A training aid is apiece of equestrian tackdesigned to help the rider control their horse. It controlsthe carriage, primarily their head and neck. It also improves your horse’s muscle strength.
Please note that under no circumstances should training aids be used instead ofriding aids. A running/standing martingale and draw reins put pressure on your horse’s nose and mouth. They must be usedwith caution. There may be safety issues. Each type of martingale hasits own functionand should be chosen based on the area you wish to work on with your horse.
The use of a training aid will only work effectively withimpulsion. Training aids should not work against the horse but ratherguide its training. So youneedto bean experienced riderand/or work witha professionalwhen using a training aid.
Choose your training aid for your horse : the martingale
The running martingale
The running martingale is a slider martingale that limits unwanted head movement upward.
It applies pressure when the horse raises its head beyond a certain point. The rings slide to the rein stops to apply pressure to the reins and bit. This makes the horse lower its head.
It shouldonlybe used if your horse triesto get awayfrom you by raising its head. Otherwise,no pressurefrom the martingale should be applied.
This martingale is often used when working on obstacles or on horses that raise their head to try to get away from their rider.
How do you fit a running martingale to your horse?
There are 2 types of running martingale. They have the same function and usage but a different format.
The running martingale can be used as a training aid on its own.
But it can also be fitted to a breastplate if it has a metal ring or clasp. In this case, just add a running martingale attachment.
You can also replace the 2 leather straps on a running martingale with a bib for more targeted training.
The standing martingale
Unlike running martingales, standing martingales are fittedstraightonto your horse’s noseband. If it tries to raise its head, pressure will be applied to the nose and not the head. This type of training aid is farmore restrictive. It gives the horse less freedom to move as it runs from the girth to the noseband.
Pressure should only be applied to a standing martingale if the horse attemptsto defend itself. Underno circumstancesshould the training aid be used if the neck is in a normal position.
You can add aelastic breatsplate to go with this martingale. Should your saddle slide backwards, use of the standing martingale could restrict your horse. The effects would be detrimental.
Choose your trainig aid for your horse : draw reins
Draw reins control your horse’s head carriage. They act as a pulley whichincreases the pressure. They fit to the girth, slide through the snaffle and are held by the rider. Draw reins have a restrictive effect and shouldonlybe used if the horse’s carriage is not what you want it to be. That is why it should not be applied the rest of the time. The head-neck position must remain free and unrestricted.
There are 2 fitting options:
- between the 2 back legs, leaving a wide open angle.
- on the sides, to create a corridor. This fitting option is often used with young horses that tend to “flap about”.
Training aids are intended to be training aids for you and your horse. We must underline that they only work on controllingthe position of your horse’s head. The way draw reins or martingale lowers the head results in “good” carriagewithoutthem actually being straight!Impulsionandengaging hind quartersare essential to mounting your horse and therefore straightness. None of these martingales actually improve any of these criteria. They onlyguideyour horse’s head. They should therefore only be used with due care and in a controlled environment. If you are not anexperienced rider, please ask aprofessionalfor advice.