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The running martingale
25 October, 2001
Martingales help give the rider extra control by preventing the horse from raising their head beyond the point of control. Many riders like to use a martingale when jumping, especially on a young or strong horse.
The running martingale branches into two straps, with a ring at the end of each through which the reins pass. It works by stabilising the reins and bit and applying downward pressure on the mouth when the horse raises his head too high.
This martingale is most popular with most riders because it has no effect on the horse when it is going correctly and provides a neckstrap for those awkward moments. It also allows the rider to open the rein a little unlike the bib martingale.
It is most commonly used for jumping and is accepted under BSJA and BE rules (in the show jumping and cross-country phases). It is also allowed in working hunter classes, although not in any other showing or dressage classes.
Some horses try to grab the straps of a running martingales in their mouths, in which case a bib martingale would be a better choice. It can quite easily get caught when opening and shutting gates.
The running martingale's straps can be elasticated, providing the horse with a less rigid feeling when raising their heads. This may be a good choice for horses that fight when feeling the restriction of the martingale.
The sliding martingale has a similar action to the running martingale. It has a single strap or cord with a ring at each end rather than two separate straps. The cord passes through a ring where the two straps would join on a running martingale.
The sliding action enables the rider to open the rein and allows each rein to work more independently than with a running martingale.
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