a grackle / or a Mexican noseband =] x
A Grackle noseband (often called a "figure-8 noseband") is meant to keep the horse from crossing his jaw, and opening his mouth. It is often used in fast-paced equestrian sports, such as: * Show Jumping * Cross Country * Racing All of the sports listed above are fast-paced (as I mentioned before), so the Grackle, or Figure-8 Noseband, is supposed to also leave their nostrils clear, so that they can breathe much easier. People sometimes prefer Flash Nosebands, but many say that it is too hard to breathe through, because the Flash often presses on the horse's nostrils, making it difficult to breathe. Some people say that a Grackle, or Figure-8, is a harsh noseband, but it is actually much better than a Flash. The Grackle is not a harsh noseband in reality, so long as it is fitted properly. Properly fitted Grackle/Figure-8 noseband: http://www.netequestrian.com/products/images/VSPBF8O.jpg Properly fitted Flash noseband: http://www.ridgemountsaddlery.com/images/PadFlashBridlePanache.jpg
A figure 8 simply keeps the horses mouth closed around the bit so it cannot evade the bit. Sometimes its used simply to keep a horses tongue in its mouth when the horse likes to stick it out. (Not kidding, there are horses that prefer to keep their tongue stuck out.) A flash noseband performs the same function but some people think a figure 8 is more comfortable for the horse. You can certainly use a martingale with a figure 8. If you use a standing martingale be sure to attach it to the part of the nose band that does not go below the bit. It must attach to the upper noseband.
It is used to remind the horse to keep its mouth closed and prevents him from crossing his jaw, and its design provides more expansion of the nostrils, which is preferable for horses performing work involving galloping, and has always been popular in show jumping.
3200m figure 8 horse racing track by Karra.
The Grackle and Mexican noseband are the same thing, they both fall under the heading of Figure-8 nosebands. The difference is in how they are fitted. The basic or 'American or Mexican' Grackle is positioned so that the cheek rings sit high above the cheek bones. While a basic 'English' grackle typically has no rings and sits just below the cheeks. Both work the same way to prevent the horse from crossing it's jaw and getting strong.
A figure eight is riding your horse in a pattern similar to the number 8.
You can. The Figure 8 is in my opinion such a pretty look and it does fine with a full cheek snaffle. When using a full cheek remember to use the leather stoppers that will keep the long parts of the bit where they need to be. Ride on.
An 8 sided figure is an octagon.
I am going to asume by 'crown piece' you are talking about the bridle's headstall/browband. On this assumption the answer would be to match your leather in width, finish and color. But you usually will be trying to match your Figure 8 with the headstall/browband since the Figure 8 is usually an add-on to an existing bridle. Use your eye, if it looks good and makes a good match you got a winner.
octagon
an octagon
The Sleipner.