Flash and Drop Nosebands - Difference?

[georgiegirl2]

Sounds like a really dumb question but do flash and drop nosebands work differently or is it simply down to rider preference between the two?

What do people like to use and why?? You used to see a lot of drop nosebands years ago but our tack shop doesnt even sell them!

 

[k9h]

The drop noseband came first. People wanted the drop to shut the mouth but it they wanted to wear a standing martingale they had to put a caveson on aswell. Which is where the flash was made by combining the 2 of them.
I prefer drops really as they act on the corrrect part as long as not fitted to low. Or grackles. Down to personal preferance. Plus with the flash it can't be done to low as the cavaeson part should be fitten just like one so the flash strap does not interfer with the breathing. But then people strap it so tight that it pulls the cavason part downwards & then looks ugly IMO.

 

[Smash]

Drop nosebands keep the mouth shut, flash nosebands are a fashion statement.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Drop are far more effective at keeping the mouth shut, than a flash (find flashes have to be done up mmuch tighter to have the same effect). Obviously drops aren't very fashionable though!!!

 

[cpendle]

This explains it well.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/1370/34808.html

 

[vicm2509]

I put my horse in a flash last year as he was opening his mouth a lot and my instructor told me I would not progress to higher level dressage with his mouth hanging open. I noticed a few months ago that he was tenser in the mouth than I would like, he also seemed to fight against the flash quite a bit and tilt his head occasionally to try to evade it.

So a few weeks ago I decided to try the drop, and OMG it was like riding a totally different horse. He was amazing. Totally relaxed in the jaw, willing to work a lot lower and when asked he came higher into a really nice outline. Also as it was making him accept the bit better I have a lot more control on hacks and now leave him in his snaffle rather than swapping to a gag. Drops are certainly the way to go, 100% better than a flash. I am now really enjoying my schooling and getting so much more from my horse. I know it sounds like i am exagerating here but really I am not.

It may not be the same for every horse but mine will certainly never be schooled in a flash again.

 

[Minnies_Mum]

I had the same experience, my horse was tense in a flash and much better in a drop.

 

[WishfulThinker]

I changed Beau over to a drop on Friday and OMG the difference was amazing! We had brakes without fighting and jaw crossing, and he wasnt trying to wipe his face on his legs all the time like he does with a flash.