnt From The Quick Stop Hackamore?
The GCH hackamore is designed for neck reining, easy backup, collection, softness, relaxation and controlled stops. The GCH fulcrum point is mid-plate which makes the contact point higher under the jaw, for better balance and quicker release. GCH has a larger surface of contact not only under the jaw, but when neck reining contact is made on the sides of the jaw. The Quick Stop Hackamore is designed for quick stops. The fulcrum point is near the top of the control service. It has a very small contact area, low on the jaw and was designed with long shanks creating more leverage-- and therefore far greater severity. To see the Gentle Control Hackamore in action, be sure to visit our Youtube page!
What Style Of Reins Work Best With The Gentle Control Hackamore?
Any style of reins is compatible with the GCH as long as the rein attachment points are no larger than 5/8” in diameter.
Can You Use The Gentle Control Hackamore On Mule's and Donky's?
Yes we have many riders using our hackamore on their mule's and donky's. We get positive comments back on how well their animal responds to our hackamore. See our Video to learn more!
What Do Customers Say About Gentle Control Hackamore?
I am so impressed with the Gentle Control Hackamore. My husband has a paint mare, who threw her head so much she was no fun to ride. With this new Hackamore, she no longer throws her head. She handles like a whole new horse. She doesn't fight the ride at all. My husband said it would never be different than any other ride, but after I bought it and put it on his horse, he could not believe the difference. We both recommend this Hackamore very highly.
Becky Williamson
Put yourself in the place of your favorite horse. Would you like to go for a long ride with a piece of cold steel between your teeth that hits at the roof of your mouth at every step? Or would you rather have a soft piece of aluminum that only touches your outside jaw, when your rider wants to send you a "gentle" message. "Gentle Control" says it all.
Alvin Richins; Ogden, Utah
I bought a 8 year old courter horse last year, who had extreme head issues. She was the sweetest horse on the ground and a nightmare horse riding. She fought her hackamore almost constantly. She was convinced that any contact on the reins was going to hurt. Within three times of use of the Gentle Control Hackamore, she understood that there would be no pain. We began and continue to have a wonderful partnership. All her sweetness is coming out even under saddle. I had the most wonderful spring ride yesterday. I was able to enjoy the scenery instead of being concerned with her resistance. Thank You
Candee Brennan
Just a note that I purchased a hackamore from you approx 1 week ago at the show at the Mandalay Bay. I have a 4 yr old paint that I have been using a snaffle on. If he decided to get frisky, he would try to buck and take his head. It felt like I was stopping him with brute strength rather than the bit doing what it was supposed to do. When I tried the GCH it only took him a few minutes to realize the difference and what I was asking him to do. My sister and I took a 45 minute ride in the rain and he was extremely relaxed. When he did try to get frisky, I pulled gently on the reins and he straightened right up. My sister said the difference in the way he acted was like magic. I was on his back and I agree. Thank you so much. We are going to try it on two of our other horses and order a couple more if they respond in the same positive way. Great product!
Lisa.... from Pahrump NV.
Order The Gentle Control Hackamore Today!
Your horse should enjoy riding as much as YOU do! Give your horse every opportunity to be free from the discomfort that bits and leverage devices create for their heads and mouths-- The Gentle Control Hackamore has changed the lives of horses and owners across the country. Make sure Your horse is offered something better with the Gentle Control Hackamore and please visit our website today.
Gentle Control Hackamore aluminum control plate bitless bridle on horse
What exactly is the Gentle Control Hackamore?
The Gentle Control Hackamore (GCH) is a bitless bridle that replaces a metal mouthpiece with a lightweight aluminum control plate worn under the horse's jaw. Rather than working off a horse's mouth, it communicates through the noseband and a single under-jaw contact point, giving riders what the company calls "power steering and power brakes (fingertip control)." It is sold as a complete, ready-to-ride hackamore for trail, ranch, training, and arena use across multiple disciplines.
Gentle Control Hackamore bitless bridle fitted on a horse for neck reining
Who designs and builds the GCH?
Gentle Control Hackamore, L.C. is a family business in Malad City, Idaho (ZIP 83252). The original concept came from Lacy's grandfather, the inventor Doral J. Howard, who first built the device for the family's ranch horses; it was refined over decades by Barry Howard and his wife Lalie, who spent more than 50 years training horses in many disciplines. Today the company is run by Lacy Long and her son Kaden Long, who carry forward the family's "Happy Trails" tradition.
How does the under-jaw control plate work?
At the heart of the GCH is an aluminum plate with a fulcrum point set halfway between the rein-attachment points and the lower-jaw contact point. Because of that balanced fulcrum, the horse feels exactly the same pressure the rider applies and the pressure releases the instant the rein is relaxed. When you neck rein, the plate twists so the cup catches the underside of the jaw on the same side as the rein, guiding the horse smoothly one direction or the other.
What makes it gentle on the horse?
The GCH is built to be kind: it is lightweight, offers an instant release of pressure, and works off sensitive contact points instead of a severe leverage mechanism. With no rein pressure it feels to the horse much like wearing a halter, which the makers say discourages head tossing and excessive pulling. The noseband sits lower than the jaw-contact point, encouraging the horse to flex at the poll, round the shoulders, and collect without hollowing the back.
Which horses and riders is it made for?
The hackamore is especially helpful for teaching neck reining to young or green horses, since all pressure is applied to the same side as the rein. One customer reported, "I bought my Gentle Control Hackamore at Horse-Expo '03...within 15 minutes my green horse was neck reining!" (Tina Peterson, Woodland, CA). It also suits riders who want to ride bitless, horses with mouth sensitivity, and anyone seeking softer, more relaxed communication. It is offered for horses as well as mules and donkeys.
How do you order and fit one?
GCH is an online, made-in-America business with no physical storefront; you order through gentlecontrol.com and reach the family directly at (Kaden Long) or (Lacy Long), or by, Monday through Friday (MST). For correct fit, the company specifies about a 1-inch clearance between the jaw and the control plate. Adjustment is simple: cable 4-strand braid and cable braided nose-button models adjust at the shaft collars with a 3/32 allen wrench, while the flat nose band adjusts by moving the key ring on the clevis pin to a different hole.
Per Gentle Control Hackamore: the original concept was handmade by the father of CEO Barry Howard. Per the company: the GCH you see today is a modification of that original design.
Per the company: motivating factor is lightweight, sure one-handed control with instant release.
What's the 1:1 pressure ratio?
Per Gentle Control Hackamore: designed with a one-to-one ratio — meaning your horse will feel exactly the same pressure that you apply to the reins. Per the company: this is fundamentally different from leverage hackamores; the horse experiences exactly the rider's input pressure.
How does the GCH work mechanically?
Per Gentle Control: the GCH fits any size headstall in your barn as long as it has a throat latch. Hangs just like a halter unless you apply pressure.
The fulcrum point is in the middle of the control plate, halfway between the rein attachment points and the lower jaw contact point. When you apply pressure (reining, backup, stop, collection), pulling on the reins pivots the top end of the control plate. Pound-for-pound pressure, just like a teeter-totter.
What about instant release?
Per Gentle Control: once you release pressure, the horse feels instant and total release as the plate drops right away from the horse. The positioning under the jaw (higher than where the noseband is) encourages the horse to break at the poll.
How does neck-reining work with the GCH?
Per Gentle Control: when you apply pressure to ask the horse to move right, the control plate has a pivoting action. It applies pressure on the same side of the jaw as your neck-rein pressure. Per the company: this action helps clear up signals to your horse — making the cue intuitive and consistent with traditional neck-reining.
How do I order?
Per Gentle Control Hackamore: Phone (801) 731-6218, email [email protected], website http://gentlecontrol.com/advantages.html. Pricing as quoted is subject to change.
What is a Gentle Control Hackamore?
It is a bitless bridle (hackamore) that uses a lightweight aluminum control plate under the horse's jaw instead of a metal bit in the mouth. It communicates steering and stopping through the noseband and a single under-jaw contact point. The makers describe it as giving riders 'power steering and power brakes' with fingertip control.
How does the Gentle Control Hackamore work?
The aluminum plate has a fulcrum point positioned halfway between the rein-attachment points and the lower-jaw contact point, so the horse feels exactly the pressure the rider applies. When you neck rein, the plate twists and the cup catches the underside of the jaw on the same side as the rein, guiding the horse that direction. Pressure releases instantly the moment the rein is relaxed.
Is the Gentle Control Hackamore gentle or harsh?
It is designed to be gentle. It is lightweight, releases pressure instantly, and works off sensitive contact points rather than a severe leverage action. With no rein pressure it feels to the horse much like a halter, which helps keep the horse calm and relaxed.
Who makes the Gentle Control Hackamore?
Gentle Control Hackamore, L.C. is a family business based in Malad City, Idaho. The product grew from the original concept of Lacy's grandfather, inventor Doral J. Howard, and was refined by Barry Howard and his wife Lalie over decades of training horses. It is now run by Lacy Long and her son Kaden Long.
Where is Gentle Control Hackamore located?
The company is located in Malad City, Idaho, ZIP code 83252. It operates as an online-only business with no physical retail storefront. Orders and questions are handled directly through the website and by phone or email.
How do I contact Gentle Control Hackamore?
You can call Kaden Long at 801-391-6300 or Lacy Long at 801-391-9041, or email [email protected]. The business is reachable Monday through Friday on Mountain Standard Time. You can also order online at gentlecontrol.com.
Will the Gentle Control Hackamore help my horse learn to neck rein?
Yes, this is one of its strongest uses, especially with young horses. Because all of the pressure is applied to the same side as the rein, it teaches neck reining very intuitively. One customer reported her green horse was neck reining within 15 minutes of first trying it.
What size clearance does the hackamore need for proper fit?
The company recommends about a 1-inch clearance between the horse's jaw and the control plate for proper fit. Correct clearance ensures the plate engages cleanly when you ask for a turn or a stop and releases fully when you relax the reins. This fitting detail is important for the gentle, instant-release action to work as intended.
How do you adjust the Gentle Control Hackamore?
The cable 4-strand braid and cable braided nose-button models adjust at the shaft collars using a 3/32 allen wrench. The flat nose band adjusts by removing the key ring from the clevis pin and moving it to a different hole. These simple adjustments let you dial in the recommended 1-inch jaw clearance.
What noseband styles are available?
The hackamore is offered with a cable 4-strand braid noseband, a cable braided nose-button noseband, and a flat nose band. The braided cable styles adjust with an allen wrench at the shaft collars, while the flat nose band adjusts via a clevis pin and key ring. Each style achieves the same gentle under-jaw control action.
Does the Gentle Control Hackamore help with head tossing and pulling?
Yes. Because it feels like a halter when there is no rein pressure, it discourages head tossing, and its sensitive pressure points discourage excessive pulling. The goal is a softer, calmer, more relaxed horse that responds to light cues rather than fighting the equipment.
Can the Gentle Control Hackamore help with collection?
Yes. The noseband sits lower than the jaw-contact point, which encourages the horse to flex at the poll and round the shoulders. This promotes collection and an easy backup without the horse hollowing its back. It is intended to build soft, correct body posture over time.
Is the Gentle Control Hackamore American made?
Yes. The company emphasizes producing quality American-made products using quality materials, built by a family in Malad City, Idaho. The business stresses superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service alongside its American manufacturing.
Can I use the Gentle Control Hackamore on mules or donkeys?
Yes. In addition to horses, the Gentle Control bitless bridle design is used on mules and donkeys. The same under-jaw plate mechanism provides gentle steering and stopping control across these animals.
Why choose a hackamore instead of a bit?
A bitless option like the GCH puts no metal in the horse's mouth, which can benefit horses with mouth sensitivity or riders who simply prefer to ride bitless. The GCH still delivers precise steering and stopping through the under-jaw plate and noseband, with an instant release that rewards the horse for responding. Many riders find it produces a softer, more relaxed horse.
How long has the Gentle Control Hackamore been around?
The original concept dates back to Lacy's grandfather, inventor Doral J. Howard, who built an early version for the family ranch decades ago. Barry Howard and his wife Lalie refined the design over more than 50 years of training horses, and the product has been shared with riders for roughly 25 years. It is now carried on by Lacy Long and her son Kaden Long.
How do I order a Gentle Control Hackamore?
Orders are placed online through gentlecontrol.com, since the company is an online-only, no-storefront business. You can also call Kaden Long at 801-391-6300 or Lacy Long at 801-391-9041, or email [email protected] Monday through Friday. The family handles orders and fitting questions personally.
