I agree with OP. Trying to find a nice bridle, without a flash, is very difficult. Doesn't actually affect me much as I always take the noseband off anyhow, but should I need a noseband, then I don't want a flash, so wouldn't want to buy it in the first place
Incidentally, it is very quick and simple for a saddler to remove the loop and re-stitch the gap.
I know where you are coming from, I dont use flashes and because the loop bugs me soo much I dont use the noseband at all !! I prob should as he opens his mouth, but I am not one for clamping it shut.
Have to agree with you there. When I was buying a bridle for my mare all I wanted was a plain black fairly narrow bridle . . . . I went to 5 saddlers before I could get one with an ordinary cavesson. Flashes really annoy me . . . horses "needing" them indeed. What did people do years ago when there weren't such things? Used a drop noseband, and you didn't see many of them either. I got my very nice bridle in TDS Saddlers in Four Marks, Alton and they do mail order too . . .