Running martingale?

Question

my horse used to have a really nice arched neck when ridden, a nice high neck carriage. well that was at his old barn, but since i've owned him hes on almost 24/7 turnout and hes getting that ever so pleasant "turnout neck" long and out...

Would a running martingale fix this problem? And yes I know I need to get him to work from his hind end and that will improve his carriage, but I'm trying to work on my riding too so I kind of need him to be consistent and we're having troubles with each other. lol anyone used a running martingale, do they do anything? or are they just a nuisance?

Answer 1

I don't think a running martingale is going to help your problem. Try draw reins for a while, or maybe a bitting rig on the lunge line, or maybe a rubber pelham. Just some ideas :)

Answer 2

No it won't. The job of a running martingale is to prevent the horse from raising his head above the angle of control. It does this by altering the angle at which the reins run from your hands through the martingale rings to the bit.

Basically it's to stop him throwing his head back and possibly whacking you in the face.

What might help you is lunging him with side reins but if you've never attempted this before I'd recommend going out and watching someone else doing it ( or call an instructor in to demonstrate with your horse)

The fact that your horse is on turnout is besides the point - mine is and he still works in an outline.

Answer 3

If you are an accomplished rider, and if you know how to achieve this without the martingale, but you feel it will help you with this, then a German martingale is in order...it's the only martingale I have ever used and is superior to either of those you list here, and more appropriate as a tool to achieve your goal.  If you are not experienced in training horses, you should avoid using these kinds of tools.