Grackle vs flash

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StoptheCavalry

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This may be a completely stupid question but I'm sure I read somewhere here the other day that a grackle is less harsh on the horse than a cavasson with a flash, is this correct?

I have just started having lessons on my horse who I've had for a year and have been advised to remove the flash which I'm more than happy to do but I am slightly concerned that while he's high as a kite at the moment he may decide to bog off when we next manage to get off the yard after the snow.

Thank you
 
I wouldnt say one was more harsh than the other to be honest - a flash with a cavesson will stop the horse opening its mouth to evade the bit, while a grackle noseband will stop the horse opening its mouth as well as crossing its jaw. grackles also allow the horse to breathe more easily following fast work etc apparently and so are used in eventing etc :-)
 
Anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong but the purpose of a flash is to stop the horse opening it's mouth, which then stops the 'nutcracker' action of the bit being to effective.
The grackle is to stop the horse crossong its jaw, which again evades the action of the bit.

Your instructor maybe telling you to remove the flash to try to teach your horse not to evade the bit in the first place. Treat the cause not the sypmtom if you like.
 
Yes that is exactly why I have removed in in order to address why he is opening his mouth rather than force his mouth shut. However his favourite trick when being asked to do something he doesn't want to so which is generally slow down is to stick his head in the air and open his mouth. Obviously we are working on this in the school involving circles but I can't rely on this on the road or out on narrow bridle paths so until I am comfortable we have cured it in the school I would rather not have that battle when were out and about just yet. He was somewhat of a nightmare when the flash first came off but I am really hoping to go back to basics with him and make him comfortable as possible without needing to force things to happen.
 
Drop nosebands are a lovely piece of equipment and thankfully seem to be coming back into fashion. But if I was you I would persevere in a normal cavesson it will be worth it.
 
I personally prefer a grackle, not for looks but for the fact that the cheeks are not pressed against the cheeks with a grackle like they are with a cavesson and flash.
 
Sounds like my horse... Often cantered around like a giraffe and everyone said to strap his mouth shut which lead to more problems. Tried several different bits from mild snaffles to pelhams but he is a completely different horse now he's bitless. If you want him to be comfortable as you say, a bitless bridle if used correctly means for a happy horse. I really really recommend it! Your horse will thank you.
 
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