Differenc in action of harbridge and martingale?

[vallin]

So as part of my trying to educate myself on all the numerous training aids/bits etc I have come across a harbridge. Apart from being attached to the bit rather than the reins/noseband is the idea basically the same? ie. to keep the horse from chucking it's head about?
Thanks
V

 

[OneInAMillion]

I have never used one or seen one in action my imo they look like most people would use them much tighter than intended and therefore strap the head down whereas you can't strap it down that much with a running martingale compared to a standing

 

[NR99]

I have one but have not used very often, not the same action as a martingale as they do not have as much freedom in one so you have much more control. I have used it when someone new was riding my mare when she was fresh until they got the hang of her and have used it on both mares to encourage long and low on the lunge (though this is not it's intended use), it is more forgiving than you would think as long as OIAM points out you don't overtighten.

 

[vallin]

Hmmm, interesting, thanks

 

[spark56]

Not sure it's the way they're designed to be used, but I've been using a loose harbridge as a martingale recently and it works quite well. Don't like the interference with the rein action from running martingale and horse is in a drop noseband so can't use a standing martingale. Loose harbridge still allows horse to stretch down and forward but stops her sticking head in air and running through the bridle which can happen when she's a bit fresh.