Martingale: Protection from Head Tossing in the Ring and Out Hacking

Martingale: an auxiliary rein with rings

A running martingale runs from the girth up between the front legs and splits into two straps with rings that the reins pass through. It only comes into play when the horse throws its head above a certain height. We stock BUSSE BASIC-PRO and TAKE-OFF LINE martingales, the Waldhausen X-Line martingale and the Professional martingale with wither pad, martingale attachments, STAR and Thiedemann martingales and a Covalliero leather martingale.

Adjusting it correctly

The length is right when the rings hang loosely with a normal head carriage and the rein forms a straight line from hand to bit. As a rule of thumb, the rings reach roughly up to the withers when stretched out. A martingale that is too short pulls down constantly and acts like a fixed auxiliary rein. Rein stops on the reins are important, so the rings cannot slide down to the bit and get caught there.

Attachments, covers and Thiedemann

A martingale attachment can be clipped onto a breastplate if you use one anyway. Elastic versions give a little with sudden movements. Covers for martingales and breastplates cushion the places where the straps lie on the chest. The Thiedemann martingale combines a martingale with draw reins and calls for very experienced hands.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a martingale be?
Lift the martingale straps up towards the withers, which is roughly where the rings should end. With a normal head carriage, the rings must not pull the reins downwards. Watch in trot whether the line from hand to bit stays straight.

Why do I need rein stops?
They stop the rings from sliding down to the bit or into the rein buckles. There they could get caught, which can lead to panic and accidents. That is why rein stops belong with every running martingale.

Is a martingale allowed at competitions?
That depends on the discipline and your federation. Running martingales are a common sight in show jumping but not in dressage. For competitions, check the current tack rules of your federation.