How to Use a Running Martingale

The main purpose of the horse training fork, also called a running martingale, is to limit how high the horse can raise its head while riding. This can be beneficial when your horse tosses his head or carries his neck too high while being ridden. Before you use a training fork, find out if there is a reason the horse is throwing his head around. The animal may be responding to a sore back, a pinch caused by the saddle, dental problems or other physical pains.

Things You'll Need

• Training Fork
• Snaffle Bit
• Large training area

Instructions

1. Put the bridle and other tack on the horse as normal.

2. Attach the training fork to the girth or breastplate of the horse. It should snap easily onto the ring. Some running martingales also attach with a strap that is either threaded through or snapped to the girth.

3. Lower the horse's head to you while you speak in soft tones to calm the horse.

4. Connect the two ends of the training fork to the reins by sliding each side of the reins through the appropriate rings on the training fork. The training fork should not apply pressure at this point.

5. Adjust the reins and training fork so the horse does not feel any pressure in a normal position. The reins should run straight from the rider's hands, through the rings on the training fork and to the bit, in a straight line.

6. Lead the horse through a normal routine and be prepared for changes in the way the reins respond when the horse raises its head. When the horse raises its head, the reins will lower in your hands.

7. Walk the horse so that it gets used to the new tack. After you feel the horse has gotten used to the tack at this pace, slowly increase your speed and movement. Make sure the horse is completely comfortable with the current pace before moving on to other aspects of the ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use rein stoppers when employing a martingale. These rubber or leather pieces will keep the martingale rings from sliding down and getting stuck on the bit.

• Training a horse takes many hours of loving guidance, so be prepared to spend a significant amount of time building trust with the horse before you use the training fork.

• Use a training fork with a little give at first to get the horse used to the new gear.

• Gadgets like training forks, or martingales, are not a substitute for proper training and shouldn't be considered a permanent solution. If you're having problems during riding, consult a good trainer with excellent references to work through your obstacles.

• Never use a martingale with a curb, or leverage, bit. These training implements should only be used with simple snaffle, otherwise the pressure can become overwhelming and the horse may react too strongly.

• The horse may not respond well to the training fork at first, so be alert to the movements and communications of the horse that signal danger.