Bitless Bridles and Martingales

[No_Angel]

Does it defeat the object when you use a martingale with a bitless?

When I went hunting I put a martingale on my horse 'just in case' as her last owner used one when going out as she got a bit excited. I actually found I felt a bit better as she couldn't get her head so high.

What are your opinions?

[Showjumper]

The only thing that would worry me is if the rings on the martingale don't allow the reins to slide easily and release pressure as they should. I expect it would be fine with a sidepull or Dr Cook type, but I wouldn't even think about trying it with a mechanical hackamore.

[No_Angel]

I use it on Maddie, who has the Dr Cook, others don't need it. Maddie on needs one when we are doing fast work, I took her for a hack the other day without her breastplate (just walking) and she was fine.
I was just wondering if it will interfeare with the action? Or is it silly to use it when we are bitless and treeless, as it is classed as a gadget? :confused:

[Showjumper]

As long as the rings on the breastplate don't trap the reins, it shouldn't affect how the Dr Cook works.

[tazzle22]

To use a running martingale with the Bitless Bridle™, make sure that the rings of the martingale will not get caught–up on the ring of the crossover strap or on the loop of the rein as it attaches to the crossover strap. Keep the crossover straps as short as possible and leave plenty of distance between the crossover rings and the martingale rings (at least 5"). Use of a rubber stop between the two rings is recommended. But a better approach to this introductory phase is to ride for a while without the martingale in a small paddock or covered school. This will give you the confidence you need to assure yourself that a martingale is not necessary.

This is quoted from the dr cooks website on the use of martingales with the dr cooks bridles .... I would think that this would apply to crossover bridles but not sure of scrawbrigs. I
I think a martingale would not go with an english / german hackamore or a bosal.....