Bitless - Dr.Cook v. Hackamore

[katie_and_toto]

Toto is very fussy in his mouth, he's only really comfortable in a Myler. He's in a hanging cheek low barrel snaffle for everything at the moment, and a drop noseband. For fast work or xc he has a D ring correctional port with a grackle. I'd like to try him bitless for jumping, he would probably stay in the Myler for flatwork though, as he does dressage with my sister and you cannot compete bitless. Toto isn't strong at home but can be sharp and spooky out and about. He tries to get his mouth open when he's in a silly mood, and crosses his jaw when xc'ing, hence the drop/grackle.
I've been riding for 6 years now and have quite light hands. Would you say I should try a Dr.Cook or an English Hackamore?

Thanks

 

[mytwofriends]

I've posted on a few threads about riding bitless as one of my boys was abused and there's no way I can put metal anywhere near his mouth.

He has a hackamore and a Dr. Cooks and goes equally well in both, but a hackamore is quite severe and, in the wrong hands, really shouldn't be used. Dr. Cooks bridles are fab in my opinion, and from what I've heard most horses take to them well. I have incredible control in mine, even on fun rides etc.

One other thing I'd add is that I'd never want to use a martingale with a hackamore, but I'm quite happy doing so in the Dr. Cooks. My boy has an incredibly high head carriage (Gelderlander - driving horses with naturally high heads!).

Good luck with your choice!

 

[katie_and_toto]

I've posted on a few threads about riding bitless as one of my boys was abused and there's no way I can put metal anywhere near his mouth.

He has a hackamore and a Dr. Cooks and goes equally well in both, but a hackamore is quite severe and, in the wrong hands, really shouldn't be used. Dr. Cooks bridles are fab in my opinion, and from what I've heard most horses take to them well. I have incredible control in mine, even on fun rides etc.

One other thing I'd add is that I'd never want to use a martingale with a hackamore, but I'm quite happy doing so in the Dr. Cooks. My boy has an incredibly high head carriage (Gelderlander - driving horses with naturally high heads!).

Good luck with your choice!

Thankyou
I was leaning towards the Dr.Cook as had heard that hackamores can be severe.
Ooh that's good then, had assumed that I wouldn't be able to use a martingale with a Dr.Cook! He only has one for showjumping away from home He can be incredibely spooky and I hope that bitless with help him to not back off fences as much
Have found a webbing Scawbrig bitless on ebay for 99p, might try that