Noseband/Martingale for new girly

[Kate260881]

I just bought a new girl on Saturday, a 165cm kwpn mare who is quite slim built. She is rising 5 and has so far only walked and trotted with a rider so a real baby. After riding her she seems very genuine, already responds well to the leg and is increadibly light in front. My question is what noseband would you ride her in. She was in a grackle when I rode her on Satuday and went really nicely in it but I do wonder if this is maybe a little harsh for such a baby. The alternative would be to put her in a flash.

Also, I've always had running martingales on my horses and I think this is probably more a case of habit than them necessarily needing them. Plus they can be helpful XC

But again, she wasn't in one on Saturday and was fine with it. I just wondered what other people's opinions were when it came to martingales. I suppose without one there is always the advantage of not having to clean them

Oh also, she'll be getting SJ training and the only dressage we'll do will be at home, not competitively.

Sorry for the long post, just a bit curious

 

[kerilli]

i hate martingales, and only use one if the horse really needs one, and then for as little time as possible until i have (hopefully) trained it not to need one.
i am a huge fan of drop nosebands, and would recommend one of those. because of the angle of the chin-strap, they don't have to be tight to be effective. if she doesn't open her mouth at all to evade, i'd have her in a simple cavesson tbh, but otherwise a drop.
good luck with your new baby horse.

 

[lauraanddolly]

As she is a real baby, i would try her in just a cavesson like Kerilli says. I personally would only try the drop or flash option if you need too.

 

[vicm2509]

I would also use a plain cavesson. If she evades the bit then try a drop, they are a fantastic noseband. The flash made my horse very tense in the jaw, it was only when I swapped to a drop I realised how much he must have hated it, the difference was amazing.

I would never use a martingale for schooling as it takes the direct contact between hand and bit away. Pop a neck strap on if you feel you might need something to grab onto

 

[Kate260881]

Thanks for all the comments. I have indeed gone with the cavesson and not bothered with a martingale. She arrives tomorrow so hopefully she'll be pleased enough with my choice