Grackle bridles

TheChestnutThing

TheChestnutThing

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I need to invest in a new bridle. My horse needs a grackle for jumping. I have one currently but it’s an older style Whitaker and the leather, even after years of use and care, still isn’t not as soft as it could be and I don’t like where the buckle sits on the lower part.

My question is, those of you who use grackles, do you go old school and use the traditional style ring grackle (like I currently have) or do you prefer the newer style without the rings?
Asking before I buy as obviously won’t be able to return it once it’s been used. I have only ever used the ring grackles.

Hopefully what I have said makes sense…I have added a photo of the two for reference.
 

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Personally I have never liked the rings, but equally haven't found one yet without them that sits quite right. When I shop for a new one later this year, I'll try to find one but have a fear it will be a bit of trial and error as I think this sort has to just be right on a particular head, as the angle of the bit where the rings used to be is fixed.
 
There seems to be a trend at he moment for a lot of horses to be ridden in a grackle and a martingale. These is a relatively new idea and not one l follow - other than to note it’s trendy! If your horses goes nicely then use whatever works. Maybe try and borrow one before buying. It is sometimes possible to trial some of the newer expensive bridles and there seems to be some evidence that the newer anatomically shaped bridles are more comfortable. If l was convinced l needed a new bridle l would take this route with the appropriate noseband. Maybe have a search on line for bit / bridle fitters and see what’s about?
 
I tend to use the ones that don't have a ring on them - but mine is personal preference as I am paranoid about the horses getting caught on things if left alone momentarily.

When I say personal preference - I mean I like the look of the grackle without the rings - my now retired lad when he was in work much preferred a grackle, as he hated a flash with a passion.....

Premier Equine do a nice grackle bridle, that I found sits lovely, the leather is wonderfully soft and you can mix and match parts if needed x
 
gallopingby said:
There seems to be a trend at he moment for a lot of horses to be ridden in a grackle and a martingale. These is a relatively new idea and not one l follow - other than to note it’s trendy! If your horses goes nicely then use whatever works. Maybe try and borrow one before buying. It is sometimes possible to trial some of the newer expensive bridles and there seems to be some evidence that the newer anatomically shaped bridles are more comfortable. If l was convinced l needed a new bridle l would take this route with the appropriate noseband. Maybe have a search on line for bit / bridle fitters and see what’s about?
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I'm not part of the grackle trend. My horse genuinely needs one for jumping. I also don't use a martingale. I am very old school in my approach to bridles and other tack and only use what is needed. I am one of those less is more. Sadly no one I know has a noseband without the rings so I cannot borrow and this is why I asked for opinions on one vs the other.
 
I have a Henry James sheepskin grackle no rings. Only used for jumping and hacking without martingale. I like it as gives a bit more control without upping bit.
 
I've had both and didnt find much difference in fit or action. as long as you get the right size and fit it properly, there really isnt any difference.
Oddly, i had the one without rings before the one with rings, i first got it about 15 years ago so they have been around for a while. FB_IMG_1772185271707.jpgIMG_20251231_194139_119.webp
 
I’ve got both a Henry James one (no rings) and a Fairfax one with rings.

I don’t have a strong preference to be honest. It’s very much dependent and the shape of the horses head.

I’d say overall I slightly prefer the fairfax with rings. The rings allow for some slight flexibility in the angle of the straps making it more adaptable to a particular horse.
 
My boy wears a grackle for fast work and jumping (no martingale). He hates a flash noseband. His noseband has rings which I prefer because it makes it easier to slightly adjust the angle of the straps.
In the 'old days' grackles without rings where just grackles and those with rings were mexican grackles. Those with rings usually sit slightly higher on the horses cheeks.
 
I've used both types and have found it's just down to personal preference on look - both types are easy to manouvre. I've used the LeMieux competition grackle, Ps of Sweden (funky sizing!) and cottage craft.
 
The one without rings is the English grackle and yes it’s been around for a lot longer. The one with rings is the Mexican grackle and it is the one seen as more trendy’ but they both do the same thing if fitted correctly.
 
spotty_pony2 said:
The one without rings is the English grackle and yes it’s been around for a lot longer. The one with rings is the Mexican grackle and it is the one seen as more trendy’ but they both do the same thing if fitted correctly.
Click to expand...

Actually English and Mexican grackles are fitted differently. English ones typically sit lower. You see them less frequently these days (mostly racing). Both the OP pictures are Mexican design. It’s just over recent years some manufacturers are using shaped leather rather than rings.
 
Crackerz said:
i actually prefer a grackle WITH rings. It makes it far easier to fit nicely depending on what you want out of it
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Same. If I use a grackle it’s always been one with rings as they are that bit more adjustable and you can fine tune the fit better.
I actually like a grackle and (please don’t ask me to say where!) I read that they are actually kind and one of the least pressure nosebands- obviously fitted correctly.
My head shaker who made very clear what he did and didn’t like was as happy in a grackle as a cavesson
 
poiuytrewq said:
Same. If I use a grackle it’s always been one with rings as they are that bit more adjustable and you can fine tune the fit better.
I actually like a grackle and (please don’t ask me to say where!) I read that they are actually kind and one of the least pressure nosebands- obviously fitted correctly.
My head shaker who made very clear what he did and didn’t like was as happy in a grackle as a cavesson
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It was fairfax who did the study and found that out
 
ihatework said:
Actually English and Mexican grackles are fitted differently. English ones typically sit lower. You see them less frequently these days (mostly racing). Both the OP pictures are Mexican design. It’s just over recent years some manufacturers are using shaped leather rather than rings.
Click to expand...
This.

I have a rarely used late 1970s Mexican crackle, still in pretty good condition. Its been used on a few of mine over the years. Initially on my Novice eventer, then occasionally on others I've owned, when I needed to utilise outside the box. I've changed the centre sheepskin twice over the years as it degrades.
The late B Fuzzy was in it for her 1st couple of hunter trials and an event, then we went back to a std hunter noseband when it wasn't needed.

I had no idea it was 'trendy' ......
 
When
The Fuzzy Furry said:
This.

I have a rarely used late 1970s Mexican crackle, still in pretty good condition. Its been used on a few of mine over the years. Initially on my Novice eventer, then occasionally on others I've owned, when I needed to utilise outside the box. I've changed the centre sheepskin twice over the years as it degrades.
The late B Fuzzy was in it for her 1st couple of hunter trials and an event, then we went back to a std hunter noseband when it wasn't needed.

I had no idea it was 'trendy' ......
Click to expand...
When I was working in the 80's they were definitely trendy - absolutely everything wore one!
 
I had a grackle custom made to fit my thoroughbred about 6 years ago, it was made by a master saddler and bridle fitter and that has rings. As past poster have said I think it allows you to angle it more precisely. He found a grackle much better than any other noseband.
 
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