Kineton noseband or Grackle? For strong cob out hunting or in large rides

[Amiicob]

Hi all.
I have a 6 year old big cob mare, who is strong when she wants to be!!!
I hunted her last season with limited breaks, she went better in the grackle at first with a loose ring waterford but after a couple of times she then evaded it again and was able to go , tried her in waterford gag which she hated (i couldn't touch her mouth or she flew her head in the air).
I have her in a expert bits comfy universal snaffle at the moment ( i only use snaffle if hacking around or on fun rides with a couple of us as shes not strong then) BUT i have found lately she will jsut suddenly snatch reins and pull down .
She has had her teeth done, back checked and saddle checked so I know its not pain related.

Would a kineton be a better option than the grackle?

 

[Carrottom]

I'm not sure either noseband will help with snatching the reins and pulling down. I think I would seek advice from a biting expert and try some different types. E.g. a universal without the wwterford. So many permutations you could try.

 

[Amiicob]

I'm not sure either noseband will help with snatching the reins and pulling down. I think I would seek advice from a biting expert and try some different types. E.g. a universal without the wwterford. So many permutations you could try.

Thank you. I was advertised the bit I'm using now by expert bits. She does go alot better in it but seems to snatch down when she's had enough or getting tired. But as she a big cob it's quite annoying and uncomfortable.

 

[Amiicob]

The bit she is in isn't a waterford it's a comfy universal gag but in snaffle ring most of the time.

 

[Carrottom]

6 is quite still young, could she just be telling you she is tired and need to stretch and rest. Might be difficult on an organised ride.

 

[Amiicob]

6 is quite still young, could she just be telling you she is tired and need to stretch and rest. Might be difficult on an organised ride.

Yeah I think your right, maybe I'll jsut carry on with what she's in and see how she goes.
I knew when she didn't like other bits but shes bit twitchy or unhappy in this one but like you say it could just be when she's tired.

 

[Getbackboys]

there is strong - ie no mouth, strong - ie keen/breed, strong - ie fresh and excited. having been in same situation and tried a roller snaffle, a grackle, a gag and a kineton - i found the kineton the best, it did its job when i needed it to otherwise it left the horse alone so there wasnt the pressure argument and the feeling uncomfortable with the grackle because the mouth is being held shut, the gag which i just think is an awful combination, the roller they soon learn how to get a hold of it.

others will have their ideas too so worth trying all before deciding which works better and makes you feel more confident that you are in control. also teach the horse when you sit back in that saddle it must learn to come back to you. also maybe try being up ahead with the others might be less keen than being at the back and horse feeling pressured from the other horses to keep up, just ideas

 

[Amiicob]

there is strong - ie no mouth, strong - ie keen/breed, strong - ie fresh and excited. having been in same situation and tried a roller snaffle, a grackle, a gag and a kineton - i found the kineton the best, it did its job when i needed it to otherwise it left the horse alone so there wasnt the pressure argument and the feeling uncomfortable with the grackle because the mouth is being held shut, the gag which i just think is an awful combination, the roller they soon learn how to get a hold of it.

others will have their ideas too so worth trying all before deciding which works better and makes you feel more confident that you are in control. also teach the horse when you sit back in that saddle it must learn to come back to you. also maybe try being up ahead with the others might be less keen than being at the back and horse feeling pressured from the other horses to keep up, just ideas

Thank you.
The problem is she is a cob and although in her head she may think she's fast she really isn't ?so being up ahead would just slow the rest down lol.
I found the grackle helped at first but now she really dislikes it as when I tack her up she doesn't want it on but when I drive her (different bridle) different to tack up easier.

 

[Getbackboys]

she doesnt want the grackle on exactly what i referred to in my post because they are uncomfortable and if put on too tight cause pain in the mouth pressing upper teeth on to lower teeth, hate the damn things. she is a cob but she wont slow the rest down they will just leave her behind she may settle when she has been out more with the hunt. defo teach her when your full weight is in the seat she must come back to you. have fun it is fun.