Could someone explain to me what a flash noseband is for?

"evading the bit"? How would opening their mouth do that? Literally every horse at the riding school had one on today, can't believe they'd all need it?
 
It was originally designed for people who wanted to use a drop noseband and a standing martingale at the same time. You couldn't attach a standing martingale to a drop noseband.
They then became fashionable!!
I much prefer a drop or high ring grackle. All are designed to prevent the Horse from opening his/her mouth excessively to evade the action of the bit.
 
I don't like them and take the flash strap off if the bridle comes with a flash. Never had a problem with a horse in just a cavesson noseband except for my pony years ago who needed a drop noseband.
 
Mine had one on when she was a baby because she used to neigh and shout at all the other horses and it stopped her opening her mouth to do it. They don't really do much and she grew out of getting excited at seeing another horse so i don't use it now. I think some people just ahve them on to 'look nice'.
 
A flash noseband has its place for horses who open their mouth a lot or would attempt to put their tongue over the bit. The flash helps to keep their mouth shut! I think it tends to be habit that people keep a flash on. "It's attached to the bridle so fasten it up!" Not my sentiments I might add!
My previous TB did need a flash, my current TB who is in the process of being reschooled has not needed a flash at all and is very still in his mouth and happy with contact.
Horses for courses!
 
grr I hate flash straps - it really bugs me how people strap the horses mouth tightly shut so they cant mouth the bit at all and struggle to breath! Also they always put them the wrong way round and have them so tight the noseband is pulled down the nose - if you don't know how to fit it correctly then don't use it!

Much prefer a well fitted drop noseband myself.
 
If a horse has the habit of sticking it's tongue out then a flash is often used to keep the tongue in. Unfortunately most dressage judges (& some showing judges) regard tongue out as resistance & deduct marks every time they see it hence the very tight flash straps so that there is absolutely no chance of the judge seeing the tongue!
 
Mine has a flash to see her her up, after a few days it will come off. She has one on for jumping and galloping and she gets too enthustiatic.
 
When I went to view the pony I have just bought he had a flash on, he's not been broken in long and so to me a flash seemed unneccesary as it would prevent him mouthing the bit. When I asked why she used it she replied that the but seemed to slip sideways in his mouth sometimes causing the ring to go in. So instead of addressing an incorrect bit she stuck a flash on him??? But then again she always rode in (tight) side reins!! Which also seems completely illogical to me, her reason was he won't work in an outline ( he's 5!!!!!). Instead of realising that to work in an he first has to learn to move forwards off the leg, then gain balance before he can work properly in order to maintain a correct outline, she just stuck some side reins on to create the artificial effect! The incorrect use of "gadgets" is my pet peeve!!
 
Realy there is no reason to use any noseband on a reasonably well schooled horse!! surely one of the first things you want to teach a horse is to happly carry the bit and not feel the need to avade it ...
 
Munchkin said:
I'm sorry... I must have missed your helpful answer?

And Mike007 is correct, by the way, although saying that I do know the odd dressage rider who has explained using a flash strap as a way to keep the horse's bit stiller in its mouth. Make of that what you will.
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'Stiller' ?
That is not a word.
 
A flash is to stop the horse opening his/her mouth and evading the bit.

I used to think they were the invention of the devil and none of my horses ever wore one. However, Bigbird (after having the dentist check for sharp points etc) still had a habit of opening her mouth when first backed, so, my trainer made me put a flash on her :eek::eek::eek:

She is now one year on from backing and the flash is so loose as to be of no consequence and she no longer opens her mouth, the flash will be dispensed with very shortly :D

I am only mad that I had to spend MORE money and actually had to BUY yet another bridle as I did not own one with a flash. Should have bought a cheaper one really, as, yes, I could just remove the flash strap but that annoying little loop will still be there :mad:
 
Flash noseband = Pet hate.

I used a flash on my Arab in my ignorant youth. My Arab very quickly let me know how uncomfortable he was with this. He was less strong but he exhibited other behaviours instead!

As other posters have said, they were invented to facilitate the use of a standing martingale whilst still having a drop noseband.

Now they come as standard on almost every bridle off the peg. Grrr!

If required a traditional drop is much more comfortable or a Relaxer Drop or a well fitted grackle.

If the horse has a problem with the bit then that should be addressed by re-schooling or trying a bitless option.
 
Oberon said:
Flash noseband = Pet hate.

I used a flash on my Arab in my ignorant youth. My Arab very quickly let me know how uncomfortable he was with this. He was less strong but he exhibited other behaviours instead!

As other posters have said, they were invented to facilitate the use of a standing martingale whilst still having a drop noseband.

Now they come as standard on almost every bridle off the peg. Grrr!

If required a traditional drop is much more comfortable or a Relaxer Drop or a well fitted grackle.

If the horse has a problem with the bit then that should be addressed by re-schooling or trying a bitless option.
Click to expand...

^ Ditto this.
 
Strange isn't it, how in some ridden disciplines you never see a horse's mouth strapped shut in this way? I'm trying to think of ever seeing a western trained horse wearing a flash. I have seen so many horses that have stopped opening their mouths or "evading the bit" simply by the use of good riding and training. I am convinced they are never necessary. Maybe chosen to fix a problem, but never the only or best solution.
 
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