Benefits of switching from a flash to a figure-8?

Question

My OTTB is ridden with a flash. I want to take him off it completely, but he doesn't react well without it. Would it be to my benefit to use a figure-8? What would the difference be, if you know?

Answer 1

A figure 8 is supposed to be better at stopping the horse from crossing his jaw so if that's what he's doing then it may be better.

Which type of martingale is it  ?

You say you loosened it as far as it would go - does it actually do any thing now ? If it's a running martingale the rings should be able to reach right up to his throat, a standing martingale should be the same.

If your bit is pinching even with rubber guards then there is something wrong - I'd take a look to make sure the bit isn't either too high in his mouth or a size too small for him.

Answer 2

The flash noseband and the figure 8 are not all that different. They have similar designs and purposes. The figure 8 is more effective at controlling a horse that crosses his jaw, but other than that, its just a matter of personal preference. So, if you have a personal preference for the figure 8, there is no reason why you could not switch to it, just make sure that it is properly fitted as they can be difficult to adjust properly.

Is there are specific reason why you don't want to use the flash?

Answer 3

the action is quite similar, its how it sits on the horse's head that is different... the figure 8 is higher up the horse's head, with the idea being that it cant interfere with their breathing... (which is why you typically see it in high energy sports like racing or jumping..)

my concern here is that without any flash/figure 8 action you say he doesnt go well at all, to the point that he has no brakes.. and here i say while you may need to keep a flash/figure8 on for a little while, look deeper into the reasons why he needs it... a horse uses a flash/figure 8 to keep his mouth shut to keep him from escaping the bit.. why is he trying to evade the bit? does the bit not fit properly? does he have dental/mouth problems? really poor training? poor riding? other physical problems? (back/neck)... do a complete exam - physical/mental/training and figure out what the problem is.. if its not physical or tack related, then start the retraining process..

unless you are doing high energy sports most people use a flash, and if you are going to show him you would look very out of place with a figure 8 (except in jumpers), and in fact in some disciplines its either a flash or a plain noseband, so if you decide to keep the flash on figure out your long term plans with him and work from there..

good luck

Answer 4

design is the only difference really...how does he react wen u take if off completly?

EDIT: well first id say to make an adjustment to his diet and exersize program to try to get his enegry levels down a little...have your vet assist you in doing this though.Also it would seem to make sense to put on a "harsher" bit for a stronger horse but horses run from pain so if u are putting a mean bit in his mouth he will likley not improve...and also have the vet check his tack fit and do a check up to make sure he doesnt have any bruises or sensitive areas and in doing ALL of this you can take the flash off and he will most likley be a happier more comfterable horse that is willing to preform better for you...good luck!!! =]]

Answer 5

well, a figure 8 is supposedly more comfortable for the horses, though i'm sure that can be disputed.  I've been debating myself between flash and figure 8, but my flash is working so i stick with it.

now.. on the training thing (i work with OTTB's, get the too tight martingale, harsh bit, training aids mess all the time.. lots of them end up like this.)

Okay, .. what do you do?  DO you show? and if you do in what discipline?  If you're just riding to ride, or if you event.. you may just end up using a flash forever.  I would like, more then anything, to not have to use a flash on my horse, but i got him after 17 years of life, being trained wrong.  he learned that he could put his head up, open his mouth, and RUN and nothing could stop him.  Its not something hes done with me recently (knock on wood) but it IS something he knows HOW to do.  I choose to keep it on since he can run away with him, but i don't put it so tight that it is contantly pushing on him.  Its there as a precautionary thing that only works when his mouth is open past and acceptable place.

But, if you show hunters, i would work on yourself so that you can sit deep into him and not freak if he bolts.  It takes alot of him bolting to get used to it, but after 6 months with my guy, i don't worry when he bolts/bucks/freaks.  that way, you can just take off the flash, and if he does anything it won't effect you.  Same goes for the standing, if anything switch to a properly ajusted running martingale, it will only come into action if he is being stupid, eventually he'll realize that he just can't do it and he wont.

Once you get the flash and martingale gone (or are using the running martinglae) put him in a single link D or O ring snaffle.  It will work, you need to remember that HE CAN'T GO ANYWHERE!  whats the worst thats gunna happen? he'll run back to his stall for some hay and you'll do an emergency dismount.  No Big Deal!

Its a long slow process, but to be able to ride your horse with a simple bridle and flash is the best reward.

fell free to e-mail if you'd like,,

and Good Luck!!

Answer 6

It might simply be a case of what he's used too. Do you know why he was ridden with the flash originally?

What bit do you use?

Edit: A few more questions, have you ever ridden him bareback? What type of martingale is he ridden with?

I'm assuming previous owners had it so tight to either A. pull his head in for correct head carriage by force rather then training, or B. to prevent him from being able to extend his nose far enough to enable him to bolt the nose band would also aid in this ie keeping his mouth tightly closed to avoid him biting the bit & or getting his tongue over it(unfortunately this is a very commom practise)

When you lunge him untacked (if you do) how does he carry his head? If he already has good head carriage, then i would assume he previously had a bolting problem, more than likely caused by ill informed ignorance.

If you want to email me with a few more details, I'll see if we can't work out some kind of re training program

[e-mail]