Aeron Mack / Middleburg PhotoAeron Mack is an honorary whipper-in. Recently she was bewildered by conflicting statements concerning martingales. She writes:
“According to Wadsworth [Riding to Hounds in America, 1962], running martingales are dangerous and not permitted, but I can't find anyone who can explain exactly why. I recently took a clinic with Aidan O'Connell who explained the dangers of a standing martingale, which I agree with. Personally I do not use a martingale of any sort, but would like to be able to better explain to people why they can be dangerous. It would seem to me that, in the event the horse stumbles or falls, a running martingale would better allow him to keep/regain his balance. I also like that if I slip my reins over a tricky jump, the running martingale is also released, where a standing cannot be. Any words of wisdom on this topic would be greatly appreciated!
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Comments
I use a running martingale and the only thing I don't like is if you have to hand someone your horse to hold or get off and lead them it's not as easy, you can't just slip the reins over their head.
A well-adjusted standing martingale, long enough to allow a floundering horse to regain his footing, merely (and effectively) protects one from a broken nose. If adjusted too short, indeed, it would hinder a horse's jumping efforts, but that's an adjustment issue.
If a horse stumbles, it is probably unsound and unfit for hunting. If you do not know how to adjust your tack properly, you should ask for help or you are probably not experienced enough to go hunting.
If you are using the martingale to avoid getting "whacked in the head" you should probably get another horse and sit up in the saddle.
Horses however, are individual. If you don't know the difference, consult someone who has experience foxhunting.
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