Standing Martingale - elastic insert

[Suzy]

Does anyone have any experience of jumping/hunting a horse in a standing martingale with an elasticated insert? My horse rears at the end of the line (hence desire for a standing) but needs to be able to jump fairly decent hedges etc - I wondered if the standing martingales with elastic inserts allow this?

Can anyone recommend any makes etc.

thanks

 

[peterthepony]

Yes i have done pretty much everything in a standing prob not the best way but it works 9/10times, the ones with the elastic bits on are fab BUT you must make sure they are NOT to tight!!!!!!!!

 

[samp]

I use a standing on my mare out hacking due to the fact if she does not like something she tends to freak and rear up. However, I have found it has not made much difference as she went straight up and over quite recently

 

[k9h]

I would think to have it loose enough to jump BIG hedges then it will be loose enough to rear?? Also should you or anyone else hunt in one if you ever cross a river or any water that is deep please PLEASE undo the martingale as I have seen horses drown as they have not been able to get their heads up.

 

[MagicMelon]

I would never jump in a standing, especially XC (or hunting I assume your doing), with drops etc. Im sure you know horses need to be able to put their heads right down and right up etc. for their own balance. I would try and work on your horses bad habit than try to solve it by strapping her head down.... its a bit risky!

 

[Sal_E]

Suzy - I don't think this is a safe approach to be honest. If the horse is going to rear, you want him to do it with good balance - which comes from the neck. I would worry that the kicking in of the martingale could unbalance him.