Fitting a running martingale

[Gorgeous George]

I know I should know but what is the correct fitting for a running martingale? George wears one for hacking and jumping as he can put his head quite high if he gets a bit excited and then I can't see over his ears

It's just he had his head up last night looking at the scary water canon and I realised the martingale wasn't really doing anything

So how do you know the straps going to the reins are the correct length, and also how loose should the bit going to the girth be? I don't know if it makes a difference but we do jump in it - but only tiny stuff (def no bigger than 2', mostly much smaller

)

Thanks

 

[Equus Leather]

Hi Trish.

Firstly you should be able to get the width of a hand between the withers and the neck strap. Same really on the chest. Make sure you have rein stops on too.

As for the rein straps, I've alays been told they should fit up into the curve of the horses throat, but I may be wrong.

Runnning martiongales are perfectly fine to jump in, it's the standing ones you shouldn't.

 

[KatB]

Hi, when the horse is stood normally the rings on the straps should either reach the horses withers, or into the gullet of his throat (so the length of the underside of his neck)

Too short and it will come into use when it isnt necessary, pet hate!!

 

[DollyDolls]

Please dont say that you cant jump in a standing martingale. If it's fitted correctly then there should be no issue. Fella goes jumping and hunting -in fact everything in his standing. For him a running is not suitable.

I'm not arguing, I'm just a little miffed when people mis-inform others.