Mare started off as an absolute angel, and got worse!

[AliceCrail]

Took my mare out Autumn hunting yesterday. We have been out a few times over the years, but not nearly enough for her to know how to behave.

Last year I found I could do with a little more. control so had her in a well fitting grackle with sheepskin. She has always responded well with a grackle.

Anyhoo, we started with a short canter, then stood for nearly an hour. Which she did, very well! A bit more cantering around wooded tracks, all fine. After about 40mins she was really fighting me, so much so that she was snatching and throwing her head around - whilst going a fairly decent canter. She felt cross! Decided to call it a day, she was in a muck sweat by then too. Hacked a couple of miles back to box, and then she was fine.

Do I persevere with the grackle, as it works, but she doesn't like it, in the hope she will get used to it, or try something else?

Any advice welcome, I'm a bit stumped!

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

From the description I wouldn't nessecarily say it's the grackle she doesn't like as she was ok in it for a bit, she may just off got bored, also was she sweaty my mare hates being too sweaty which will wind her up more, but she does then settle down after a while. Mine does like to fling her head, I find the best thing is a standing martingale but on a cavesson or cavesson part of a flash noseband only

 

[AliceCrail]

Thank you.
She has never flung her head around before, but has never had to be under that much control if you see what I mean? A friend says she is a bit spoilt, and there could be something in that!

 

[kiteman0]

I had the same problem with my lad, first time out and wearing a grackle. He threw his head around terrible after a couple of hours and ripped my arms apart. I've just brought a flash instead and someone said use a standing martingale so that he pulls against himself and not my arms.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Standing martingale, take a weeks holiday and take the horse out with as many packs as you can travel to. Ideally everyday and then find her something to do on Sunday.

Horses have to be made into a safe hunter and the only way to do it is to keep exposing them to hounds.

 

[Bernster]

Interesting thread - can you jump ok in a standing martingale? Mine does a giraffe impression but is going nicely in a universal on the bottom ring, leather curb, running martingale and flash. I'm conscious that's a lot of kit though and have wondered about a pelham with a rounding or a grackle as seen lots of people out in grackles these days, sj and xc.

And, from xc lesson this weekend, the best thing I can do actually is leave her head alone and just take a light half halt and then release - do you think yours is fighting against your hands or does she do it even without you having much contact or taking a pull?

 

[AliceCrail]

It only started after about 40mins of being on the go. At home she is always in front (despite being the smallest on the yard!) And I think she was just getting cross with me for keeping her back, as well as getting hot, and probably tired.
We are hoping to go out somewhere this weekend, possibly xc schooling or out with the draghounds, then the following weekend we are making our teamchase debut!
She has a loose ring French link with copper lozenge, grackle, and a hunting breastplate/running martingale. Fairly straightforward really compared to some!

 

[Bernster]

It only started after about 40mins of being on the go. At home she is always in front (despite being the smallest on the yard!) And I think she was just getting cross with me for keeping her back, as well as getting hot, and probably tired.
We are hoping to go out somewhere this weekend, possibly xc schooling or out with the draghounds, then the following weekend we are making our teamchase debut!
She has a loose ring French link with copper lozenge, grackle, and a hunting breastplate/running martingale. Fairly straightforward really compared to some!

I've not been out hunting much so far this season but mine prefers being at the front and I've decided not to have a debate about it and let her ! We both have a much more enjoyable time

 

[AliceCrail]

I think this is it. Last year she went through a phase of random bucks when she was excited, so I put a red ribbon in her tail, and felt I should keep her at the back. But this time, her hind feet didn't leave the ground or threaten too, so not worried about her catching someone now. So should probably stay up the front.

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Can't quote as on phone, but Bernster if she is going well in that I would leave her, it really doesn't sound to much! I would always rather see someone who has something along those lines and uses it as required, then those who put in a snaffle, and are consistently fighting their horses. (Says the person whose current horse is in a snaffle and occasionally will get a little 'reminder' about not getting too strong!)

And yes as long as the standing martingale isn't too short they jump fine, mine has some elastic in it, but not all do, plenty of people out hunting use them, they are actually quite traditional. The last few times I've been in a standing and a running to help with the head tossing but I just find I don't have the best steering with just a standing. Hopefully see you out soon?

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

And also if it makes you feel like it's less kit Bernster, my 14:2 went best in an Amercian gag (with fairly long shanks) and a leather curb behind it and a running, she did have a cavesson but only because with her copd we didn't like to make her breathing at all restricted.