correctly fitted grackle

[vikkig]

does anyone have a pic of a correctly fitted grackle? i am having a nightmare trying to work out mac's sometimes it looks right then other days it is rubbing in places

many thanks

[emmathechief]

Is it an English grackle or Mexican? The English is fitted under the cheek bones similar to the cavessen. The mexican is fitted above the cheek bone, so it is a lot higher up the face. If you look on the internet under the type you have, I'm sure they'll be lots of pics.
This is my girl! It's English style and should be another cm down :o (can you see how it would rub her cheek bones?)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii91/emmathechief/Picture012.jpg

[Midori]

I'm curious. What's the difference in action between a Grackle and a Flash?

I have never used either, so I am interested.

Cheers, midori

[Iron Maiden]

I'm pretty sure that the top strap of an English grackle is meant to go 2 finger widths below the cheekbone. I've seen Mexican ones done up much higher, right up on the cheekbone - no idea what the 'rules' are for them!

A grackle is a figure 8 shape that goes around the jaw above & below the bit, not 2 separate pieces like a flash. It won't get pulled down the horse's face like a flash does if you do it up tight. It should be more effective than a flash because of this and it won't interfere with the breathing the way a flash can if it slips down onto the soft part of the nose above the horse's nostrils. Grackles can be very useful but I would always try a drop noseband first as this should be more comfortable for the horse, & only try a grackle if this doesn't work.