Do I need the flash piece?

Today I had some time to kill so I swung over by the local tack store just to browse. To my surprise they had some very nice Dressage bridles with crystal (fake obviously) browbands & nosebands. Best part? They were cheap & I was looking for a new show bridle.

When I got home though I realized the bridle didn't have a flash noseband attachment. Because of the crystals on the noseband I obviously wouldn't want to use an attachment one - I'd have to get one sewn onto it. BUT, my question is: do I even really need it? It's just going to be used strictly at shows. The bridle my mare has now has the flash piece & that's what she'll be continued to get schooled in. I might have answered my own question. Still want to get some second opinions.

Just my opinion but a flash noseband is one of those halfway-house gadgets - it's neither one thing nor the other. It doesn't keep the horse's mouth closed like a drop noseband nor help stop the horse crossing it's jaw like a grakle.

I've never seen the point, so never used one. Having said that some horses do go well in one, in the same way that some like a Pelham - a bit that tries to do two things at once and succeeds in neither

My instructor recommended getting a flash noseband for my horse's gaping problem (from boredom) - after some research, I decided a drop would actually work much better while unclearthur pretty much summarized the problems with a flash.

I really liked the explanation I found on this website, and have found this website to be pretty accurate overall:

::: Sustainable Dressage - Tack & Auxillary Equipment - The Bridle & the Bit :::

You do not NEED a flash.

If the horse is gaping, there are other problems that need to be addressed.

I feel like a flash acts as an ill fitting figure 8...I've never liked them much.

Thanks for the replies everyone. The question wasn't if I needed one, she's already ridden in one & will continue to be in one, the question was if it was necessary to put one on her SHOW bridle. Which she'll only be ridden in for shows.

Yes, do put one on her show bridle if you ride at home in one. It's best to keep your home gear and your show gear as similar as possible.

^^You beat me to saying the exact same thing X-D