What is a grackle noseband used for?

Grackle nosebands, or the ‘figure 8’, is an incredibly popular noseband amongst event riders and showjumpers. Action: Aids to keep the horse’s mouth shut and prevents crossing of the jaw, while also increasing comfort by avoiding the nostrils.

Are grackle Nosebands harsh?

Some horses find them more comfortable as they don’t press on the pressure points of the face. I find a cavesson quite a harsh feel for a horse – I prefer no noseband at all or a grackle.

Why do people use grackles on horses?

Grackles are used to stop the horse opening his mouth or crossing their jaw. Lots of show jumpers use them cz the sj horses tend to be more highly strung and get more excited at the prospect of jumping. It also means the horse can’t resist the bit so much when doing tight turns at speed to shave off seconds.

Where should a grackle noseband sit?

The grackle noseband should be fitted so that the sheepskin part sits in the centre of the nose and the two crossover straps sit on the hard bone part going down, avoiding the fleshy parts of the nose.

How tight should a noseband be?

The noseband should be fit two fingers below the Zygomatic ridge. Fitting the noseband higher will put pressure directly on a nerve bundle in the horse’s face which can cause the horse discomfort. When tightening the noseband you should be able to fit two fingers (stacked) under the front of the noseband.

Are grackles dressage legal?

Grackle nosebands will now be allowed in affiliated dressage competitions, as well as several less traditional nosebands, bits and bridles, including the Stübben Freedom Bridle, following their FEI approval.

Why do horses wear fluffy Nosebands?

A shadow roll is a piece of equipment, usually made of sheepskin or a synthetic material, that is attached to the noseband of a horse’s bridle. Like blinkers, it partially restricts the horse’s vision, and helps them to concentrate on what is in front of them, rather than objects on the ground (such as shadows).

Does the noseband go under the bit?

A drop noseband is very tricky to fit correctly. It should sit a little lower than a cavesson but must not impair the airways at all, and it should rest on the facial bones. The chinstrap should fit under the bit and in the chin groove without the buckle or rings interfering with the bit or the horse’s lips.

Why does a horse wear a noseband?

The main purposes of using this noseband is to reduce the horse from crossing his jaw or opening his mouth as added pressure will be put on the bridge of his nose and chin groove. A drop noseband sits lower on the horse’s nose and encircles the chin groove in front of the bit.

What is the difference between a grackle and a Mexican grackle?

Grackles come in two different styles – Mexican or English. The Mexican grackle has a ring by each eye that the straps are stitched onto, where as the English grackle sits lower and the straps pass through a loop on the nose head. Grackles are mainly used on jumping horses.

Can you use a standing martingale with a grackle?

Yes, it is a poor substitute for a grackle, however if you need a standing martingale and a grackle-like action it is a compromise between the two.