What does a martingale do for horses?

A martingale is a piece of equestrian tack designed to control a horse's head carriage and act as an additional form of control besides, for example, the bit. It prevents a horse from throwing its head so high that the rider gets hit in the face by the horse's poll or upper neck.
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Does my horse need a martingale?

Running martingales help give the rider extra control by discouraging the horse from raising its head beyond the point that the bit works correctly in the horse's mouth. It works by stabilising the reins and applying downward pressure on the mouth via the bit and reins when the horse raises its head too high.
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Will a martingale stop a horse rearing?

The standing martingale is worn to prevent the horse putting their head and neck above the point of control, or if they toss their head excessively whilst being ridden. Additionally, it can help prevent a horse rearing too high. It works directly on the horse's head, via the noseband.
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Is a martingale cruel?

And it would, except martingale collars, have a built-in safety mechanism that prevents them from tightening too much. As long as you use them correctly, martingale collars aren't cruel. However, it's easy to use them wrong, and that can cause pain, discomfort, or worse.
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What is the difference between a running martingale and a standing martingale?

Running Martingale has two Y-shaped "forks" having Rings at the end through which the reins pass whereas Standing Martingale just has a single strap with a loop through which the noseband passes. Running Martingale gives much more freedom to the Horse therefore it is used in Horse Riding.
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Running Martingales: When, Why and How to Adjust



Can you jump a horse in a standing martingale?

It is not recommended that a standing martingale should be used for jumping as it may restrict the horse. The running martingale attaches to the girth and then passes through the horse's front legs before splitting into two straps with a ring on the end which the reins pass through.
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What does a breastplate do for horses?

As you may know, a breastplate is a piece of riding equipment, used to keep the saddle or harness on a horse from sliding back. It not only secures the saddle, but still allows a horse's big shoulder's to move and gives the rider something to hold onto. Sometimes horses need them specifically for a job they do.
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Are martingale collars aversive?

By categorisation yes, but definitively, no. If the definition of aversive is an object that causes pain or discomfort to achieve a goal – and the new fitting of a martingale or part check doesn't cause discomfort or pain (at least no more than an accepted flat collar) then they're no longer an aversive.
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Are martingale collars good or bad?

Martingale collars can be a useful tool for training your dog, to teach them to walk loosely on the leash. The safe tightening around the neck when they pull gives them the signal to change their behavior. However, they should still be rewarded for adjusting their behavior as a form of positive reinforcement.
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Are martingale collars harmful?

Although martingale collars are safe, the loose design and dangling ring does have a higher chance of getting caught on things. For that reason, dogs should always be supervised while wearing martingale collars.
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What causes a horse to rear up?

Horses may rear up as a way to express their dominance (particularly stallions) or to show that they are objecting to being restrained. Without management, the horse may use rearing as a way to avoid cooperating with the person riding or handling him.
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How tight should a standing martingale be?

A standing martingale, when adjusted correctly, should touch the middle of the horses neck underneath, but not the throat. A standing martingale should never be used to tie a horse's head down, and not so tight the horse leans against it.
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How do I stop my horse rearing when riding?

If your horse rears up, lean forward and put your reins towards your horse's ears. DO NOT pull back, as this can cause your horse to flip over backwards. When your horse comes back down, kick them forward and disengage their hindquarters to avoid further rearing. Put them to work right away.
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Whats the difference between a breastplate and a martingale?

Breastplates or martingales are horse equipment that can be used together or separately. Breastplates keep the saddle from slipping back while you are riding. Martingales will keep the horse from tossing its head.
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What does a 5 point martingale do?

The 5 point breastplate uses five attachment areas to prevent the saddle slipping backwards. Fitted with padded, elastic inserts on the shoulder line it allows freedom of movement and comfort for the horse whilst they are working.
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Why is a snaffle bit used?

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit that is gentle on the horse's mouth. Comprised of either a single bar or two to three jointed pieces between large rings on either side, snaffle bits make it easy for riders to communicate with their horse and are commonly used to train young horses and beginner riders.
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Can a martingale collar be worn all the time?

No, martingale collars should NOT be worn all the time. Because of the martingale's tightening function, martingales can become a choking hazard if left on unattended dogs.
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Is a martingale collar better than a harness?

A martingale collar tightens in response to a pull on the leash, which can prevent dogs from slipping the collar, but a harness can distribute the force from a pull—which is easier on her neck and your shoulders.
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Are slip leads cruel?

When used in the right setting, a slip lead isn't necessarily cruel. However, slip leads can be harmful if used on an untrained dog. As a slip lead won't stop tightening, you could hurt your fur-baby if they're not trained to stop pulling on a leash.
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Are pinch collars cruel?

Myth: A prong collar isn't inhumane if it fits right.

Fact: Sadly, this is a false statement that's been perpetuated by aversive trainers. Even properly fitted prong collars dig into the sensitive skin around the neck, risking severe damage to the thyroid, esophagus, and trachea.
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Is a bark collar cruel?

Bark collars are cruel in that they inflict discomfort and/or pain as a method of stopping barking. There are better and more humane ways to deal with barking that don't hurt your dog and also will address the root of the problem. Bark collars do not address the reason for the barking.
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Will a breastplate stop my saddle slipping?

BREASTPLATE FOR SAFETY

The breastplace prevents saddle from slipping back on horse. But be sure it fits: snug enough not to catch a hoof when jumping and not too tight to cut into the horse's muscles.
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How do I know if my horse needs a breastplate?

Most horses that use a breastplate do so because of their conformation, their job, or the need to help their rider stay put in the saddle. Large shoulders and narrow ribs can force a saddle to slip back no matter how tight the girth is. Your horse's job often dictates the need for a breastplate.
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What do wither straps do?

Wither straps are used to lift the breast collar above the point of the horse's shoulder, for unrestricted movement. Snaps on either end and adjustable buckles make installation easy.
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