Grackle and Standing martingale

[hollypops_]

Is it okay to use an elasticated standing martingale with a grackle noseband?

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

No, best to school the horse.

 

[oldie48]

I think if you explained why you would want to use the above you would probably get some helpful suggestions as there are some very knowledgeable and experienced people who post here.

 

[xgemmax]

No I would never do that, stick a cavesson noseband on as well if you have to use one

 

[3OldPonies]

Why would you want to do that?

 

[dianchi]

Also just to "school the horse" is not a helpful suggestion!

I ride my TB is a flash with elasticated standing, as when out hacking I don't fancy another broken collar bone!

 

[only_me]

You can raise the cavesson up to below cheekbone and attach a flash, same effect as grackle but safer for attachment of standing martingale.

Friend who played polocross did the above but found that a cavesson & a drop noseband worked better, and still able to use the standing martingale

 

[hollypops_]

it would only be on certain occasions when she gets excited and has her head in the air and is then out of control (hence the grackle).

 

[3OldPonies]

Be better off with a cavesson and a martingale then. Grackle won't be doing much. Then do lots of schooling, outings or de-sensitisation work to stop the excitement levels escalating - make whatever it is that is so exciting so boring instead.

Also, would it be worth checking that you're not tensing and accidentally pulling back when she gets anxious and the bit is hurting as a result - I'm not suggesting for one minute there is anything wrong with your riding btw - I'd be the last person to do that. But if the bit was moving in her mouth and causing pain when she gets excited it might be making her throw her head up.

 

[rara007]

Put a loose cavesson on over the grackle