Q: What’s the difference between a martingale and a breastplate? Do I need both?
A: A martingale and a breastplate serve different primary functions, although some designs combine both. A martingale (usually a running or standing martingale) is a training aid used to prevent the horse from raising his head too high. However, it must be fitted correctly to avoid interfering with rein aids.
A breastplate, on the other hand, is used to keep the saddle from slipping back, particularly on horses with flat shoulders or during fast work, jumping, or hacking on steep terrain. If you have a combined breastplate with a martingale attachment, you’re addressing both saddle security and head carriage. However, if your horse doesn’t need the martingale function, a plain breastplate or breastgirth may be all that’s needed. Fit and purpose should guide your choice.
Standing vs running martingale
A standing martingale consists of a strap that runs from the girth, between the horse’s front legs, and attaches to the noseband (usually a cavesson, not a drop or flash). It is a fixed-length device that applies pressure to the nose when the horse raises his head beyond a certain point. Because it doesn’t allow the rider to adjust the pressure directly, it can create a sudden, rigid restriction if the horse throws his head up quickly. As such, it is generally considered more severe and is banned in many jumping and eventing disciplines beyond lower levels. It is often used in show hunters or polo.
A running martingale, by contrast, is more adjustable and allows for more subtle rider control. It also attaches to the girth, splits into two straps with rings at the end, and the reins pass through these rings. This design creates a downward action on the reins only when the horse raises his head too high. Because it works through the bit and rein, the rider can release pressure quickly, and it doesn’t act unless needed. Running martingales are more commonly accepted in showjumping, eventing, and everyday schooling due to their flexibility and reduced risk of harsh action when fitted correctly.