double reins and a martingale?

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Numpty question!

My lad is normally ridden in a snaffle, but is too strong for hunting in this bit.

I would like to try him in a pelham with double reins, but as he is hogged also use a breatsplate with martingale attachment - but can they be used together?

Thanks
 
Frumpoon said:
Yes - but on the top rein only
Click to expand...

I remember an old thread in comp riders where it was suggested, with a double at least, that it was more correct to put the martingale on the curb rein as they both act to lower the head, to put it on the snaffle rein was counter intuitive because you want the bradoon to raise the head. I don't know if they would apply the same logic to a pelham.

*tottles off to see if can find thread
 
Thanks all for your quick replies.

The reason I like a breastplate is two fold - one for the handle (!) but also need the martingale attachment as he can throw his head up.

I would rather not use roundings as feel that they don't allow a pelham to work as designed.
 
There are 3 schools of thought :D

The first is to put the martingale on the bridoon rein as this is, effectively, your snaffle rein. Therefore it is this rein which you wish to prevent the horse raising his head above the point of control of.

The second is, as someone has already said, to put the martingale on the curb rein, as the bridoon acts to raise the head.

The third, as subscribed to by Zara Phillips, is to put both reins through, as you don't want the horses head above the angle of control for either of these reins.

I personally would choose the first or possibly the third. I would not like the martingale on the curb rein - some horses can react badly to a downwards pull on the curb rein and if the martingale were to become caught it would severly affect the curb chain. I do not want the horses head above the angle of control for my bridoon rein - therefore the martingale needs to be attached there. I don't choose to put both through usually as it doesn't allow me as much differentiation between the reins as if only one is through - though this would be less of a factor for hunting and with a pelham than it would be for training in a double. For hunting, both reins through might help to ensure your 'knitting' stays in order and prevent the likelihood of a foot through reins etc is you were to drop them whilst taking a drink or similar.
 
ester said:
I remember an old thread in comp riders where it was suggested, with a double at least, that it was more correct to put the martingale on the curb rein as they both act to lower the head, to put it on the snaffle rein was counter intuitive because you want the bradoon to raise the head. I don't know if they would apply the same logic to a pelham.

*tottles off to see if can find thread
Click to expand...

You are correct a martingale with a pelham should be on the BOTTOM rein.
The pelham is supposed to combine the action of a double bridle and as said, the bottom rein activates the curb which lowers the horse's head.
The top rein will activate more of a lifting action which conflicts with the action of a running martingale

So, those of you that say it should be on the top rein what is the reasoning behind this or is it just something that you were told without asking why?
 
i dont realy see the need for a martingale when you use a pelham with double reins, as if the horse raises its head (where you would rely on the martingale) then you simply apply the curb rein to lower the head.

if it were me i would use the pelham with double reins, and just a hunting breastplate for something to hang onto. ;)

(my horse used to wear a martingale, but have never needed one since putting her in a pelham. ;) )
 
I'm going to buck the trend here..............I wouldn't ride with a martingale & a pelham, rather just use your curb rein if needed, I find a pelham works fine for me when hunting & I do normally use a martingale unless hunting, I think you should try it first & see how he/she goes ......
 
I would generally be of the "wouldn't use a running martingale with a pelham" persuasion (though understand that certain horses/certain circumstances may change this), if your horse chucks his head up why not use a standing martingale instead. It doesn't interfere with the action of the bit at all and will prevent your horse from raising his head above a certain point.

They are really very popular for hunting, if you jump get one with an elastic insert and make sure it isn't too short.

Much neglected bit of kit that is very useful. About the only people who seem to have them routinely in their armoury are hunt staff these days.
 
Sidney said:
Numpty question!

My lad is normally ridden in a snaffle, but is too strong for hunting in this bit.

I would like to try him in a pelham with double reins, but as he is hogged also use a breatsplate with martingale attachment - but can they be used together?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I took my boy out hunting the last 2 Saturdays (first time) in his snaffle and boy was he strong! It was suggested to me that I change his bit and ride in martingale. He is normally a plod ride but since I've introduced him to hunting he goes like the clappers!! :)
 
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