Flash Vs Drop

[JackSprats Mom]

So the previous discussion on why people use a flash brought up the question for me as to why dressage riders tend to use a flash versus a drop noseband?

Any thoughts on why one is better then the other?

[scpezold]

Just my thoughts and opinion:
Drops fell out of favor when the flash was introduced. They say the drop makes a horses head look elongated. I have tried a flash on my guy but much prefer the drop. It gives him freedom of movement in the jaw area where it is limited with a flash.
I feel it is based on looks more then anything. As far as I know, but thought I also read that drops are still legal in the dressage ring. However with the bending at the poll and the horse being "collected" the regular noseband of the flash might give the "support" that area needs while still keeping the mouth closed.

[Carol O]

I think it is all style and what you are used to. I grew in dressage when drops were popular. I still prefer them. The flash came later, and those who are more familiar with them prefer the flash.

Styles come and go. Just wait. The flash will be back.

[Thomas_1]

I'm convinced it's just a rider fad and nothing much to do with the horse at all.

[egontoast]

Both are fine. :)

I've used both but I think I like the flash bettter because the drop sits lower on the nostril area.

Other than that, I don't think there is much difference in terms of function although some will tell you otherwise.

[dressagediosa]

I rode my chestnut mare in a flash as a young horse. She's never had a quiet, stable mouth, so I decided to experiment with a drop one day. She HATED it, balky, very fussy in the bridle, unhappy expression. In the flash, she goes fine. Go figure, right?

Like anything, it's about personal preference of horse and rider. I have three horses in a drop, one because that's what he showed up with, one who is a former driving horse who likes to curl up behind the contact and takes the bit better in the drop, and one because I think it looks pretty on her head and goes pretty much the same no matter what tack I put on. :)

[JackSprats Mom]

Thanks all, seems its just what someone prefers, I may try a drop as my horse doesn't seem to work so well in a flash and he will try and evade a little through his mouth when the work gets a little harder for him.

[Janet]

Try a search (if the searchh funtion os working). There have been numerous threads on this.

[Beasmom]

It can be hard to find drops that fit just right. It's easier to find and fit a flash. Drops are great, if you can find one that's made right for your horse.

[goeslikestink]

So the previous discussion on why people use a flash brought up the question for me as to why dressage riders tend to use a flash versus a drop noseband?

Any thoughts on why one is better then the other?

because a drop noseband works on the bridge of the nose and is one of the most serveress noseband in the wrong hands

[scpezold]

Wanted the add that I found an adjustable drop in a tack consignment store. LOVE IT. Highly recommend if you can find. The sides where the noseband connects have buckles with several holes so you can adjust to different horses. I have several drops but this is by far my favorite.
Also, I ensure I can get two fingers(side by side with both fingers lying on the bridge of the nose) under the noseband. I guess it must be the head on my guy b/c the drop does not look funny on him nor "elongates" his head.

[Ibex]

Bobby's makes one like that - I think eqtack.com carries them!

We started using a drop on my youngster because a regular noseband was rubbing right where her molars were coming in at the time. She's super happy in it, so we haven't bothered changing back... She has a very short/wide head, so if it does elongate it, that's ok! :lol: