Standing martingales, running martingales and tie-downs are used in equestrian sports to help riders control their horses’ heads. Martingales are traditionally used by English riders, and look like a thin breast collar that wraps around the horse’s neck and goes between his legs to the girth. A tie-down is the Western equivalent and is generally a rope-like piece of material that goes from the girth to the bit.
Although these pieces of equipment are fairly common, not all horses need a martingale or tie-down. They are typically used for horses who throw their heads in the air or who play with their heads during rides, which can not only get on the rider’s nerves, but also looks unattractive in the show ring.
There are two basic types of martingales: standing and running. A standing martingale has a strip of leather or nylon that runs from the breast collar to the cavesson and attaches under the horse’s chin. A running martingale has two strips of leather with O-rings at the ends through which the reins are threaded. The standing martingale is usually considered the more severe of the two and can be dangerous if a horse rears.
To decide if your horse needs a martingale or tie-down, it helps to watch someone else ride your horse. Watch the way he moves his head as he walks, trots and canters around the ring. If he tosses his head, dips his head, shakes it back and forth or refuses to hold it steady, a martingale or tie-down can help to control those spastic head movements. You should also watch to make sure your horse isn’t behaving that way only when you ride him.
Some horses shake their heads because of a problem with the rider or equipment. For example, my wife couldn’t figure out why her mare was tossing her head violently every time she asked for a halt until she examined the bit and discovered that it had a rough spot where the tongue lay across it. Pain will cause your horse to act up more effectively than any other stimulus.
When you’ve ruled out every possible reason other than sheer disobedience, you might decide that your horse needs a martingale or tie-down.
It’s best to start slowly with any new piece of equipment with which your horse isn’t familiar. Start with a slow, peaceful ride and let your horse get the feel of the martingale or tie-down. Avoid using your reins too much—-fast movements can cause your horse to panic—but let him know that something new is keeping his head from flailing about. If you’re using a tie-down with your Western saddle, place it on the longest safe setting so that it doesn’t catch him suddenly.
With each ride, you can increase the amount of pressure you put on your horse to obey the martingale or tie-down. If you want your horse to maintain a consistent headset, ask him for it and let him hit the martingale or tie-down when he decides to throw his head. Used with the proper bit (as soft as you are comfortable with), this equipment can make your rides much smoother and prettier.
