Should I use a Grackle??

[CL66]

Hi

I've had my horse for a little over a year now. When i bought him he was ridden in a flash, and even with that would open his mouth and loll his tongue out :rolleyes: However, he is strong but never runs off with me and has never been uncontrollable. I can always get him back even when we go out for a blast and he doesn't set himself against me. He only really seems to do it if he's really concentrating or excited/stressed. I actually removed the noseband to see how he was without it and it made absolutely no difference. However, i've just changed yards and been told that i should ride him in a grackle?! :confused: I'm not planning on any shows in the near future and if i did i'd just put his normal noseband back on.

Does anyone have any experiences of using these nosebands and what are your opinions??

by the way, teeth have been checked and are fine. He's always done this apparently. He's ridden in a dutch gag on the second ring.

thanks!
Clare

[Bertie]

What are these peoples reasons for telling you to ride in grackle?? Have you asked their opinion on whether you think you should or do they just think your should because people know best??

I would say if you can ride and have good brakes on you horse riding in tack you currently ride in, which I'm presuming is a cavesson noseband, as you've said you took your flash off, then continue to do so. You ride your horse and have it for over a year and know how it goes best. Ignore others and do what you feel is right for you and your horse :)

[CL66]

Thanks Bertie, no I didn't ask for any advice, but was offered it anyway!! :)It's very much a dressage yard and I think it's because he doesn't look pretty when he does it. But good to hear that if it's not causing me any problems there's no reason why i should change anything!

[H & Bailey]

a grakle is for horses that cross and set their jaw as to evade,a flash is to stop them opening their mouth to grab the bit.if he is sticking his tounge out is it because he is excited or a habit, if it isnt bothering you dont worry ,the dressagey people may think the flash will keep his mouth shut to look prettier

[carthorse]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Putting a grackle on him sounds at best pointless & could actually make the situation worse. Stop him opening his mouth & he may become stronger or come up with a different evasion that could cause you more problems eg bucking, overbending & dropping the contact etc. It's not causing you problems & it's nothing to do with anyone else on the yard - how dare they offer "advice" that you haven't asked for?! - so stick to what suits you both.

[Lora]

What are these peoples reasons for telling you to ride in grackle?? Have you asked their opinion on whether you think you should or do they just think your should because people know best??


You are spot on to ask that Bertie. I was at a barn where they kept telling me I'd better latch that head down on my arab or I'll get my teeth knocked out. :confused::confused: They all ride in running or standing martingales (ummmm set too long so really does nothing)

I know his head's rather high sometimes, but I'm bringing it down slowly without mechanics. But there it's a fashion thing to all have the same equipment. I wasn't at the barn long anyway, lots of nonsense advice wtih no knowledge as a base.

[Whatanejit]

Bossy Stressage Witch me thinks!!! :eek:

Grackle, fackle, wackle!

I like his tongue lolling - it makes me laugh.

Maybe with a little whisper he would stick it in her ear the next time she is turning him out!! :D

[puzzles]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Putting a grackle on him sounds at best pointless & could actually make the situation worse. Stop him opening his mouth & he may become stronger or come up with a different evasion that could cause you more problems eg bucking, overbending & dropping the contact etc. It's not causing you problems & it's nothing to do with anyone else on the yard - how dare they offer "advice" that you haven't asked for?! - so stick to what suits you both.

Moi aussie :p

xx