[sian]

sorry having a blonde moment! could someone tell me the correct way to fit a running martingale....with like diagrams or pics if possible....i would google it but my internets being really funny and will only let me on certain sites

thanks guys

[cassidy]

Martingales and breastplates

A martingale is a strap that (1) keeps the horse from raising its head above a point of control or (2) keeps the horse from tossing its head and smacking its rider in the face.

Martingale types include:

* Running martingale: There are 2 types: 1 has a yoke around the neck, a part that runs between the front legs and attaches to the girth of a saddle, and a fork at the chest that branches off and attaches to each rein, so that the bit presses on the bars of the mouth if the horse raises the head too high. 2- has a "yoke" around the neck, attaches to the girth, and either has a ring on each side of the yoke or a "fork" with a ring at each end, where the reins run through the rings, enabling the rider to more easily keep the horse flexed at the poll. Fitted correctly, this 2nd type of running martingale does not control how high the horse carries his head.

[sian]

thanks cassidy

what i ment was like when adjusting it how long should the fork bit be etc... as im fitting DJS martingale and i think its too long

[cassidy]

sorry cant find anything with diagrams that was all i could find

[sian]

Originally Posted by cassidy

sorry cant find anything with diagrams that was all i could find

ok thank you

[cassidy]

is there noone else you could ask as for the bit the goes to the girth i think its the 2 finger rule!

i dont use a running martingale as such i prefere breast plates!

[sian]

nope, im being exilled atm, as i had an argument with the yard owner over the way they treat DJ so all my work mates (grooms) wont help me and the liveries....i end up helping them...they dont have a clue!

[AFab]

Some Info I have. I may have more but I will have to dig around:

How to put on a Martingale
Standing and running martingales are used to prevent the horse
from raising his head high and evading the action of the bit.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Required: Five minutes

Here's How:

1. Once you've groomed your horse and are ready to tack up,
get your martingale ready.

2. If your horse is tethered or in cross ties, undo them,
but keep the halter on to prevent him from walking away.

3. Arrange the martingale so that the loop that
attaches to the girth is toward the horse's chest,
holding it by the strap that goes around the neck.

4. Take the neck strap over the horse's head
and settle it at the base of the neck,
making sure it is not twisted.

5. The neck strap should fit loosely,
with plenty of room for you to fit
four fingers between it and the horse's neck.

6. Let it hang there while you place the saddle pad
and saddle on the horse and position them correctly.

7. As you bring the girth underneath the horse's chest,
put the lower martingale strap between the horse's front legs
and thread the girth through it.

8. Fasten the girth.

9. Bridle the horse.

10. If you are using a standing martingale,
thread the cavesson noseband through the
martingale strap before doing up the noseband.

11. Standing martingales should not be used with drop,
flash or figure-eight nosebands.

12. To test the fit, raise your hand underneath
the martingale strap up to the horse's throat.
If it won't reach, it's too tight.

13. To attach a running martingale,
thread the left hand rein through the left ring
and the right hand rein through the right ring.
Do up the buckle on the reins.

Tips:

1. Save a step by keeping your running martingales
attached to the reins when not in use.
Hang it on the same peg as your bridle in the tack room.

2. Make sure the martingale isn't too loose -
if it hangs too far down between the horse's legs
a leg may get caught while jumping. Adjust as necessary.

[devilishjumper]

Ok i have no diagrams but i can explain it. Put it all on but do not thread the running martingale though the reains yet. Have it attached to the yoke or breastplate whatevery your using. With you horses head at normal height the rings should beable to reach the jaw. If it does it fits.

did i explain that ok?

[sian]

yes thank you guys lol i had a panic that Djs martingale didnt fit, but i tested it and it does....thanks for your help