Please explain the proper fitting of flash nosebands!

Should I keep Hippo in a flash noseband?

  • Total voters
    0
A

Arizahn

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 May 2011
Messages
4,297
Visit site
All this dislike of flash nosebands has me curious, tbh.

Hippo was in a plain cavesson but it was too small so of course then I needed to get her a new bridle and was informed by tack shop that they only sold the flash type...figured if she seemed unhappy I could just leave the flash part off? She was going fine in it - I may have it done up incorrectly though as she can still open her mouth and mouth her bit, etc.

Seriously how tight should it be? I can just get two fingers under it when fastened and she seems nice and relaxed. I'm concerned now...don't want to ask at new yard as don't wish to be seen as the idiot who is confused by flash nosebands! Should i just ditch the flash entirely? Still new bridle as well, so wearing it in, which doesn't help...

Bit of a moot point at them moment I know, but I do hope to be back on her eventually, so figured I should just bite the bullet and ask! Hippo can be sharp when in season but she's a poppet the rest of the time. Fast but not unstoppable if you get me. Is in a loose ring French link type snaffle. Would have preferred a plain cavesson as I understand those but tack shop lady said no:(

It also came with a running martingale but I chose to ignore that entirely as Hippo simply does not need one. Her old owner used one and the mare hated it. She also had her in a badly worn Myler happy mouth, and the aforementioned badly fitting bridle, but I am digressing and here are some virtual Jaffa cakes!
 
If you can get two fingers in it, and she can still chew and mouth her bit, it's correctly fitted. You will need the cavesson part done up a little tighter so that the flash doesn;t pull it downwards though.

I'd take it off if she doesn't need it though - no point in adding extra leather work if it isn't reauired.
 
Thanks, the cavesson is where it ought to be and the bridle sits nicely overall. I was just worried in case i had the flash done up too tightly/loosely:o

Am really happy to have her in a bridle that isn't uncomfortable...why do people sell horse's with tack that clearly doesn't fit them? Seriously - why put the horse through that? Gah!:mad:
 
I always make sure that flashes are relatively loose (especially when Ned had his, he doesn't need one, but that's not my choice when I'm not on him!)
When I went to an interview at a very flashy (lol) yard, and I did the flash up with the 2 finger rule. I was told this was wrong and the woman did it up as tight as it would possibly go :S I was honestly shocked, they were meant to be extremely professional!!

ETA: I really had to search around to find a bridle that didn't have a flash :\

And to answer your question - if she doesn't need it, take it off :) I do when I ride Ned!
 
Sounds like it fits ok however if your horse doesn't need it I would take the flash strap off and use it as a cavesson. Not a fan of flash nosebands at all but each to their own. If you don't need a running martingale then don't use it , I didn't understand the comment about your horse hating it as they don't come into action unless the horse raises it's head unless fitted too tight.
 
TBH, I kept the flash on to try it but it does seem kind of unnecessary so I reckon it's coming off. Will see about removing the little loop to make bridle look tidy as well...stupid I know but it would drive me bonkers! My OH did leather working for a while so he can probably adjust it:)
 
pinklilly said:
Sounds like it fits ok however if your horse doesn't need it I would take the flash strap off and use it as a cavesson. Not a fan of flash nosebands at all but each to their own. If you don't need a running martingale then don't use it , I didn't understand the comment about your horse hating it as they don't come into action unless the horse raises it's head unless fitted too tight.
Click to expand...

She has a naturally high head carriage...when I was first riding her she was very tense and kept trying to toss her head. I decided to try taking the running martingale off and she relaxed. No more head tossing and even gives me an outline now. Much happier:)
 
marydoll said:
I didnt feel i could comment on whether your horse needs it as i dont know your horse
Click to expand...

That's okay; I've only started to scratch the surface with her myself tbh! What would be your opinion given that she acts exactly the same with or without it on, and is only really sharp when in season? (Sharp as in, not a tank but fast so you have to sit properly and not ask for canter if you only want trot!)
 
Generally flashes are no substitute for good quality schooling and teaching a soft mouth .soft contact, and knowledge in bio mechs is paramount to understanding that to immobilize the mouth mouth creates tension throughout the mouth tongue poll, back so on and so forth this in turn very often puts the horse on the forehand, twisted truths of modern dressage addresses much of the issues
 
PendleEquestrian said:
Generally flashes are no substitute for good quality schooling and teaching a soft mouth .soft contact, and knowledge in bio mechs is paramount to understanding that to immobilize the mouth mouth creates tension throughout the mouth tongue poll, back so on and so forth this in turn very often puts the horse on the forehand, twisted truths of modern dressage addresses much of the issues
Click to expand...

Ah, well she doesn't need it then! She has a very soft mouth and only needs a light contact. Thank you:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top