Grackle and a standing martingale.

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Using a grackle and a standing martingale... Has anybody used this combination before? Yes I know the BHS would be having heart failure at the suggestion and yes I know the attachment should only be attached to a cavesson but has anybody had any success in using it?
 
Never seen it done, and personally wouldn't do it. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Whichever part of the grackle you attach the martingale to, and that part is then pulled on when martingale comes into play, it is going to tighten the other part of the noseband. I can see this leading to pain if not injury to the horse without that ever being the intention. I'd rethink the options before considering this. Sorry to be negative but there you go.
 
Angelbones said:
Never seen it done, and personally wouldn't do it. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Whichever part of the grackle you attach the martingale to, and that part is then pulled on when martingale comes into play, it is going to tighten the other part of the noseband. I can see this leading to pain if not injury to the horse without that ever being the intention. I'd rethink the options before considering this. Sorry to be negative but there you go.
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Exactly agree with this :)
 
No, I woundn't. Standing martingale only ever to a cavesson noseband or the cavesson part of a flash.

But if you need to use both and if non competing, how about putting a cavesson on with the grackle? A lot of leatherwork but if you need it?

What are other folks opinions on that option?
 
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I wouldnt do it but if it was needed I would either use a cavesson and flash strap or a cavesson and a drop noseband whichever the horse preferred
 
Angelbones said:
Never seen it done, and personally wouldn't do it. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Whichever part of the grackle you attach the martingale to, and that part is then pulled on when martingale comes into play, it is going to tighten the other part of the noseband. I can see this leading to pain if not injury to the horse without that ever being the intention. I'd rethink the options before considering this. Sorry to be negative but there you go.
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This ^^^^^^^
 
Awful thing to consider doing .
However if the horse goes well in a grackle and you have an issue and you need a standing for use the grackle and a cavesson on the outside of it .
That will work.
 
I have a horse who has to have both a grackle and a standing. I simply add a cavesson for this. Agree, it another bit of tack to clean but it functions with the standing. ( had debated trying attaching to just the grackle- but he would freak if the other part of the grackle suddenly tightened on his face when the martingale came into play) .
 
I wouldn't ever consider adding a standing martingale to a noseband that can tighten under pressure - that is simply asking for trouble and essentially torture for the horse - how would the noseband release after it had tightened, it wouldn't be able to, they are difficult enough to move to get to fit in the first place to avoid that from happening. Put a cavesson on over the grackle and use that for the horses sake, welfare and safety - please !!!
 
simplyhunting said:
I have a horse who has to have both a grackle and a standing. I simply add a cavesson for this. Agree, it another bit of tack to clean but it functions with the standing. ( had debated trying attaching to just the grackle- but he would freak if the other part of the grackle suddenly tightened on his face when the martingale came into play) .
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I had originally planned to do this and my gut was telling me to put a cavesson on top. I'll be honest that I've never had to use a grackle and standing at the same time, so after googling it I was quite surprised at how many people had attached it to the grackle. (Mainly showjumpers). Thank you everybody for confirming my gut :)
 
khalswitz said:
The whole point of a flash noseband originally was an alternative to a grackle (and drop :) ) that could have a standing martingale attached. I'd use one of these, never a grackle and SM together.
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Indeed, forgotten by most that the flash is a compromise (and a poor one IMO).

Someone did come on here once claiming that she had found this combination successful with her horse but was moaning how her college wouldn't allow her to use it in her lessons there and how dare they tell her what she can and can't use on her own horse! Needless to say she didn't get the replies she was hoping for :D
 
marmalade76 said:
Indeed, forgotten by most that the flash is a compromise (and a poor one IMO).

Someone did come on here once claiming that she had found this combination successful with her horse but was moaning how her college wouldn't allow her to use it in her lessons there and how dare they tell her what she can and can't use on her own horse! Needless to say she didn't get the replies she was hoping for :D
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Yes, it is a poor substitute for a grackle, however if you need a standing martingale and a grackle-like action it is a compromise between the two. I'd still choose that over trying to attach a SM to a grackle though!
 
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