Crank Flash Bridles & Double Bridles

How does the crank flash noseband work?

At first glance there is hardly any difference between a crank flash bridle and a flash bridle. The difference lies in the noseband, which in the crank flash version is closed by means of a pulley. In addition, the noseband is wider and softer padded in the area of the jaw branches to avoid pinching the skin.
As the crank flash noseband is similar in construction to the cavesson and flash noseband, the effect is also comparable to these designs: The rein pressure is redirected from the bit rings to the bridge of the nose, which achieves a quicker reaction of the horse to pressure in the form of yielding. All our crank flash designs are equipped with a flash strap, which can be removed if desired.
At Kramer Equestrian you can buy complete crank flash bridles as well as parts which are very suitable for our CLARIDGE HOUSE Mix & Match range. You will find further Mix & Match systems under the category of the same name, in the bridle to assemble yourself.

How is the crank flash noseband correctly buckled?

A crank flash noseband must be buckled in exactly the same way as a cavesson noseband. Here, too, the two-finger rule applies: there must be room for two upright fingers under the noseband and a clenched fist between the neck and throat lash.
Be careful with the noseband, as the pulley works like a hoist, which is why it is easy to pull too tight when tightening the noseband. After each closing of the straps, it is imperative that you use the two-finger rule to allow the horse to swallow and chew. Keep in mind that too tightly buckled nosebands and flash straps can lead to inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which ultimately has a negative effect on the horse's entire musculoskeletal system.

How do I find the correct double bridle for my horse?

As with all other bridles, when choosing the right double bridle, it is important to consider the double bridle and bit in combination. As the double bridle always uses a weymouth bit and bradoon together, there must be two cheek straps on the headpiece for buckling.
When choosing the right double bridle, you should follow the guidelines for correctly fitting nosebands, which also apply to all other bridles: The straps must not pinch any facial nerves or press on the cheekbones or the lower, fine part of the bridge of the nose.
You should take a closer look at the weymouth bit and the bradoon. The correct size and shape of the bit is influenced by various factors of the horse: Does the horse have a short or long mouth? Is the shape of the mouth wide and fleshy or narrow and tapering to the front? Is the tongue rather thin or thick, which has a big influence on the space in the mouth when there are two bits? Does your horse have any canine teeth that the bits can hit?
The bradoon should usually have the same shape and width as the loose ring bit that you use without the weymouth bit. However, so that the horse does not have too much in its mouth, the bradoon should be about 0.5 to 1 cm narrower. A weymouth bit is an unjointed bit with different shapes and more or less space for the tongue. It is used with a curb chain, which limits the pressure on the poll caused by the bit.
You can find more information about fitting the bit in our FAQ for weymouth bits. A double bridle is always used without a flash strap!

What should you look for when choosing a double bridle?

When buying a double bridle, the first thing you should look for is that there are two cheek straps into which the weymouth bit and the bradoon can be buckled. A cavesson or crank flash bridle cannot be converted to a double bridle. Then the double bridle should distribute the pressure on the head optimally, which is due to a correct fit. Soft padding, for example on the headpiece, and an anatomical shape are recommended. The weymouth bit and bradoon leather loops should have hook stud billets so that they do not catch or rub against the horse's skin.<
Our double bridles are made of extra soft, oiled leather to provide the horse with the greatest possible comfort. The headpiece and noseband are made of soft leather, so that the material adapts particularly well to the shape of the horse's head and distributes the pressure optimally. To ensure that the material remains supple and durable for a long time, we recommend that you regularly care for the leather. You can find all the necessary care products in our leather care category.