LeMieux Arika Grackle Bridle

With a grackle noseband it all comes down to where the crossing point sits. It belongs in the middle of the nasal bone, well below the cheekbone and not low down near the nostrils. Adjust both straps to the same length, otherwise the cross shifts to one side. The lower strap runs under the bit and should sit no tighter than needed to keep the bit stable.

For size, choose Cob for finer and smaller heads and Full for the average warmblood head. If in doubt, measure the noseband and the cheekpieces of a bridle that fits your horse well and compare those lengths.

English leather rewards regularity more than intensive cleaning sessions. Wipe the bridle down after every ride, clean it weekly with saddle soap and then feed it with a thin layer of leather balm you let soak in. Let wet leather dry at room temperature, never near a heat source. Rinse the non-slip reins when they are dirty and let them air dry. A matching ear bonnet or saddle pad from our range completes the set visually.

The Arika suits jumping and eventing riders who deliberately choose a grackle noseband and want a bridle that looks well turned out, with reins included. For horses with a lot of mouth activity this is also one of the models riders reach for.

If you mainly ride dressage, a bridle with a classic or combined noseband from our range fits better with what is usual in the dressage arena. If your horse actually benefits from a wide, padded noseband lying flat on the nasal bone, a combined noseband is the more logical choice. And if you are after a sleek, modern line, a model with a straight browband suits better than this curved version.

The crossing point of the grackle noseband belongs in the middle of the nasal bone, well below the cheekbone and not low near the nostrils. Adjust both straps equally, otherwise the cross shifts to one side. The lower strap runs under the bit. The non-slip reins are included.

Wipe the bridle after every ride, clean it weekly with saddle soap and feed it with a thin layer of leather balm. Let wet leather dry at room temperature. Rinse the non-slip reins when they are dirty and let them air dry.

Are the reins included?
Yes. Non-slip reins come with this bridle.

What type of noseband does this bridle have?
A grackle noseband. Two narrow straps cross each other on the nasal bone.

Which size do I take?
The Arika comes in Cob and Full. Cob generally suits finer and smaller heads, Full the average warmblood head.

Does this bridle come in other sizes?
The sizes we stock as standard are listed under the technical specifications. Other sizes can be ordered in on request.

Which colours is the Arika available in?
In black with silver and in havana with silver. Not every colour is available in every size.

May I compete with a grackle noseband?
Which nosebands are permitted differs per discipline and per federation and sometimes changes. Check the rulebook of your own discipline and federation before you enter.

How do I care for the leather?
Wipe down after the ride, clean weekly with saddle soap and then feed lightly with leather balm. Let wet leather dry at room temperature.

• The LeMieux Arika Grackle Bridle is a leather bridle with a grackle noseband.
• Headpiece and noseband are softly padded, the headpiece is anatomically shaped.
• The browband is curved and leaves room at the base of the ears.
• The bridle is made of English leather with silver coloured buckles.
• Non-slip reins are included.
• Available in black with silver and havana with silver, in the sizes Cob and Full.
• Intended for jumping and eventing.