Bitless bridle? Prob stupid question

[SarahRicoh]

Hi all,

Right my arab is in a Dr Cooks bitless bridle..
I did want to get him into a bit but he really seems to hate them and as I can compete bitless I may as well just keep him in what hes happy with for the meantime.
I will get the dentist out in the new year and see if his teeth are the issue but if they arent looks like he will defo be staying in his bitless bridle.

So..

Two stupid questions...

1. Can you use a running martingale with a bitless bridle?

2. Can you school a horse to be 'on the bit' in a bitless?

Im guessing the answer is no to both questions... I know arabs do have high head carriages but I would like to school my boy to bring his head down and work in a outline but I just dont know if this is possible when hes bitless?!

 

[Ladyinred]

No to the first but the second is open to debate. Whilst you obviously can't actually get him 'on the bit' you can certainly work in a good outline.

All ours, bar one, are in a Doctor Cooks and all go well in it, but they are also happy bitted.