Double reins through a running martingale

[NOISYGIRL]

I thought that this was a NO-NO??

Watching Olympia and seeing this has really made me very sad. I was always told no running with double reins and if you did it went on the snaffle rein but I mean come on gags/pelhams with two reins the dragging the horses heads down with both through a martingale???

Doesnt anyone school these days??? No dig at people just my opinions, I know these horses can be strong, I have a horse who is VERY strong when jumping but I have went thorugh bits and cavessons to suit and now have a combo thatworks and isnt really that severe (Grackle and dr bristol nothing else)

I always thought if you needed the martingale when using double reins you should only put the snaffle rein through it

 

[NOISYGIRL]

It isnt 'correct' but its not really any different than using roundings on a pelham and a running martingale.

I used to do alot of competing before i had my little girl and got all whimpy over very big fences and TBH some of the fit horse and pretty mad, they have to be to do such big tracks and you use any combination that the horse is comfortable and happy in and helps them perform better.

I think its a bit more severe than using roundings though because you can have more pol pressure with the bottom rein, I always think you may as well use a kimbelwick if you use roundings

 

[NOISYGIRL]

When you have two reins the correct rein for the running martingale is actually the curb rein - as this is the rein that lowers the head. The bridoon or top rein raises the head.

Have to say I've never heard that before, would think you could inflict some pain doing that.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

I was taught the exact opposite. The curb rein is sacrosanct and you don't want pressure on it unless you choose to exert it, surely?

I agree with you, this is the reason I use double reins. You can choose how much pressure when you want it

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Worked for me out hunting.

What's that old saying ? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

I do see the point that people copy those in the limelight for whatever reason, some because of a lightbulb moment and it actually works for them, others just because they can, others because it's the current trend, or because the 'wheel' has been re-invented, that's the way of the world though.

Like your glove holder !

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Perhaps a standing martingale would be preferable with double reins then?


backs away slowly....sorry I couldn't resist!!

I was going to say that, if both are needed then be done with it and put a standing one on

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Whats with the horse at Olympia with no bridle on just the bit, then came in the jump off with a bridle on, I don't get it ?

 

[horsey mad matt]

i agree i have been always told that with 2 reins you always use the snaffle part with the martingale. but if you think about it if you only have 1 rein on (for example) a balding gag you would put the martingale in the bottom rein if the snaffle rein isn't there, so when the snaffle rein is added why should it change??

 

[intouch]

"Pondering" - if the martingale is correctly adjusted to come into action if the horse raises his head above th level of control, then if it is on the curb rein, it will prevent the correct action of the curb? (it will be pulled down, rather than back) And if the horse doesn't raise his head above the level of control, then it has no function, anyway? "ponder over"

Did anyone see the - one - horse that came in with NO martingale - the commentator nearly had a fit and blamed that fact for the horse getting a couple of poles. Can't win.

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

In my antique books on side saddle riding (my 1907 E.V.A. Christy one immediately comes to mind), when running martingales are mentioned, it says to put the martingale on the snaffle rein.

 

[intouch]

Just for interest I had a quick look through some books on tack - BHS don't seem to consider martingales as worth a mention, Paalman on Showjumping doesn't talk about them, Illustrated Guide to Horse Tack illustrates one with a snaffle, but - I like this -

"The running martingale is also useful for novice riders who have not yet attained full control of their hand position, as the full result of their insecurity is not transmitted directly to the horse's mouth to the extent that it would be without the martingale"

Now we're getting somewhere!

 

[intouch]

Just one more if I may (having a quiet afternoon!) from The Ultimate Book of the Horse & Rider - "The running martingale....should not be used in conjunction with a curb bit."

I take that to mean that if you are riding in anything other than a snaffle, you shouldn't be using a martingale anyway, so the original question of "which" rein is - neither!

 

[Tnavas]

Have to say I've never heard that before, would think you could inflict some pain doing that.

It will inflict more pain on the bridoon rein as the downward action rotates the bit and forces the joint into the roof of the mouth.

On the curb rein it will exert poll pressure only.