Bridle with flash?

[dcp]

amazingly I have a small bit of extra cash this month and Charlie could really do with a new bridle. Question is should he have a flash or not? A riding instructor told me to put him in a flash loose to start off with. I did and eventully just took it off. When I rode at the weekend I could see him sticking his tongue out his mouth and this was the reason I was told to put him in a flash.

Also he is TB can you recommend a bridle that suits thier head?

[Tots N Dots]

I really like the Heritage (Samuel Sharp) Comfort Bridles, since I first used one I get one for each horse and the physio has just recommended this type for Danny as I had been riding him in the bridle he came in,
in my personal opinion I hate flash nosebands, but that is only my personal opinion :o , the way I view it, is that if a horse is sticking its tongue out, then why? I try to find if there is a bit that the horse would be happier with, maybe one with more tongue room? than strap the horses mouth shut over the thing that is making the horse uncomfortable in the first place? if that makes any sense, :D

[dcp]

My horse has a funny thing going on with his tongue. When waiting for food he sticks it out his mouth and pulls funny faces. I have him in a straightbar happy mouth which the previous owner had him in too. Seemingly he could get his tongue over the jointed bits so I've always been to scared to try anything else. How would I know if the bit wasn't a good fit?

[Tots N Dots]

its not always that a bit doesnt fit, its some horses have more fleshy tongues than others and the such like, has he always been sticking his tongue out since you got him or is it a recent thing? does he do it all the time or only in the beginning when you ride? he could be quite happy with the bit but is maybe evading something? is the bit a loose ring or a eggbutt type fixed cheek?

[dcp]

It's a loose ring. I was told to put him in a flash about a year ago because he was sticking his tongue out. I think it's something that he always does probably evading everything I'm asking. I don't feel like I have no control though I can still slow him down and turn him no problem.

I like the idea of just having the basic tack and simpliest bit for a happy horse.

[horsey1]

Lol it must be a TB thing we have one at our yard like that:D the instructor said to put a flash on as he was evading the bit, but he went much better without it

[Pink's lady]

Also he is TB can you recommend a bridle that suits thier head

Sure he's not a STB ;)

A mullen mouth is a mild bit, in terms of pressure the rider can apply using it, but for some horses it's really uncomfortable - it seriously squashes the tougne. Sounds like that's what it's doing to charlie, and he's sticking his tounge out to releive the pressure.

Getting the tounge over the bit isn't a common problem, and usually because the bits too low. And it's not particularly eaiser to get their tounge over a jointed than a snaffle..

I would try him in a new bit rather than a bridle - a normal single jointed and a french link. Borrow them off someone before buying - I have both in a 5 1/2 you can try.

[dcp]

He needs a new bridle anyway because the one he has isn't even leather (don't buy £15.99 bridles form ebay).

Can I buy these bits as happy mouths? Think I'll just take the plung and get one. He has a reall small mouth. So what is standard? Is a snaffle joint whatever better than a straightbar? I just want things to be simple and I want him in the softest bit.

[Tots N Dots]

Danny has a happy mouth, it has two joints with a roller thingy in the middle, he really likes it but he chews it :eek: before or after dentist, :D but it does give him room for his tongue

[Pink's lady]

French link (a double jointed snaffle) is probably the kinder bit - gives more room for the tounge, no nutcracker, doesn't hit the roof of the mouth.

I'm not conviced the happy mouths are 'nicer' than a decent stainless steel bit - they have a lot of 'drag' through the mouth compared to the smooth metal.