Grackle bridles are common place in many tack rooms, known for their distinctive design and practical benefits. As one of many bridle styles available, a grackle bridle caters to specific needs while offering a stylish and functional option for various disciplines.
But exactly what is a grackle bridle and how should it be used? In this guide, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and fitting considerations of grackle bridles, helping you determine whether this style is the right choice for your horse.
What is a Grackle Bridle?
A variation of a flash bridle, a grackle bridle features a grackle noseband as its main component, and can also be known as a ‘figure of 8’ bridle. Named after Grakle, the keen winner of the 1931 Grand National, a grackle noseband is designed with two leather straps that cross over the front of the horse’s nose and fasten in two places under the chin. It usually features a leather or sheepskin pad that sits in the centre of the horse’s face where the straps cross over.
What is a Grackle Bridle used for?
Grackle bridles are often favoured as their unique shape means they are less likely to restrict the horse’s airways, as the straps sit higher up away from the nostrils compared to other noseband types.
Popular across a range of horse riding disciplines, grackle bridles are most commonly used to prevent a horse from evading the bit by crossing its jaw, both high up towards the joint, and lower down towards their nose. These bridles can also be used to stop a horse from opening its mouth to resist a contact. Similar to flash and drop nosebands, the lower strap on a grackle helps to stabilise the bit in the horse’s mouth, making it a good option for ‘fussy’ or sensitive horses.
Traditionally, there are two main variations of a grackle, with the difference between the two designs being where they sit on the horse’s face. The Mexican (also known as an American or ‘high ring’ grackle) has upper straps that sit higher up on the face across the cheekbones. This bridle has a ‘softer’ action, and usually features metal rings that sit on either side of the face to allow for more articulation.
An English grackle has upper straps that are positioned lower down the horse’s face, just below the facial bones. With ‘fixed’ cheeks for a precise fit, it applies slightly more pressure than a Mexican grackle.
How to Fit a Grackle Bridle
- The central pad on the noseband of any grackle bridle should sit as high as possible.
- When fitting a Mexican grackle bridle, the top rings on the noseband should sit above the projecting cheek bone, with the top straps fastening around the upper jaw.
- When fitting an English grackle bridle, the top straps of the noseband should sit underneath the cheek bone.
- The lower strap on all grackle bridles should sit comfortably in the chin groove.
- If the bridle has buckle fastenings on either side of the face, ideally they should be fastened on the same hole on both sides.
- As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit one finger easily between the horse’s face and the noseband to enable the horse to relax its jaw.
Five Grackle Bridles to Add to Your Tack Room
With so many grackle bridles on the market, it is important to do some research to find the best one for your horse. A grackle bridle should always be fitted correctly to ensure it is comfortable and effective. Many horses fit in a ‘standard’ size bridle as they have lots of adjustment options. If the bridle you choose isn’t quite right, you might find you need to mix-and-match different parts for the perfect fit. Some horses will wear a full-size bridle, but with cob-size cheek pieces.
Nowadays, grackle bridles are becoming more widely accepted across equestrian disciplines. However, before you compete you should always check the rulebook for the governing body you plan to ride under.
When it comes to budget, it is worth remembering that the quality of the leather plays a huge factor in the longevity of your bridle. Plus, some bridles come with reins included in the price, so it’s good to have an idea in mind of what you plan to spend.
To give you a helping hand, in this Redpost Guide we’ve highlighted a few of our favourite grackle bridles, all of which are available on our website, app, and in-store.
All the Details: LeMieux Kudos Grackle Bridle
From the decorative stitching to the carefully placed soft padding, the LeMieux Kudos Grackle Bridle has had every feature created to deliver high levels of comfort, plus a sleek, smart appearance. Along with the anatomically shaped headpiece, this LeMieux bridle comes with interchangeable padding to sit under the central nosepiece, with the option of merino wool or a soft leather cushion.
Innovative Features: Stübben Leitrim Mexican 2305 Bridle
The Leitrim Bridle from Stübben with a Mexican noseband has been thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort, and to make it as ‘user-friendly’ as possible. The stand-out feature of this bridle is Stübben’s unique ‘Slide & Lock’ fastenings on the cheekpieces. These buckles are extremely secure and make changing your horse’s bit quicker and easier than other fastening styles. The Leitrim Mexican Bridle is also ideal for sensitive horses, with luxurious sheepskin on the central pad, and under the rings on each side of the face.
Under £100: Shires Velociti RAPIDA Grackle Bridle
This sleek bridle from Shires is made from Velociti leather, and features a Freedom Fit headpiece to relieve pressure across the poll. The headpiece, noseband and browband all have generous, anti-shock padding for comfort. Plus, it comes complete with a matching set of Shires Velociti reins.
Ultimate Comfort: Antarès Origin Grackle Bridle
Designed with your horse’s comfort as a priority, this bridle features a figure-8 noseband with reinforced padding to evenly distribute pressure, plus fastenings on both sides for the perfect fit. Made from supple French leather, this Antarès Bridle boasts an Origin headpiece, which is anatomically shaped to avoid the sensitive area around the base of the ears.
Versatility: Schockemohle Rio Select Mexican Grackle Bridle
Handcrafted from soft English leather, with a clincher browband and anatomically shaped headpiece, this Schockemöhle grackle bridle is a quality choice for any horse. The noseband fastens on both sides, meaning you can easily swap between different nosebands from the Schockemöhle Select range without having to take the whole bridle apart.
It’s important to remember that not every bridle will fit every horse. When you do find one that is the perfect fit, you should never fasten it too tightly, as this means your horse’s mouth and jaw won’t be soft or relaxed, and so they are unlikely to accept the bit.
If you would like further advice on which grackle bridle to choose, contact our knowledgeable team by calling 01803 812040, emailing [email protected], or popping into our Totnes Store.
