sorry another question...martingales?

horseluver4eva

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whats the difference between a standing martingale and a running martingale? also which do you think would be best for a horse that throws its head up and down a little during walk and canter and a lot during trot? i ride english pleasure, so a lot of hacking and im working upto doing small jumps. i asked a question about her doing this about a week ago but i got a vet and have basically found out that shes just being a madam. thankyou
 
A standing martingale attaches to a cavesson noseband from a neckstrap and girth attachment. A running martingale splits at the neckstrap and attaches to the reins via rings. A standing martingale comes into play when the horse raises its head above a set limit, the running martingale acts on the mouth most of the time.

From the sound of your horse I would use a standing martingale but as you seem to know so little about them I'd recommend you get an experienced person to make sure it is correctly fitted.
 
Just to be akward I'm afraid I would go against the suggestion above and would recommend a running martingale. The head tossing could be down to many schooling/riding/training level reasons and so I would choose a running as it isn't as restricting and set as a standing, but will help you to keep control during head flinging moments.
 
It depends on your horse....mine could not stand the interference on the bit from a running and went so much better in the standing.. ..we worked on the schooling and now he doesn't need one at all...we've ditched it totally.

You do need to make sure its fitted correctly though otherwise you may cause problems with incorrect muscle development.
 
I'd start with a running, and unless the horse has a particular problem with the movement like the one above, then any issues remaining I would expect to work through. Schooling correctly , muscle development in time, and then if still no improvement I would be looking towards a vet/dentist/physio check the run of things tbh.
 
Thankyou ill do exactly that. she has just recently had her teeth done so they are ok and i havent long had her, she had a 5* vet check and passed.
 
Hard to say without knowing more. Would be best to speak to your instructor tomorrow & see what they advise, that way they can show you how to fit one if its needed.
 
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