What is a grackle noseband for?

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