drop vs flash vs grackle

[sloulou]

Am hoping you lot can offer some advise on this..

I have a Irish cob x TB who is rising 7... was a lazy thing when I got him 18 months ago, but through hunting/ fitness etc is now a lean mean monster

So - I needed extra brakes out hunting - and after trying several options (pelham/ gag) - I realised I need to keep his mouth closed as he opens his mouth wide and sticks tongue out to evade the bit - so I just put a flash on as it was what I had handy.

The brakes are sorted - but he now resists contact a bit - especially in canter - and doesn't seem that happy with the tightness of the top part of the flash...

So - what are the differences in action between flash, gackle and drop - and would you recommend I try a drop or grackle?

For extra info - I ride him in a demi anky with full cheeks most of the time - but he has a dutch gag (two reins) for hunting.

Thank you

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Try a drop 1st. Drops (if fitted correctly), don't have to be done up tight, so horse can still flex its jaw.

 

[sloulou]

My worry with the drop is that I lose my brakes out hunting? Or is that silly? Would it work in same way?

I was thinking drop you see...

 

[KatB]

High ring Grackles are the nicest IMHO :0 They dont put any pressure near the teeth, and do assist in stopping "yawping" without needing to be too tight

 

[sloulou]

high ring grackle? I have a non-high ring one at home already, how is the action differnt?

 

[KatB]

Non high ring ones put pressure on the side of the face in the same way as a flash, whereas a high ring one puts pressure on the bony part of the face, so doesnt push the cheeks into the teeth

 

[sloulou]

[ QUOTE ]
Non high ring ones put pressure on the side of the face in the same way as a flash, whereas a high ring one puts pressure on the bony part of the face, so doesnt push the cheeks into the teeth

[/ QUOTE ]

ahhh - that does make sense - thank you

I can't lose my brakes out hunting.. the first time I took him I had a cavesson noseband and the demi anky

 

[Gingerbird]

[ QUOTE ]
High ring Grackles are the nicest IMHO :0 They dont put any pressure near the teeth, and do assist in stopping "yawping" without needing to be too tight

[/ QUOTE ]

I 2nd this! I used to have exactly the same problem with my old boy. He used to back off the flash, and really appreciated the change to a grackle. As he got fitter and stronger I rode him in a traditional gag (to help keep his head up off the forehand) and a high cheek grackle. Worked perfectly, even out hunting!

 

[Inchy]

I prefer the high ring grackle too...one of mine hated the pressure of the drop/flash on his nose, but went like a dream in the grackle...only downside on grackle compared to the others is that it's not dressage legal...but if you're hunting then thats no problem!

 

[Weezy]

High ring grackle

 

[annewright]

I vote high ring grackle too - brilliant noseband with any bit.

 

[sloulou]

thank you all

Seems like the high ring grackle wins... I will wander over to ebay

 

[ttt]

Please excuse my ignorance but is a 'high ring' grackle any different to a 'grackle'.
Thanks.

 

[ttt]

I've just seen photos of both and I can now see the difference!