What are peoples views on standing martingales?

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

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One of the ponies (13.2 irish cob) is, what I thought a head shaker. All Was well during the winter, but end of April it started. Trouble is, I've spoken to back people, tack people, and supplement people. I've described what the pony does, head right down and toss straight up, but she stops when jumping and when distracted with work.
She has had her back seen, teeth seen and saddle checks. Tried a supplement and piriton tablets, nose nets, ear covers and full face masks.
Everyone I've spoken to, say if she stops when distracted with harder work, or jumping, it can't be head shaking, but has to be a clever mare who knows things, and gets bored!!? People can ride her, but the head toss is enough to knock your teeth out if you've paused during hacking, or between jumping exercises. So, head toss all you like, but will a standing martingale stop her neck meeting our faces? I rarely see them now, but in days gone by many ponies had them...
 
Used one on our youngster when he was first backed as he was (and still is a bit) giraffe like. He's in a running martingale now. I did try a horse that was up for sale and ridden in one - have to say it partly put me off her but why not give it a go with yours. You've got nothing to lose IMO.
 
I had one similar in for rehab a few yrs ago. I remember that despite an extensive search in my store boxes, to not finding a standing, neither running fitted decently when used as a standing, so I chucked on a Market Harborough that I DID locate. Did the job :)
 
My boy is a head shaker, I think caused by tree pollen. However, like yours he stops when distracted/concentrating. Most people who see him out and about competing or working in the school wouldn't know he is, except for the fly veil and nose net. Without these he flicks his nose much more. I hack out in a standing martingale as he is more likely to head toss and it is much safer for me (can't get his head high enough to smack me in the face!) And I would much rather the pressure was through his noseband than on his mouth, which would be the case with a running martingale.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
I had one similar in for rehab a few yrs ago. I remember that despite an extensive search in my store boxes, to not finding a standing, neither running fitted decently when used as a standing, so I chucked on a Market Harborough that I DID locate. Did the job :)
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Speaking of which, I'm not sure I've seen a standing one in my box of goodies, so can I adapt a running to do the same job? As in, putting the rings through the noseband?
 
Brilliant piece of kit.

I have a couple in different sizes, but for young horses I use an elasticated one (which I think was part of an Abbott Davies balancing aid thingy) which has a bit of give in it but still saves you from getting your teeth knocked out.

Young horses quite often go through a head tossing phase, usually when they get a bit hot and tired, so it was something I used quite a bit, as it does nothing if fitted correctly, and only acts when the horse waves its head about. And also, if fitted correctly, it doesn't restrict the horse when jumping, which is the usual myth. Back in the days of Harvey Smith etc, practically all the SJ horses were ridden in them (and a big snaffle and not a lot else).
 
Fools Motto said:
Speaking of which, I'm not sure I've seen a standing one in my box of goodies, so can I adapt a running to do the same job? As in, putting the rings through the noseband?
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Yes, that would do the job. Make sure the rings won't get stuck on the noseband buckle x Try putting a bit of rubber (we used old cycle tyre inner tubes) through the rings and then fix to noseband.
You might want to check length, as needs to be a tad longer.
 
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We ride all the hunters in one - they're great because they don't come into effect unless you need one. I like them on baby horses as they don't interfere with the horse's mouth, but just corrects them if they start to resist and get a bit "head wavy".

I hate running martingales with a passion - I think they have become a habit and people use them without any real thought of their effect. I don't like the feeling that someone else is holding the reins and affecting the contact. The pulley effect increases the strength of the rider's rein aids, which with a novice rider can be disastrous.
 
The standing martingale is a big part of my tack box.
It routinely goes on all just backed horses.
It is elasticated and certainly not over tight.
 
Very useful item. The reason you don't see them used now is because of all the bizarre nosebands now in use. The nice wide cavesson is unfashionable and that is what is needed for a standing martingale, plus there are few old fashioned nagsman left doing any breaking and making.

I despair with how bling, matchy matchy rubbish, ugly bridles and tight nosebands have taken over. Well cared for soft leather is all a horse needs, together with cotton or sheepskin under the saddle. Horses are loyal hard working servants not ruddy barbie dolls.

Some enterprising soul has opened a new tack shop nearby. I am always keen to support local business, so in I went for a slip head. Not a hope, in fact they didn't even know what I was talking about. However, I could for, a mere snip of £70 something have a lime green set of saddle square, ears and bandages.
 
Great piece of kit, unlike a running martingale no pressure on mouth and correctly fitted only comes into play when head is about to go above point of control.
 
Much prefer a well fitted standing martingale to a running martingale. Used one on my old mare for hacking and jumping - after getting a nosebleed when I was whacked in the face three times in very quick succession on a sponsored ride.
 
Rowreach said:
Young horses quite often go through a head tossing phase, usually when they get a bit hot and tired.
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Tell me about it :D. Nearly got a sock in the teeth form a hot tired three year old an hour ago. No malice in it, just frustration.
 
Well, blow me down... I found a standing martingale attachment. I know how to fit one, just rarely used one due to 'peoples' reactions!! (seems silly now, given the responses on here!!) Avoiding the one person at work who is anti them, tack up the pony, and off I go to the arena. I'm over the moon with the mare, she was very good. Yes, she tried to 'shake', but soon realised and worked well. Then I took her out around a newly cut field, so pollen alert.... I felt happy, and she felt balanced.
Will try tomorrow with other ponies (she is always better on her own as has to concentrate) and will know more then. Least I know i'm going to keep my teeth at the moment!!
 
I'd use one. But I think it's important people realise martingales affect the way the horse can move his neck and shoulders (the point of them clearly). I only use my martingale when I go XC or on a long hack/anywhere my pony will get excited :)

Also if you're using a breastplate as a martingale... No. If you need a breastplate at all in fact - call your saddler! if you're using it as a martingale or 'cause it looks nice etc' then you ought to know that breastplates constrict the horse's movement and awful lot x
 
I prefer them to running, if you have the noseband capable of taking one. Any pressure from them is self inflicted, so the horse has the power to stop the pressure itself, so long as they are properly fitted.
 
Not something I use routinely, but I have used it in the past when facing a specific issue with a horse (napping with a rear). As others have said, it's a good piece of kit, and much better than a running martingale, which interferes with the contact and makes horses hard-mouthed.
 
I use a standing instead of a running any day. In a baby I think a running can contribute to head nodding, especially if it is as most people seem to adjust them, too tight.

The standing needs to be loose enough that the horse does not even know he is wearing it unless your nose is in danger. If they are too tight some horses will lean even on them.

I also prefer a Market Harborough to a running. In an emergency they bring the head under control and give you a bit more strength through the pulley action. When all is well though as long as they are not fitted too tight, the horse would not know he is wearing one.


Generally I find whatever you use, most people fit them too tight.
 
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