The running martingale is one of the most commonly used auxiliary reins, which we can encounter both in sport and in recreation. Its application is fairly broad and, used appropriately, it can bring much benefit both to riders and to horses at various levels of training.
Do you know, however, what exactly the action of a running martingale involves and how to fit it so that it really fulfils its function?
We will try to answer these questions, as well as many others concerning the running martingale, in this article.
How is a running martingale for a horse built?
A classic running martingale is shaped like the letter Y and consists of two parts:
the chest strap – this is a longer strap, ended on one side with a loop through which we pass the girth. This loop is adjustable and it is with it that we can lengthen or shorten the martingale. On the other side the chest strap divides into two narrower straps ended with metal rings, through which the reins pass. When using a running martingale, it is recommended to use so-called rein stops. Thanks to these small rubber or leather elements fixed on the reins, the martingale rings do not slide too far forward and do not catch on the bit rings or on the horse’s mouth.
the neck strap – this is a wide loop which, as the name indicates, is located on the horse’s neck. The neck strap also has an adjustable length so that it can be fitted to the dimensions of our horse. The neck strap also provides additional safety to the rider, who can always grab it, e.g. in the case of horses bucking strongly (useful when working with young horses).
Running martingales are most often made of leather, although we can also encounter models made of webbing or other synthetic materials such as plastic or Biothane. Most riders prefer leather martingales, due to their weight and the small risk of causing chafing. In the case of a leather martingale, its maintenance is important so that the leather is soft and slightly elastic. Leather without proper care is much more exposed to cracking or tearing, especially in the case of a martingale, on which a lot of pressure is exerted.
The action of a running martingale
The main task of the running martingale is to prevent the horse from raising its head so high that it ends up beyond the point at which the rider can control it. It also prevents a situation where the horse, raising its head or pulling it back in a jump, could strike us in the face with its poll.
At the moment when the horse tries to throw up its head, the martingale rings exert pressure on the reins and thereby on the horse’s mouth, encouraging it to lower its head.
The action of the running martingale is relatively gentle compared with other auxiliary reins, such as the chambon, the running rein or the draw rein.
Although, due to the weight of the rings, the martingale will always exert at least slight pressure, we can control its action by giving or taking up the reins.
That is why the running martingale, unlike other reins, can be used (and is often even recommended) for jumping obstacles. By giving the horse the reins, we provide it with almost unrestricted freedom of neck movement. The only discipline in which the use of a running martingale is not permitted during competitions is dressage. The task of the running martingale is therefore not to immobilise the horse’s head and restrict its movements, but only to correct the horse’s posture and provide greater safety to the rider.
The use of a running martingale also prevents injury to the corners of the horse’s mouth when the rider holds their hands too high. That is why it is worth beginner riders using a running martingale as well.
Types of running martingales
Apart from the classic running martingale we have written about so far, we can also encounter various variations of it:
martingale with a breastplate – the ideal option for riders who, on the one hand, need the functionality of a running martingale and, on the other, want to prevent the saddle from sliding excessively. Thanks to combining these two things into one, as in these models, putting them on and using them is much simpler. In such models the chest strap is usually fastened to the girth with a snap hook. The martingale is most often detachable, so that if needed only the breastplate itself can also be used.
bib martingale – this type of martingale, instead of two straps in the upper part, has a uniform triangle, also ended with rings through which the reins pass. Due to the weight of the triangle, the action of this type of martingale is stronger. It also brings the reins closer together, which makes steering and turning a “strongly going” horse easier. We will encounter this type of martingale most often in racehorses or in eventing. In a rider’s fall the bib, better than a classic martingale, prevents the reins from falling off the horse’s neck, which protects against them being torn or – worse – against injury to the horse if the reins were to get tangled around its leg.
elastic martingale – we will usually encounter it in the form of only the upper part of the martingale attached to the breastplate. Made of rubber or another elastic material, it gives the horse more freedom than a rigid martingale. A good solution for horses that react badly to stronger action of the martingale or have a tendency to stiffen the line of the back.
Irish martingale – this is simply a short, single strap ended on both sides with rings, which connects the reins in front of the horse’s neck. The main task of this strap is to prevent the reins from falling off the horse’s neck after a rider’s fall. The role of the Irish martingale is rather to provide additional safety; it has no corrective action.
How to fit a running martingale?
For a running martingale to work correctly, it must be well fitted. Too short, it will restrict the horse’s movements too much, in particular the work of the neck and back (especially during jumps, it can cause the horse to jump with a so-called ‘hollow back’). A too-long martingale not only will not fulfil its function, but can also be dangerous – the horse can put a hoof in there and fall over.
We can begin adjusting the running martingale from the neck strap. It must be loose enough that we can put an upright hand between the strap and the horse’s neck.
The next step is adjusting the length of the martingale. After raising it maximally upwards, the rings should be located more or less at the height of the horse’s withers.
Remember, when passing the martingale loop through the girth, to place it evenly in the centre between the horse’s legs. This way the martingale will work evenly, pulling the horse’s head down, and not to the sides. You will also avoid a situation in which the horse could rub one of its front legs against the martingale.
