The running martingale is used to help prevent the horse putting their head and neck above the point of control, or if they toss their head around excessively, whilst being ridden.
This martingale works indirectly on the bit, and only functions when the rider has a contact on the reins.
It is suitable to be used for jumping and the dressage phase of British Eventing, but is not permitted in British Dressage.
The bib martingale works, and is fitted, in the same manner as the running martingale.
It is used for horses who are over excitable, when ridden, over bending their neck and grabbing the straps of an ordinary running martingale with their mouth and teeth. The bib area prevents the teeth getting caught on the straps.
The standing martingale is worn to prevent the horse putting their head and neck above the point of control, or if they toss their head excessively whilst being ridden. Additionally, it can help prevent a horse rearing too high.
It works directly on the horse’s head, via the noseband. The rider does not need a contact on the reins for it to work. It must always be fitted at the correct tension. If it is fitted too tightly, the horse’s head will be restricted. When fitted too loosely it will not come into action when required.
Only ever attach the standing martingale to a cavesson noseband, never to a grackle or dropped. If it is used in conjunction with a flash noseband, it should be attached to the cavesson part.
The Irish martingale is a single piece of leather, usually about 10-15cm (4-6inches) long, with rings fitted on either end. It should be long enough so it doesn’t create an inward ‘v’ when there is a contact on the reins.
It is used to prevent the reins from coming over the horse’s head if the rider falls off. Seen mostly in racing and eventing.
To prevent the rings interfering with the bit, the reins must be fitted with martingale stoppers.
This item is designed in two separate sections – the market harborough portion and specialised reins which are fitted with ‘D’ rings, set at intervals.
A market harborough works directly on the horse’s head via the bit, when the rider has a contact on the reins. Its purpose is to prevent the horse putting their head and neck above the point of control, or if they toss their head excessively whilst being ridden. It must never be worn to force the equine in to a false outline.
To put on, the neck and girth straps are fitted in the same manner as a running martingale. The two straps are then treaded through the bit rings and clipped onto one of the three rings on either sides of the reins.
When checking for the correct tension, the horse’s head must be relaxed. The straps can be altered by moving both clips to the correct ‘D’ rings on the reins. The closest ‘D’ ring to the bit offers the loosest fit, and the furthest ‘D’ provides the tightest fit. The straps should only put pressure on the bit when the horse’s head and neck are held up in a high position.
If it is fitted too tightly, the horse’s head will be restricted. When fitted too loosely it will not come into action when required.
The hunting breastplate’s purpose is to prevent the saddle from slipping backwards, especially when riding at speed or jumping.
It holds the saddle in place via 4 main points: 2 straps attached to either ‘D’ ring at the top of the saddle, the chest just below the neck and the girth.
Fitted in the same manner as the other martingales.
An additional running or standing martingale attachment can be fitted, if required, at the metal ring on the neck strap.
The five point breastplate’s purpose is to prevent the saddle slipping back, especially when riding at speed or jumping.
By spreading pressure over a larger surface area, plus the additional elastic and sheepskin inserts, this breastplate provides the horse with comfort whilst they are working.
It should be fitted tightly around the chest, without causing restriction.
The racing breastplate is designed to prevent the saddle slipping back whilst the horse is moving. The strap fitted across the shoulders is usually made from leather, webbing, elastic or sheepskin.
It should be situated at the top of the shoulders, just below the bottom of the gullet, and fitted tightly without causing restriction or rubbing on the horse’s shoulders.
