Opinions on grackle nose band??

[Katie270]

I recently purchased the ecorider freedom grackle bridle which is designed to relieve pressure, I normally ride in flash nose band but do not use the flash band. I’m still unsure if I should switch to grackle bridle, I have rode my horse in grackle bridle 2 or 3 times and preferred it and felt like I had more control. What’s everyone’s opinion on grackle nose bands??

 

[VioletStripe]

Depends on the horse, the bit, and the circumstance.
I like them if not done up too tight and for helping stop a crossed jaw as an evasion - generally speaking though I like to work out why they are evading and to get them schooling well and responsively without.

I have recently switched to a Micklem bride which has a drop-style noseband and found not only a more comfortable horse but more control as it has a sort of drop/grackle action to keep the bit nice and still and the jaw relaxed without the need for a tight strapping action...

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I use one mostly for xc and occasionally sj.
Otherwise it's a simple hunter noseband loosely fitted.
I have tried bitting up with many different bits, but B is happier in a correctly fitted Mexican grackle.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I really like a grackle. I think they are much kinder than a flash. My older horse, even when he retired from proper work was just happier in his grackle.
New one does actually do a pretty attractive jaw cross at times, so he inherited the above grackle and seemed quite happy in it. A bit of FB stalking told me it’s what he was ridden in in his racing career aswell so am sticking with it for now.

edited to point out I hate them hitched as tight as possible, I use them fairly loosely done up

 

[eggs]

Grackles have now been shown to be much kinder than was previously thought.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

I got one for Hunting with a Waterford bit as my 20 year old Arab/Cleveland Cross is very fast, but she does pull up ok (eventually lol). I think it helped but I'm no expert.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

No issue with them and have found horses seem more comfy in one BUT I think they are really ugly.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Much prefer grackles to flashes (bloody awful contraptions imo which are used willy nilly and often far too low and tight).

Correctly fitted they work well for horses that cross their jaw or those that are prone to taking a hold.

Mexican and English require different placement height wise although tbh English grackles are rarely seen these days.

 

[Griffin]

Depends on the horse, the bit, and the circumstance.
I like them if not done up too tight and for helping stop a crossed jaw as an evasion - generally speaking though I like to work out why they are evading and to get them schooling well and responsively without.

This. I am not against a grackle if used correctly (I prefer them to flashes, which I would quite happily set fire to) but you need to find out why they are evading the bit if you can. It is really worth getting a bit expert out because they can make such a difference to how happy your horse is in their mouth.

 

[Katie270]

No issue with them and have found horses seem more comfy in one BUT I think they are really ugly.

Don’t care too much about how it looks as it’s more about what is comfortable for my horse and gives me a bit of control