Martingale or Breastplate?

[DappleGreyDaydreamer]

Good evening my fellow forumers

I've been advised to invest in a running martingale for my young horse, as he has an amazingly powerful jump which, although stunning to look at, I am finding very difficult to ride due to how strong he becomes on the approach. My instructor told me it would help him to learn that he has to listen to my aids coming into the jump, and cantering away from it, and the strap round his neck would give me something to grab should I lose my balance, instead of tearing his mouth out - which regrettably I have done on occasion.

Now, I'm unsure whether I should just get the running martingale on its own, or whether I should go for the breastplate/attachment option - as I've had different people advise I do both. I'm short on cash and can really only afford one for the time being, so are there any benefits to a breastplate option other than it preventing saddle slide? If not, then I'll just buy martingale on its own as it's quite a lot cheaper! Although I am swayed by how much I love the look of a breastplate!

Advice appreciated!

 

[Goldenstar]

I absolutely loath the feel of the reins being attached to the saddle and so do lots of horses .
I always use some sort of breastplate for XC and a martingale .

 

[meesha]

Lots of riders use neck straps if the intention is to grab it if needed, an old stirrup leather round neck is popular (seen lots out hunting) is better placed apparently to grab than anything else. I use breastplate but have never grabbed it. Breastplates don't have to cost a lot, I struggled to get one big enough round neck even though horse is only 16h is handy when getting on as horse is hogged!

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes OP just use a neck strap better idea .

 

[Orca]

If your instructor is recommending one because your horse is raising his head to evade your aids (or is at risk of bopping you in the face with his head) and along with this you need a mobile grab strap for jumping, then a martingale would be my choice (it has the mobility which a breastplate doesn't have).

If I want a running martingale, I prefer a breastplate with martingale attachment but a breastplate does not have the mobility you would need. Go with your instructors suggestion

 

[Honey08]

It sounds as though your instructor is suggesting a martingale, so I'd just buy a simple martingale if money is tight. (Less fiddley to clean too!).

 

[Tnavas]

Unless you need a breastplate to keep your saddle in place then a martingale is your best option.

Personally I would suggest a standing martingale as it doesn't damage the horses mouth. I am not a fan of running martingale so, they alter the action of the bit when they come into play, tilting the bit upwards in the horses mouth.

CORRECTLY fitted a standing martingale socks the horse across the front of the nose when it throws it's head, it releases the moment the horse drops its head, unlike the running which relies on the rider to release. It will not restrict the horses ability to stretch over the fence.

If you buy the running martingale, don't forget to get rein stops (prevent rings getting caught on the buckles by the bit) and also the centre stop, (which ensures the strap from the girth doesn't slide down making a large loop that a leg could catch in.)