horseyperson
Well-Known Member
title pretty much says it all, but should I not be using one whilst jumping?
pros and cons of standing martingale?
- Thread starter horseyperson
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youngfarmer
Well-Known Member
You can use a standing martingale whilst jumping at home, but you MUST make sure that it fits properly and that you are very good with your hands to allow the horse to actually stretch over a jump.
I have only used them a few times, and I do find them effective as long as they're used as and when needed. Very good for horses who like to stick their noses in the air and also no pressure applied to the mouth like a running martingale. Also good (and have seen them used like this) to encourage a horse to stretch down with their neck over a jump instead of jumping flatly. However, some horses really don't like them and have seen a horse evade the pressure by rearing and coming over on itself. They are very fixed as well and don't allow for much (if any) give. If used for jumping and not the correct fit/horse throws head in the air/rider is fixed with their hands then I imagine it could freak a horse out and cause a lot of problems when jumping or even after a jump.
Used correctly and not constantly though, they can make for a very valuable piece of kit.
I have only used them a few times, and I do find them effective as long as they're used as and when needed. Very good for horses who like to stick their noses in the air and also no pressure applied to the mouth like a running martingale. Also good (and have seen them used like this) to encourage a horse to stretch down with their neck over a jump instead of jumping flatly. However, some horses really don't like them and have seen a horse evade the pressure by rearing and coming over on itself. They are very fixed as well and don't allow for much (if any) give. If used for jumping and not the correct fit/horse throws head in the air/rider is fixed with their hands then I imagine it could freak a horse out and cause a lot of problems when jumping or even after a jump.
Used correctly and not constantly though, they can make for a very valuable piece of kit.
marmalade76
Well-Known Member
You can compete BS in a standing, BRC don't allow them and I'm not sure about PC.
I've used them, they're a useful piece of kit and when fitted properly do not deserve the vilification they get on here!
I've used them, they're a useful piece of kit and when fitted properly do not deserve the vilification they get on here!
Tnavas
Well-Known Member
Far better to use than a running martingale as it doesn't affect the horses mouth.
Fitted correctly they do allow plenty for the horse to stretch and with the way some riders carry their hands when jumping are far more giving than a running martingale.
Fitted correctly they do allow plenty for the horse to stretch and with the way some riders carry their hands when jumping are far more giving than a running martingale.
POLLDARK
Well-Known Member
Standing martingale is a very useful piece of kit but make sure that it is at the correct length for your horse.