Martingales

[Raz]

I think that a martingale might help my horse. he throws his head up really high when i ride him but i just want to check that a martingale is what i need. also how are they fitted and are they effective?
anything will help. thanks heaps

[Sofie]

A martingale may well help your horse, but before you resort to using one have you had everything else checked (teeth, back, tack and looled at his diet/lifestyle) to make sure it isn't a reaction to pain?

There are two types of martingales - a running and standing martingale. A standing martingale works independantly of the riders hands and only comes into action when he raises his head too high, but tend to be less common than the running martingale as they can restrict a horse over fences. If you intend to compete some classes only allow running martingales to be worn.

sofie xx

[buffy_vampire]

hey raz i use martingales and it helps me keep control over my horse a lot better. well im not sure how they are fitted because i got my martingale for xmas. but i know they are effective. but all i know is that you hook it to your girth strap. keep me updated on how it goes.

[Raz]

thanks heaps guys.
everything is fine with his health and that i think its just him acting up. thanks for that ill keep you posted! =)

[DavidH]

Raz,
Certainly try a running martingale but please don't let it become a must have. Regular, appropriate schooling will be more beneficial in the long run.
As to how to fit it. That is the more difficult it.

A running works by applying a downward pressure to the reins and thus the bars of the mouth when the horse raises its head above a certain position.

To adjust properly you will need a helper.
1) Fit the martingale loosly (adjusted at girth loop) making sure the rein stops are between the rings and the bit.
2) Get on horse and hold reins in normal riding position.
3) Get helper to raise the horses head to the position you want the martingale to start acting at.
4) Adjust (shorten) the girth loop until the rings on the rein are just starting to exert a slight downward force.
5) Helper then lowers horses head to a more normal (but still slightly high) position. Check that the rein rings are not exerting any force on the reins. If they are, lossen the girth loop until they dont.

Warning - the effect of a running martingale differs depending on what bit is being used. With a snaffle you will get a pinching action as well as the downward pressure. If your horse is objecting to this pinching action then a martingale will probably make the problem worse.

Good Luck

David H