what exactly does a running martingale do? horse peple only?

Question

my horse wears a snaffle and he sometimes can get strong with me on the cross country course and when im galloping and stuff, and i dont want to get a harsher bit, so would a running martingale help control my horse?

Answer 1

Checke the link that Burgundy gave you. It is rather informative, except that she got her martingales mixed up. A stanind martingale is used to control the head of a horse that throws it a lot. a running martingale can be used on horses that get strong. this is the better of the two but please note that the martingale is only allowed in jumping classes at most shows. check your rules and regulations books as to what is allowed at each show. i dont know what type of snaffle you are using but I would assume that you are using an eggbutt. Try a slow twist snaffle or a jointed slow twist snaffle with a roller. or a french link. these bits are not harsher but they work better than a regular snaffle. also, if you do buy a new bit, ride him in that bit and then switch to the old snaffle and go back and forth every few weeks. this will keep his mouth soft as well as increase his attention and willingness to listen.

Answer 2

There are 100 different snaffle bits that you could try. A bit, like anything else, if used correctly will not be cruel to your horse.

A sweet iron bit will keep your horses mouth soft, but will not keep him balanced or keep him from getting strong. What you need to work on is balance. Don't let him get behind the bit or on the forehand. Make sure that you are in the center of the horse and not leaning forward, thus encouraging more speed.

Any type of martingale will only restrict the horse from elevating its head.

Answer 3

A running martingale helps enhance lateral control of the poll.
Like most equipment it is not a curative, but an aid in helping condition different part of your horse. Do you do any slow work? Sometimes a horse gets chargey looking for an escape. Do you personally do any balance drills? Encouraging better balance in yourself will help you stay of a horses mouth through jumps.
All bits are harsh when not used properly. A good horseman understands the mechanics of their horse, and how equipment can help to properly help their horse accomplish goals.

Remember this " Their is no magic in gimmicks, only in understanding your horse, yourself, and what you are trying to gain". GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

A running martingale will stop your horse from lifting his head above a desired point. So probably not. Read the definition at Wikipedia for more information about how a running martingale is different than the rest.

Answer 5

Only if the horse throws his head up, the martingale prevents the horse from doing this to a certain extent. if you dont want a stronger bit, then you could try a different noseband, like a flash noseband, but id suggest a grackle, especially if the horse twists his jaw (most common form of resistance).
You could also try a "double jointed bit" not necessarily stronger, but gives a different feel in the horses mouth.

If you like you can contact me, have loads of experience with strong horses, and i dont believe in "bitting them up" either.

Answer 6

it is used to keep your horses' head down at a certain level. it is so your horse does not throw his head to high. it hurts if you get hit in the head from your horse, i know i had 9 horses and 2 of them used to do it all the time, so i finally had to use a running martingale, and of course it worked and then i never had to use it again.

Answer 7

i would say go back to basics.

think of it in a different situation...

a CAR
you are driving down the highway, and its kinda curvy but very fun. all of a sudden it keeps going faster and faster and it does this every time you go on the highway.sometimes it ever swerves and starts to get scary.

what would you do:
A. fix the brakes (retrain the horse)
B. get a bra so the bugs and rocks flying up wont damage your bumper ( get a martingale so he wont rear.)

that is their main use. to stop horses from rearing, or in training, to get them to have a better 'headset'

if you use a martingale instead of training, you eventually will have to get a harsher bit because he will not be trained, he will only resist every device you add on..

heres my advice.

practice at home in fields or your biggest arena. make REALLY fun, unique jumps... bright colors etc.. try to get him thinkin its a competition. but he HAS to be on a nice, steady beated gait. it helps to listen to music, but not with jumps. you can make him step with thebeats. if he gets off beat, remind him what hes doing with a snap of a crop or a squeeze and release of the reins.

remember never straight pull on your horses mouth. check and release... if there is constant pressure, the horse will get used to it and then he wont listen to the bit anymore.

you may want to try a sweet copper bit. its the same shape and size but made out of copper and in my experience it keeps their mouths wetter and more supple and they listen better.

good luck and have fun!!

Answer 8

I would try a soft mouth (3-peice mouthpeice, either oval mouth, or french) gag. Now, don't jump all over me because I suggested a gag. Gags are meant to be ridden with 2 sets of reins. One for regular snaffle movement, and the other for the gag movement. It's a soft bit, but the action just lifts it in his mouth, and will focus his attention back to you. The mouthpeice is still soft.

In addition, work on your dressage work. Get him listening (RE
ALLY listening ) to your seat! you will be able to control his pace better when he's more attuned to your seat!

Answer 9

You could try but please make sure you know what you are doing to avoid a fall. Make sure you let him adapt to it so his fear doesn't cause more problems and breaks his trust in you.

Answer 10

i don't like horses