Grackle: Snaffle Bridle with Crossed Noseband for Jumping

Grackle: the bridle with a crossed noseband

With a grackle noseband, two straps cross over the nasal bone. The upper strap runs high around the head just below the facial crest, the lower one below the bit. This means the noseband sits well up, hardly interferes with breathing and steadies the bit. Snaffle bridles with a crossed noseband are common in show jumping and eventing. Here you will find the Cancun model from Covalliero and the Cancún from the Waldhausen X-Line.

When a grackle noseband makes sense

Many riders choose this type when their horse gets strong in the ring or across country. The noseband spreads the pressure over a larger area and keeps the mouth quieter without closing it. For horses with a short head it is often more comfortable than an English flash noseband, because there is no flash strap slipping down onto the nostrils. Whether it suits your horse shows in the way it chews: that should stay relaxed.

Fitting it correctly

The crossover point sits in the centre of the nasal bone, usually with a small pad. It must not slip down onto the soft cartilage of the nose. Fasten the upper strap so that it does not rub on the facial crest, and the lower one so that your horse can still relax its jaw. Here too the rule is two fingers of room under each strap. Check the fit again once you are in the saddle, as the leather gives a little in the first few days.

Frequently asked questions

Is a grackle noseband allowed in dressage tests?
Each federation sets this out in its tack rules. For competitions, check the current version of your federation's rules. For schooling and hacking you can use it freely.

Does a crossed noseband stop a horse putting its tongue out?
It can help the bit lie more quietly, but it does not solve the problem. Tongue issues often have their cause in the teeth, the size of the bit or the rider's hands. Have the teeth and bit checked first.

Does the pad at the crossover point press?
A well-padded crossover point spreads the pressure. If it sits centrally and not too low, most horses are not bothered by it. Redness or bald patches are a sign that height or tension need adjusting.