Which nose band to use?!

[willowdoodle]

I'm buying a new bridle and I'm not sure which nose band to use as id like to buy it with the bridle. He currently wears a grackle but I don't think he needs it as I haven't noticed him trying to cross his jaws. He can sometimes be naughty though and will open his mouth to try to avoid the bit. Should I just get a flash nose band? I suppose I could always buy a separate nose band at a later date if one doesn't work out?
Thanks!

 

[SpringArising]

You need to work out why he's opening his mouth as opposed to saying he's naughty. A noseband isn't going to solve your problem unless you want a quick fix.

 

[bluebellfreddy]

Try a drop noseband, you can always go back to your old grackle on new bridle

 

[willowdoodle]

He only does this occasionally, he has his bad days and his good days. The two past days he's been absolutely perfect but he seems to misbehave in bad weather for some reason. I've tried him without a nose band and he was perfect when the sun was shining and there was little wind but the next day it was windy and raining and he was naughty. I suppose I could get a bridle with a removable flash so if it turns out he doesn't need it, I could just take it off?

 

[willowdoodle]

Also he will open his mouth to avoid the bit to try to get to something he wants, could be to say hello to another horse in the field next to him (ridden in his field) or my bag that I hang in the fence because he knows that I hide the treats in there!

 

[willowdoodle]

Try a drop noseband, you can always go back to your old grackle on new bridle

Sorry to sound dim, but what does a drop nose band do? I've only ever used a grackle, flash and cavesson on any of the horses I've ridden so I'm not sure about anything else x

 

[bluebellfreddy]

It works like a flash, but gives a better more efficient pressure. My mare prefers a drop over a flash.

 

[pixie]

I would also go for a drop rather than a flash.

 

[Tnavas]

Drop or stay with the grackle - these two fit the horse more comfortably than a flash.

 

[Tnavas]

Sorry to sound dim, but what does a drop nose band do? I've only ever used a grackle, flash and cavesson on any of the horses I've ridden so I'm not sure about anything else x

A drop just reduces the ability of the horse to open its mouth. Historically it is used with a Fulmer snaffle in the early training of the horse - the idea being the horse doesn't learn to open its mouth in the first place. It is fitted two fingers above the end of the false nostril, so that it sits on the nasal bone rather than the cartilage. The Fulmer then makes the lower strap sit comfortably in the chin groove. This combination is the choice of the Spanish Riding School when they break in their youngsters.
It can also be used with a full cheek, or a Tom Thumb snaffle. Avoid using it with just a ring bit as the lower strap may slide across the rings, altering the lie of the bit.

 

[Shay]

Ditto the others - a flash is too often misused. Far better to go for a drop if that is the action wanted. Overtightened crank nosebands are also a pet hate!

 

[catkin]

go for a bridle (branded or made-to-measure) that you can buy individual parts separately. You then have the flexibility of not only swopping out nosebands but getting a well fitting bridle for your horse - many many horses need different sizing on say browband and cheekpieces.

PS a grackle noseband properly adjusted is actually very comfortable for the horse - much moreso than a flash. They are now allowed in dressage if that is of concern to you.

 

[pansymouse]

My mare is a lot less tiresome with no noseband at all - it might be an option to consider for you too. Otherwise I'm in the drop camp too.

 

[SuperTeifi]

A standard caveson with flash could be all that's needed? Certainly if there's no crossing of the jaw. There's also an interesting flash bridle by EvoEquine. I think you can remove the flash without the loop in the middle if that makes sense!