can one hole on a flash really make that much difference?

Firehorse

Firehorse

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my pony wears a flash, its what he came with. most of the time he's a good boy, fwd going, with brakes. i've been playing about with his tack to find out what he really needs, as he did come with quite alot! so, i left his flash strap one hole looser. i've done this twice now, and both times i've had trouble stopping him. he always fidgets when i do it up which made me think it mightve been too tight, so i left it jst one hole looser and the brakes werent so good! can on tiny hole make that much difference?!
 
Absolutely it can Benpony. It may even be worth trying him without the lower strap altogether - you may be surprised! A lot of horses are ridden in tack which is not necessary - try him without, but make sure it is somewhere you feel safe, just in case it does affect his brakes!
 
Sorry - didn't read it accurately first time! Yes, it can make a difference either way. If it's not tight enough, it will be ineffective and may as well not be there; if it's too tight it can cause problems when the pony tries to evade the pressure!

Have you tried using a drop noseband rather than a flash - they are easier to fit properly and less likely to cause evasion due to discomfort?
 
Good idea! Make sure you know how to fit one properly - they often aren't fitted very well. Ask someone to show you - good luck with your pony!
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A drop would be much kinder and get a similar effect so do give it a go, alternatively a mexican grackle is better than a flash with the same sort of effect. Read Sustainable dressage about flash nosebands, very interesting, and very much what my old instructor used to say about them too.
 
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problem is alot of people who use flashes, don't do the flash up properly - which makes me wonder why you'd use one at all?!!!

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Totally agree - they are one of my pet hates, for that reason. I know plenty of experienced riders who do use them, with great success, but I see so many fitted badly - grrrr. Drops are a much better alternative.
 
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