Showing bridle advice

[Flying_Form]

I have a horse I hope to do some local ROR showing with (with hopes of moving up eventually). I have done some showing years ago with a very straightforward Connie mare I had (different kettle of fish!) however this horse is quite sensitive.

I know the typical showing bridle is a flat noseband, hunter style, etc. This horse goes in a grackle for dressage and showjumping and really likes it - schools very sweetly. It took us quite awhile to reach a bridle setup he was truly happy with and now we have it. His bit is totally fine for low level shows but I know a grackle is not the norm for showing/ROR classes. He doesn’t need it for being mouthy or anything and I actually leave the flash strap very loose, I think he just likes the support of the grackle and stability of it with the bit or something. He goes okayish in a regular noseband with a flash - once again I think it just supports the bit in his mouth and keeps him content vs tense and unbalanced.

Any suggestions for a setup the may be show appropriate and suit him? I feel it may be a “get him used to the hunter bridle and deal with it” situation but thought I’d ask nonetheless!! Is a grackle acceptable these days in showing, or even a flash strap?

 

[minesadouble]

Your bridle will depend on what type your horse - Hunter/Riding Horse/Hack.
You will get away with a grackle at local level but nothing more.

 

[catkin]

I know it's often used for aesthetics/enhancing his looks rather than necessarily sensitivity - have you tried positioning a cavesson noseband at different heights on him, or different widths ofnoseband to see if he may like some variation of a cavesson. Sometimes they can surprise you in what they like.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

“get him used to the hunter bridle and deal with it”

Yes, sorry!
You wouldn’t get away with a flash either, and even at local level I’d expect the use of any setup other than a cavesson to be reflected in the placings. Don’t let that put you off if you’re just out for some experience at your local show, but if you want to go further he’ll need a more traditional setup.

 

[Flying_Form]

I know it's often used for aesthetics/enhancing his looks rather than necessarily sensitivity - have you tried positioning a cavesson noseband at different heights on him, or different widths ofnoseband to see if he may like some variation of a cavesson. Sometimes they can surprise you in what they like.

He’s the most sensitive horse I’ve ever had in my yard to be honest and he was known to be that way in his old yard when he raced!! Had all the usuals checked because he just seemed always a little unhappy but turns out he’s totally sound and healthy, and is just a guy who likes everything absolutely perfect (saddle, bit, bridle, even material of the saddle pad!!) or else he’ll let you know… he’s totally entitled to that opinion and I’d rather he let me know he’s not happy with the setup straight away than get agitated over time.

We had a bridle fitter out awhile back and she had said him preferring the grackle was likely related to the stability it provides to the bit in his mouth as well as keeping nicely off of the pressure points on his face. We might just have to find a kind anatomical hunter bridle and slowly introduce and do as you say - trial different heights/widths. Thanks

 

[Flying_Form]

Yes, sorry!
You wouldn’t get away with a flash either, and even at local level I’d expect the use of any setup other than a cavesson to be reflected in the placings. Don’t let that put you off if you’re just out for some experience at your local show, but if you want to go further he’ll need a more traditional setup.

I had a suspicion this would be the way, thank you. on the bright side the small local shows are the best place to try new things like this and see how they go!