Whats the difference between a standing and running martingale?

Question

I've used both during lessons, but was never actually taught what each is for. The horse I have now throws her head high -- how do I know to use standing or running? I'm really not that clueless I've just never had it formally explained!

Answer 1

Standing martingales are also called tie-downs. They are not a favorite of mine. They use a direct pressure from the nose band to the girth that only occurs when the horse throws its head up.

I would rather use a running martingale, it is that the reins run through, then attach to the girth.

What times does your horse throw its head up? It could be a bridle fit, or a bit problem.

A gelding that I ride has a very high head carriage, very simply it is conformation thing. He is not trying to be rude or misbehave, his neck and head just have a very high angle and carriage on them. This is not uncommon in Arabians and Saddlebreds.

In general I would use a running martingale over a standing, which I think is only marginally useful. Tie-downs are frequently used in gaming situations, like barrel racing, and I have even seen them used in jumping.  

Answer 2

A standing martingale attaches to the noseband and the girth. It simpy holds their heads down. Its not my favorite because people tend to adjust it to tight when they feel it is not working.

A running margingale attatches reins to girth. It works off of leverage, so when the horse throws his head you still have control over his head and some control over how high his head can go. This one is my martingale of choice.

Check the resolved questions for a more indepth answer. I'm just to tired to really go into each. Sorry

Answer 3

Standing Martingale: The standing martingale, as you've probably noticed, runs from the girth, attaching to the noseband. It prevents the horse from raising its head too high, especially if to avoid the bit. It's more commonly seen in hunters, and has a less direct effect on the horse, in that the reins/bit are not affected.

Running Martingale: The running matingale establishes more control than the standing, and is commonly seen in jumpers, though it's not allowed in the hunter ring. It attaches to the girth, but also to the reins. The endpieces that attach to the reins have rings to allow the reins to easily slide through...this gives the rider leverage and more power behind the bit. The rider is able to monitor the position of the horse's head more than with a standing martingale, though it shouldn't be used in the hands of a very inexperienced rider.

Answer 4

A standing martingale limits how high your horse throws it's head without changing where your horse's head is naturally.  When attached to the cavesson and then either to your girth or to your breast plate, this makes your horse unable to throw it's head higher than the length of the martingale.

A running martingale limits your horse as to where they can put their head by applying pressure through the reins onto your horse's mouth.  This drawing the head down, forces the horse to round their neck to avoid the pressure.

Answer 5

A standing martingale is a fixed strap that runs from the girth to the back of the noseband. It restricts the movement of the horse's head without the rider having to take any action.

It is not recommended for use inn jumping etc as it can stop the horse from being able to oround correctly over a jump and it can also stop the horse from being able to throw his weight to save himself if he's slipping.

A running martingale attaches from the girth to the reins and so is controlled in it's action by the rider. Properly fitted and adjusted a running martingale just hangs there and does nothing - it only comes into effect if the horse raises it's head too high ( like he's going to hit you in the face) or so high that he would be beyond the angle of control.

Because they are rider activated these are considered safe for jumping and fast work.

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