How to Put on a German Martingale Tack

A German martingale (tack) can be an excellent training tool for horses who need to learn to lower their heads and increase the flexibility of their necks. While this tool will not magically improve your horse's performance, it can be valuable in experienced hands. In order to get the most out of a German martingale, however, horse riders need to use it properly.

Things You'll Need

  • German martingale
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Reins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bridle on your horse and remove the reins. Attach the reins from the German martingale to the bridle. The German martingale uses buckles that are attached to the bridle.

    • 2

      Flip the girth over the top of your saddle, then place your saddle pad and saddle on your horse. The girth is used to hold the saddle in place and ensure that it does not slip around when you are riding. Place the neck strap of the martingale over the horse's head. The back of the neck strap should rest near the base of the horse's neck.

    • 3

      Place the leather loop of the German martingale between the horse's front legs and run the girth through the loop. Tighten the girth as you normally would. The girth should be tightened so that you can put your hand between the horse and the girth without feeling cramped.

    • 4

      Place the fork ends of the German martingale through the rings of the snaffle bit, which is a kind of bit that is jointed in the middle and is good for starting and training horses. The German martingale should only be used with a mild snaffle bit. The fork ends of the reins are attached to the snaffle bit.