Advice needed re noseband please :-)

[Nickles1973]

When riding my boy in the school yesterday he was getting a bit strong while we were cantering (Spring Grass lol) and I noticed his tongue flapping about out the side of his mouth. He's done this before and my riding instructor was there and raised his bit further up in his mouth to stop him. I obviously have since brought it back down as I don't want him to be uncomfortable and so I'm wondering if a flash would help to stop him evading? That said I'm sure I have read somewhere that a grackle noseband would be a kinder option (in the photos I have of him racing he has a grackle noseband) Any advice would be appreciated. Should also say that he has a NS team up bit and only had his teeth done 2 months ago. (Full MOT actually back, saddle teeth et all!) Thanks in advance!

 

[monkeybum13]

My friend's pony does this, it's just a habit she does, using a flash doesn't lep either, it just makes her more uncomfortable when she tries to push her tounge out.

If he used to be in a grackle then it's worth a try, it may work, it may not. Lots of things such as nosebands are just trial and error.

 

[Weezy]

Please do not strap his mouth shut to stop it. The most likely reason he is doing it is because you are pulling him too strongly. You would be better off upping your bit strength and riding with a light contact than using a softer bit and heavy hands.

For info sakes, I ride my horse in a grackle and he will tongue flap if he is pissing off and I am having to pull him up - happens very rarely but there you go, grackle doesn't stop it at all.

 

[LMuirEDT]

I know of a couple of SJers who loll their tongues, owners have tried various things to stop it but it's made no difference, it's a habit they have got into now. Recently, for different reasons to tongue lolling, I tried a flash and a drop nose band (obviously not at the same time!) and my horse preferred the drop noseband. Have u considered that?