Which one?

[katie_and_toto]

I will be going to my first proper cross-country pony club rally tomorrow with Toto. (done a bit at camp before though) He can get a bit strong and he can start to lean too so he's in a Cheltenham gag for xc. (i'm only little on him so he takes the mick sometimes) We went xc schooling for the first time a few weeks ago on his own (at the same course we're going to tomorrow) and he was in his gag and a grackle. However, he's just had his teeth done and the dentist said he wouldn't need a grackle anymore. His teeth were pretty bad so they were probably making him uncomfy. So have switched to a cavesson (dentist's advice) and been riding Toto in it all week and he's been ok. (Hard to tell what he'll be like jumping, had back lady out too and no jumping for a week but be ok for tomorrow) So, shall I risk it with the cavesson, or put his grackle on, making him either worse and uncomfy or not as naughty? Sorry it's long!

 

[KatB]

Not sure how a grackle would make him uncomfy if fitted properly and his teeth have been done? Is it a high ring grackle, or an old fashioned one (fits under cheek bones)? If is a high ring, they are nice nosebands, and kinder than a tight cavesson re.tooth pressure!

 

[katie_and_toto]

its an old fashioned one that goes under cheek bones, dentist said that's where the soft tissue is and making him uncomfy. We have a cavesson on thats firm but not too tight (two fingers in it)

 

[igglepiggle]

KatB, where should the top strap sit when you do it up on a high ring grakle? I worry I do mine too tight for jumping/galloping but then if not reasonably tight, surely it can't work? Like flashes etc.. any thoughts?