Tell me about grackle nosebands

Bernster

Bernster

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I've seen a lot more of these lately and am interested in why people use them and what they're considered to be useful for.

Would they work with a Neue Schule Universal bit? I currently have the NS Universal with a flash and leather curb for xc/hunting and it's worked pretty well - assume with a grackle you don't have the curb. Would using a grackle with the NS bit (but no curb/flash) be a stronger or weaker combination?
 
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As you can see they work with a NS Universal. If you take the curb off the Universal it can make the action more harsh because the angle can be greater, causing more pressure. I don't use the curb, for SJ I have roundings on the reins and for XC I need a bit extra so put the reins on the bottom ring.

Traditionally the grackle is supposed to prevent the horse from crossing their jaw. I swapped my mare into it as she used to get her tongue over the bit but doesn't in this and I don't have it overly tight at all.
 
Funnily enough, I passed a horse in one on Sunday afternoon, the first I've seen in years. Thirty or so years ago they were popular, especially with strong ponies. I think it is just a trend that is coming around again.
 
I agree with fatpiggy in that they seem very trendy these days. My daughter spent a fortune of her hard saved money on one for her pony. (without my knowledge) when I questioned it she told me they look cool!
I was a bit horrified but she was 12 and didn't know any better. I let her use it but done up so loosely it did nothing!
I have nothing against them used correctly for a reason, I just think many people don't.

To be fair I was happy she put it on her new horse recently as it was all we had to fit him to do a hunter trial. The old owners told us to use a gag but again we only had a snaffle in his size, he proved very strong in the warm up and I tightened the noseband for her which did help tremendously to they certainly have a place :)
 
Lovely pic R_P

I def think they seem to be coming back into fashion and I do wonder why they are being used more, unless it's just a trend. I've heard they are intended for horses who cross their jaw, and presumably they are better/similar to a flash for that reason?

But I also get the impression they're used for strong horses who don't cross their jaw - so I was wondering if that was also a use for them, as a stronger noseband.

I will see how we get on hunting this year. She got a bit strong at a recent pony party (sponsored ride in a big group). I think she thought she was hunting again. But then I had pretty good control in the current bit/noseband combo at xc last week. Ho hum.
 
Definitely in fashion! However far better for the horse than a Flash noseband. There are two types though so you need to be sure each are correctly fitted.

The FIGURE EIGHT - has straps that run freely through the cheek pieces. This one is fitted below the cheek bone, it also comes with a short strap at the back which links the top and bottom noseband straps together. The cross piece in the front is usually riveted together.

The MEXICAN GRACKLE - has the upper noseband attached to a small ring at the side. This one is fitted up high, above the projecting cheekbone with the lower strap being brought down under the jowl. The front straps run freely through a sheepskin padded leather disc.

Both these nosebands should have the cross over point quite high on the nasal bone, then the straps clear the sensitive sides of the nostrils. Most likely the reason so many horses go much better in them than a Flash noseband.

Both nosebands should be fitted with a two finger gap, top and bottom to enable the horse to relax its jaw.

Neither the Grackle or a Flash should be fitted with a bit that has a curb as the strap will push the curb chain upwards onto the underside of the jawbone. These are two very narrow edges of bone only covered by a thin layer of skin and very sensitive.

Drawback - you can't use a standing martingale with a Grackle, because of the movement around the nose. You will still need a plain cavesson or flash for this.
 
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I use a grackle on Bill, purely because he prefers it over the flash! He must find it more comfortable, as He doesn't cross his jaw at all (even before grackle) but works better in it than the flash. I use an elasticated Mexican grackle, and it works with both the universal and snaffle. Luckily we can also use it for aff dressage here as well :)

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This is the grackle, with the elastic bit over his cheekbones (mid gallop but was best pic of grackle) :)
 
I like to use an English grackle (figure of 8) not a a Mexican as I feel its action is more beneficial, and it looks nicer imho!
My mare goes well in it as her tendency is to take a hold on one side of the bit and tank in that direction. The grackle stops her being able to!
 
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