Flash?

What does a flash on a bridle do? I've always wondered this and I am wondering if my horse might need one.

As far as I know all a flash really does is keep the horses mouth closed and no horse needs that, more likely they need a dentist.

What makes you think your horse needs one?

It keeps their mouth closed so they can't avoid the bit by opening it and pushing their jaw.

I thought it was for nose pressure or something....or is that the figure eight??

He always chomps at his bit. It's not like the chewing/licking kind. It's the chomp, "I'm going to eat this" type. He grinds his teeth on it, and I'm not sure that's good. I don't know though.

What type of noseband would be good for this?

Oh ok.

I wouldnt reccomend just shooting in and buying a new nose band just yet. I would suggest finding out if there is any other issues causing your horse to chomp.

Watch him when he does it....what is the rest of his body saying at that time? Ears relaxed? Ears back angry? Tence muscles? Tail swishing or relaxed?
Does he do it at any particular moment when you are asking him? For instance ..when you ask him to trot does he do it only at that time...?

What current bit do you use and for how long have you used it?

The teeth floating is one possibility but it could be that the horse is avoiding the bit. I have one that will ride around with his mouth wide open and try to get his tongue over the bit. Sometimes it's a training issue. I don't use a flash for him though, I just put an english cavason (sp) on with my western bridle for him.

But I agree that you'll want to figure out the exact reason for his chomping/etc before using the flash.

I keep editing my comments! This is one place where... OK SPIRITHORSE!!!! YES I'M GOING TO SAY IT!!!! That Parelli...MUMBO JUMBO... might come in handy because I bet it's more of an emotional/attitude issue then teeth....

Also - make sure your bridle is adjusted properly... and it could be irritation as well... he might be cranky because you are making him work....

I'm not convinced of that... I would tend to think it's a physical problem more than an emotional problem I'd suggest getting the teeth checked for sure.
If not, maybe it's the back, or shoulder or haunches even... a horse can grind its teeth to say "I hurt!" as well.
Aaaand.. some horses just grind their teeth.... and a lot of the time a flash won't do anything.

I would definitely get him checked out. Please don't rush out and buy a flash straight away, i've seen so many riders put flashes on their horses just for the sake of it. It just turns into a vicious circle because 9 times out of 10, there is physical problem with the horse, so by strapping it's mouth shut it just makes the problem worse, but if it is a training problem, all the flash does is cover the problem up and it doesn't solve it. There is no substitute for good schooling is what I think :) . But yeah I would definitely get him checked out, hope this helps.

Hoe you get it sorted x x x

I have to say I have a flash for my horse. She's had her teeth floated so I know teeth are not a problem and anytime I put any sort of pressure on the reins, she'll gape. She's not in any pain and her tack fits her (she's done it while bareback as well)

I had a figure 8 and those are actually better IMO than a flash. They allow the nostril airway to expand fully so they can get more oxygen into their body. But mine was too big and I have to find it to punch more holes in it. A figure 8 can also stop a horse from crossing it's jaw.

I find that when I ride my mare in either a flash or figure 8, she behaves a lot better, she'll listen to my cues a lot more and she doesn't toss her head as much either.

I do not plan on always having to use a flash or figure 8, but i'm going to use it until we solve our problems. And no i'm not doing this to cover up a problem, she's a young horse and all of this is new to her. We do ride without the flash/ figure 8 most of the time.