How to Make Cord Martingales

Martingales control the movement of a horse's head. The standing martingale is similar to tie-downs used in western activities. It keeps the horse from latching onto the bit, raising his head and gaining control of the ride. Not all horses need the help of a standing martingale, and not all may need it for very long. Making your own helps to fray the costs of the training tool.

Things You'll Need

  • Cord
  • Snap
  • O-ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two 3-foot strands of cord. Thread one through an O-ring. Knot the cord on the exterior of the ring. Repeat for the second rope on the other side.

    • 2

      Wrap it around your horse's neck. Note the correct placement. Knot it and cut off the excess of the cord.

    • 3

      Cut a 7-foot length of cord. Fold one end down 4 inches. Grip the loop with your dominant hand, slide it under the longer length and pull the loop through the circle. Pull tightly.

    • 4

      Put the bridle and the circle section of the martingale you made earlier onto your horse. Thread the unfinished cord through the O-ring. Determine the length of the cord. Remove it from the horse.

    • 5

      Thread the other end of unfinished cord through the end of the bolt snap to the correct length. Knot the cords together by gripping the end with the bolt snap, sliding it under the longer length and through the loop; pull tightly.

    • 6

      Cut off any excess cord with a pair of scissors. You can readjust by unknotting the cord at any time.