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What is a flash noseband used for2007-11-24 21:19:05

I just got a new bridle free with something else, and it has a flash noseband. I usually use a reg. noseband but I need a new bridle anyhow so I was wondering if the flash noseband would affect anything, what its used for, and anything else you want to add. I do hunter/jumper mostly.

Answers:

The flash is very useful in keeping your horses mouth closed but even more importantly it really doesn't allow the horse to grab the bit and lock his jaw against you. Because of the 2 nose band fastenings I believe it works better that a dropped noseband for this. A lot of times horses with a 'tough mouth' are often using their jaw against you and the flash can help soften them up a bit. They are used with jumpers, in dressage, in racing (although slightly different and is called a figure-eight,) equitation and I believe is allowed in hunters as well but I usually don't see them used in the hunter ring. I think they are very effective without being harsh. Of course it needs to be fastened to the right tightness and fitted properly. The flash part of the noseband (What is the extra strap that differentiates it from a regular or dropped noseband) is fastened below the bit. The other strap is fastened above the bit not quite as high as a plain noseband but not much lower. I used to use a thin piece of high density foam rubber to protect my horses skin at the jawline from getting pinched.

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Flash nosebands are designed to eliminate the horse opening their mouth or playing with the bit too much.