Do I need a Running Martingale

Question

I would also like to know the purpose of a running martingale. All this English tack is still new to me! I ride hunter and would like to know if I would need this. Thanks for answering!

Answer 1

If you don't know what they're used for, odds are you don't need one. You can't show hunter in a running martingale. You can in a standing, but not in under saddle classes. They basically prevent the horse from throwing his head up super high.

Answer 2

You shouldn't need a running martingale. They are used to control how the horse carries its head. If a horse using any martingale tries to raise its head higher than the martingale allows, it puts pressure on either the nose or the bit (depending on the type of martingale). Most aids like martingales, spurs (depending on how they are used), and severe bits are mainly used as fast fixes for poor training.

http://www.sustainabledressage.com/tack/...

The rings that go around the reins add leverage to the bit when the horse brings its head above the desired height. The leverage encourages the horse to put its head back down.

Answer 3

Some horses evade control by raising their head to a point where they can easily ignore the rider's requests. This device attaches to the girth of the saddle and has rings which the reins pass through. when the horse raises it's head the rings cause downward pressure via the reins on to the bit to stop it raising above the angle of control.

Complicated answer, sorry - it's to stop the horse sticking his nose in the air and running off !

Answer 4

A running martingale is used for preventing the horse's head from being raised out of control. This is manly used for jumping and for horses that are high headed.

Answer 5

The purpose of a running martingale is to keep the horse from throwing his head up. It doesn't really keep it down as much as it exerts pressure on the reins only when the head is out of position. If your horse is not throwing his head up, then you do not need a martingale of any kind.

Running martingales are not allowed in hunters. They are allowed in jumpers and eventing. If your horse is throwing his head up, you could use a standing martingale as they are allowed. However, I personally do not like the standing martingales. Adjusted too tightly the can interfere with a horse's balance by interfering with his head, and the rider cannot release them in a pinch.  If you decide to get one, please get an experienced person to help you adjust it.