How to fit a standing martingale correctly?

[Laur]

I have been advised to try a standing martingale on my horse as he has a high head carriage and after lots of schooling he seems to do it more in canter than walk and trot. (He is an exracehorse so probably something he picked up from racing). I have a breastplate so will probably buy the standing martingale attachment but I need to know how long it has to be so it is safe to ride him in. I read somewhere that it has to reach all the way up under the jaw but as it is going to go on a breastplate does that still apply? and also is that measurement taken from when the breastplate is resting on the chest or do you pull it up to reach so that the breastplate is tight between the horses legs?!

I have bought a sheepskin noseband too as I noticed he was raced in one so hopefully that will help too.

Appreciate any responses.

 

[*hic*]

If you need to buy one just to try it then can I suggest you check to see whether you have a running attachment that you could use as a trial first. The end of the martingale needs to go up to join between neck and head pulled tight from the girth attachment point.

Alternatively you could ask whoever suggested you try it if they have one you could borrow, and who to fit it correctly.