[Solly Jumper]

The horse I ride at Huntleigh, Tommy, wears a German martingale. The only martingale I've ever been taught to put on is a standing one, and I find Germans much more confusing.

Can anybody give me a step-by-step way to put them on? Also, my instructor says it goes on the second something.. I don't know what that something is, lol.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure German martingales are pretty much the same, but attatch at the bit like a running martingale?

[Cheeky Monkey]

this is the pic I found on line to show you. I used one on a fast,pully jumper of mine. IT worked awesome, a bit too awesome sometimes. lol. So anyways. The straps go thru the bit rings and then back to the reins and attach to rings. Your trainer was probably meaning attach to the second ring. There can be several rings on the reins. Hope this helps.

[Solly Jumper]

That's still really confusing, sorry. I'm really bad at understanding these things.
Basically, there's a loop that goes around his neck, then a strap that goes in between his chest muscles and the girth goes through its loop. Then the two straps connected to the one that goes in between the muscles attatch to the bit ring?

[zorse]

No, it goes through the bit ring like drawn reins, and attaches to the loops on the reins

[Cheeky Monkey]

Originally Posted by Solly Jumper

That's still really confusing, sorry. I'm really bad at understanding these things.
Basically, there's a loop that goes around his neck, then a strap that goes in between his chest muscles and the girth goes through its loop. Then the two straps connected to the one that goes in between the muscles attatch to the bit ring?

LOL. You managed to confuse the **** out of me!
I'll try again: So yes basically the same as a running martingale around the neck and through the legs, but then there are what look like reins with snaps on them. They will go through the bit rings and attach to your new reins that have rings on them. Depending on the ring you use, there will be more or less pull on the martingale. So the first ring will give more slack and the last ring would be in contact with your martingale all the time.
then you use reins like thses:with the rings on the,m.

[Cheeky Monkey]

Heres another pic

[codyntampa]

Put the big loop around the neck like you would any other martingale so that the part for the girth is hanging down to go inbetween the front legs properly. Then attatch it to the girth as you would any other martingale. Then you should have two long leather pieces w/snaps on the ends. These come up, through the bit hole (LIke the hole of a snaffle) and then the bridle should have special reins that are thick and have D-rings on the side (usually three) Then the snap connects to one of these D rings (whatever one your instructor says to use..most people use the middle one though) Then do the same on the other side. Be careful with the reins, make sure you wear gloves because they are thicker than normal reins and I always get blisters from them!
Heres a picture of my horse in a german martingale..sorry its blurry but I blew it up so you could see how it works.

[Solly Jumper]

Thanks everyone, I think I understand now! I'll just wing it if I have trouble, my instructor does a tack check before riding anyway.