First, we see the Thoroughbred being ridden in what appears to be a full cheek, single-jointed snaffle. He's clearly not happy in this bit - which is not unusual. Thoroughbreds have narrow jaws and tend towards low palates and generally do not work well in single-jointed bits. (I personally prefer a double-jointed bit with any horse).
Then they switch him to their "nice, kind, natural horsemanship bitless bridle" - and guess what? He hates it. He rears when they try to fasten it, he's stargazing, he's throwing his head around, but they're still touting this as "better" than the bit! (Because he stops faster? I don't think he even does).
I'm not against bitless bridles - there's a horse I'd love to try in one but the barn insurance has this stupid clause in it requiring bits at all times. Sometimes they are the best solution, but here's the thing.
Bitting is an art, not a science, Finding the right bit involves a certain level of understanding of mouth conformation, how it varies by breed (and by individual horse), pressure and release. It also involves paying attention to your horse. They will send pretty clear signals about what's in their mouth or on their head.
In this case, either something else is going on with the horse (I see tightness through the neck and poll that could use flexibility exercises and possibly a visit to a chiropractor) or he...just hates that particular bridle. But these people are glossing over the fact that the horse is going worse in their bridle because, hey, the rider still has control.
This horse needs to be checked over and then properly re-bitted - personally I'd try him first in a French link, but that's always my go-to bit for horses that are showing discomfort about the mouth. That might end up with a bitless bridle (but not this one) or it might not.
It's better to look at what works and gives you a good ride than get stuck on some kind of ideology.
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