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  Discussion on DrOp noseband vs. flash noseband
Author Message
Member:
Sross

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2003 - 1:09 pm:

So what is the difference in function between these two? When would you use one over the other?
Anyone?
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2003 - 5:07 pm:

To me, both are used to keep the horse from avoiding the action of the bit by opening his mouth and/or getting the tongue over the bit. He might try these evasions if he is very green or a heavy handed or unbalanced rider is on the other end of the reins.

Flashes seem to be a little more common place today and are easily converted to French cavessons by removing the flash chin piece. The cavesson part is higher on the horse's nose so there is no chance it will restrict breathing.

An improperly adjusted DrOp noseband can be too low and restrict the horse's breathing.

In either case, they should be only so tight - a horse should be able to accept a sugar cube and eat it when they are in place. My old rule of thumb when I was a child in Germany is that we could slide 2 fingers between the chinstrap and the horse. At that time, all the horses wore DrOps.

In his book, "Starting the Young Horse," Klimke states he always uses a DrOp.

Cheers.
Member:
Pones

Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2003 - 1:47 am:

Hi Sandra

I would agree with Christine. Sometimes when breaking in horses I have used a flash until the horse settles, and then taken it off to leave the horse with just the cavesson. I always start with a cavesson, and only use a flash if really necessary.

I also have Klimke's book, and would love to know WHY he always uses a DrOp.

As Christine says, they should be properly fitted. With both I have seen excessive tightening - usually to 'clamp' the horses mouth shut. This is very uncomfortable for the horse, and is not necessary. The horse is not going to be able to open it's mouth enough to avoid the bit if the noseband is properly adjusted, so nothing 'extra' is gained from overtightening.

Member:
Imogen

Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2003 - 3:19 am:

It should also be pointed out that some horses respond positively to the removal of a flash or DrOp - whilst I like these for horses which try to evade by "flopping" back the lower jaw and overbending or who have a very high head carriage, there are horses which have by (rider) habit worn them that don't need them.

For flatwork you sometimes get a much less rigid, more attractive and elastic head carriage if you take them off. So always have a bash at riding without them (or loosening them) in case they are unnecessary.

DrOps do give a bit more control and are useful used with a martingale for horses that pull or have seriously bad steering.

All the best

Imogen
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