Martingales & Breastplates
Steady, when it matters.
Running and standing martingales, bibs and breastplates — loose in normal work, there when the head goes high.
Horse & Pony Martingales
A martingale is a simple aid that discourages a horse from throwing his head high enough to evade the bit — it only comes into action when the head goes past a sensible point. The choices are the running martingale (acts through the reins — the most common), the standing martingale (fixes to the cavesson noseband), the bib martingale (a filled-in running, popular for racing types), and breastplates with martingale attachments that also stop the saddle slipping back. Just Horse Riders stocks them from brands including Shires, Windsor, Gallop and HKM, from around £9.
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Martingale advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed June 2026.
Which martingale does what?
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Running | Rings on the reins apply gentle downward guidance when the head goes high — use with rein stops |
| Standing | Straps to the cavesson noseband — a fixed limit on head height |
| Bib | A running martingale with a filled centre — stops a playful horse grabbing the straps |
| Breastplate + martingale | Keeps the saddle from slipping back, with an optional martingale attachment |
| Stops & spares | Rein stops and martingale stops keep everything sitting where it should |
How should a running martingale fit?
With the martingale attached at the girth and the neck strap fastened, the rings should reach roughly up to the horse's gullet when you lift them — so the reins run in a straight line from bit to hand in normal work, and the martingale only engages when the head goes markedly high. Always fit rein stops so the rings can't slide forward onto the bit, and a martingale stop at the chest so the loop can't dangle.
A fit note, kindly meant
A martingale manages a symptom, not a cause. If head-throwing is new or extreme, have teeth, bit fit and back checked first — and remember an over-tightened martingale spoils the contact rather than improving control.
Martingale favourites
- Best-value running: Windsor Running Martingale (from £12.48).
- Step-up running: Shires Aviemore Running Martingale (from £17.10).
- Standing: Windsor Standing Martingale (from £12.48).
- Breastplate option: Gallop Breastplate Martingale (from £18.64).
- Don't forget: Shires Martingale Stop (from £0.90) and Hy Rein Stops (from £1.42).
Frequently asked questions
What does a running martingale do?
Its rings guide the reins so that when the horse raises his head past a sensible point, gentle downward pressure is applied through the bit. Correctly fitted, it does nothing at all in normal work — it's a safety net, not a constant restraint.
Do I need rein stops with a running martingale?
Yes — always. Rein stops prevent the martingale rings sliding forward and catching on the bit rings or billets, which is both distracting and dangerous.
Running or standing martingale — which should I use?
A running martingale is the more versatile choice and acts through your rein contact; a standing martingale fixes to the cavesson and sets a hard limit on head height. Check your discipline's rules — some allow one and not the other.
Can a martingale fix head tossing?
It can manage it, but persistent or sudden head tossing usually has a cause — teeth, bit fit, back or tack discomfort. Rule those out with your vet, dentist or saddler first; a martingale should be the backup, not the fix.
Not sure which set-up? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and one of the team will help.