English Breastplates & Martingales

English Breastplates & Martingales

Breastplates can be essential in English riding disciplines like Hunter or Eventing that include either jumping or galloping high speeds.  Martingales are also popular in jumping disciplines.  The standing martingale is a single strap which attaches to the girth before running between the horse’s front legs and being fixed to the bottom of the noseband. The running martingale is a strap of leather which attaches to the girth, runs between the horse’s front legs and then forks into two leather straps.  Each of the two leather straps has a ring at the end of it which the reins are passed through.  The neck strap on the martingale holds it high enough to prevent the horse from stepping on it.  As with most training equipment, misuse or overuse can cause physical or training issues that will be hard to reverse.  Always check with your coach before deciding on a training tool.