Why is a grackle used on horses? What is its purpose ...?

Question

What is it used for? How do they work? Thanks xoxo

Answer 1

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I hate them. They're used to keep the horse's mouth shut so they are forced to accept the bit, rather than the rider trying to figure out why the horse gapes their mouth or tries to evade it.

The flash, or grackle, wraps around the horse's mouth in front of the bit to keep them from opening their mouth, moving their tongue, or otherwise trying to escape the bit or open their mouth.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co…

It's completely unfair to the horse to force them into a contraption like that without at least trying to understand what they're trying to tell their riders. They don't gape and chew the bit to be funny, they have a reason, but unfortunately many people that resort to grackles simply think their horses are being uncooperative or fussy and do not bat an eye at what may be causing them to behave that way.

They only mask the problem, not fix it. I can't take riders with flash bands seriously.

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks(:

Answer 2

i use one on my horse but i keep mine loose so that im not hurting him too much:)

its for very strong horses who open their mouths and cross their jaw trying to avoid the bit :)

its a bit like a flash noseband but the grackle stops the jaw from crossing where as the flash only stops the mouth from opening.

hope i helped :)

Answer 3

Drop nose band or figure 8.