Unlike draw reins, which only allowable longitudinal flexion and never really gives relief from pressure, German martingales will release the It is a multi-discipline tool, used in western and English training.
They cost anywhere from $ 29 to $ 140. I would not use the cheaper one, as you are opening yourself up to equipment failure from poorly made products.
Learn softness from the start
By setting up the training of the rider to understand timing and feel early in their riding skills will All my students have an excellent grasp of this, and not only have safe and soft mounts, but are able to to To learn more about vertical flexion and softness, read my Ezine Article: Connection and Collection.
Function and benefits of German Martingale versus draw reins, standing and running martingales
Let 's look at each martingale. First, Draw Reins . They come up through the horse & # 39; s hand in position, they have constant appearance to keep the horse. In the wrong hands, they will often over-flex neck muscles and vertebrae and create habits, as the rein contact sore backs. They are not quick fix for head postition, muscling or softening.
Standing martingale or tie-down
They attach to a breastplate, and they keep the head in position by sheer force and restriction. They attach to a noseband, and when the horse throws its head up, they hit the noseband and are Once again, if you take this off, the horse will revert to its original habit.
Running martingale
They are 2 separate straps with rings at the end that are reins run through. These are a bit better as they are for some lateral flexion, and will release Anything forced on a horse & # 39; s head is not for the position where the head is in a desired position. contacting and when the horse changes his position by bringing his left up position, adjusted the lowered head. martingale takes effect and puts down pressure on the bit.
German Martingales
You can alter the degree of head position by attaching the ends up closer on the rings to your hands.
As the horse sets his head in position, the ends that run through the reins & # 39; disappear & # 39 ;, in the sense that they are no longer have any pressure on the mouth. the only pressure is the horse will & # 39 ;. Now the horse fees exactly what it will be like when the martingale is taken off, and the used sparingly, the horse will stay in position.
Also, when you work later laterally, you can release the & # 39; draw rein & # 39; pressure by bringing your hand forward, then to the movement you need.
German martingales are different from other martingales in that they allow for pressure release in all movements. I have often used it to use the German martingale to & # 39; suggest & # 39; suggest & # 39; to the horse you would like him himself in a specific way. I try the to keep a horn from & # 39 ;, which is a habit some older trail horses get into, where they move move their heads about like one of those toys in the back seats of cars. I attach the martingale at the end of the ride for about 5 minutes at walk and trot, and within 3-5 rides, the bobble heading stops. You can do this with contact also, but I & # 39; m working at getting it with a loose rein , therefore & # 39; suggesting & # 39; to the horse to change. The German martingale has lots of other purposes, but that would a small book to write.
There are some very technical martingales, such as the chambon, but these must only be used in the most educated of hands.
It is part of a rider 's education, and is a good follow up to teaching and educating with timing and release first. I believe you should strive for education first before venturing into mechanical aids.
