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Veteran
Posts: 107
| What is everyone's favorite training tool when it comes to aiding with collection and bending at the poll with their horse? I am not very familiar with all of the tools out there, however, a friend let me try her "neck stretcher" out on my horse and I loved how she just seemed more balanced in it. However, I didn't like how her lateral movement was so limited.
I would like something that I could work her on in barrels to help her keep her form; she knows how to collect under but she gets really fussy if I have contact on the bit too much. She isn't over sensitive to the bit but she was yanked on in the past so we both get along better if I stay out of her mouth as much as possible. So, what is everyone's favorite or recommendations when it comes to using a martingale or other "aid" to help your horse stay collected and balanced? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | Oh goodness that "neck stretcher" sounds like a medieval torture devince 
Could you find a picture of one being used? LOL
Personally I just like a running martingale (sometimes called training fork). It's hard to over-use it and back a horse off of the bit too much, or even make them scared of the bit like using draw reins too harshly does. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
 
Location: Montana | I really like my running martingale...my trainer recommends I keep it on my youngster for a while (she's 3 this year) and every once in a while I use it on my main mare to get her back to where she needs to be (she gets lazy, as do I, LOL). |
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Veteran
Posts: 107
| QHriderKE - 2017-03-19 10:02 PM
Oh goodness that "neck stretcher" sounds like a medieval torture devince
Could you find a picture of one being used? LOL
Personally I just like a running martingale (sometimes called training fork ). It's hard to over-use it and back a horse off of the bit too much, or even make them scared of the bit like using draw reins too harshly does.
Definitely not the most welcoming name that's for sure! I only used it for about 5 minutes because it restricted lateral movement so much, but some people swear by it and run in it too..... I did like the collection she had at the poll for the short time I used it but I could see it causing a heavy front end if over-used.
Here's a link to a picture of one!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ca... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | People run in those?
Their horses must be stiff as a board?
Bizarre. |
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Veteran
Posts: 107
| What type of running martingale do you usually use? I've seen some string ones that are relatively inexpensive but don't have the little holder strap that goes around the neck. Or if you had to pick between a training fork and a running martingale, which would you choose?
Like this string training fork:
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/mustang-cowboy-string-training-fo...
Then here's a leather running martingale:
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-leather-standard-running-m...
Sorry for all the questions!!  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | I use a leather one with the neck strap because I don't usually have a breastcollar on my saddle for just flat work. Less stuff to get sweaty and itchy under. The string one looks okay too, but you may have to play with it a bit to adjust it right.
One of these babies would do you just fine if you dont feel the whole neck strap thing is necessary.
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-harness-leather-rubber-tub...
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-leather-training-fork-girt... |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | I use the leather one as well. My friend let me borrow hers until I could get one. I'm very pleased with using one.  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | Also make sure that if you are using reins with snaps on the ends to use something as a sort of "keeper" to stop the rings from getting stuck on the snaps.
I use those rubber bit guards, they're cheap and easy to replace if I lose one. I've also cut slits in old cow ear tags and slid them on my reins for stoppers too. |
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 Saint Stacey
| I prefer a German martingale to any other. You get the draw but only to a certain point then it's normal reins.
A training fork (running martingale) is what the track trainers use to teach one to run into the bit. They are easy to overdo and the horse learns pretty quick how to lug on your hands.
The side reins (what you are calling a neck stretcher) allow very little relief. Especially if it's even just a little too tight with the adjustment. It teaches one to be too much behind the vertical. I want a barrel horse to follow the nose in the turns. I don't want one to bury their face.
All the "headset" in the world does no good without the proper frame. Usually if you fix the frame the headset naturally follows .
Edited by SKM 2017-03-20 7:07 AM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
Location: MN | SKM - 2017-03-20 7:01 AM I prefer a German martingale to any other. You get the draw but only to a certain point then it's normal reins. A training fork (running martingale) is what the track trainers use to teach one to run into the bit. They are easy to overdo and the horse learns pretty quick how to lug on your hands. The side reins (what you are calling a neck stretcher) allow very little relief. Especially if it's even just a little too tight with the adjustment. It teaches one to be too much behind the vertical. I want a barrel horse to follow the nose in the turns. I don't want one to bury their face. All the "headset" in the world does no good without the proper frame. Usually if you fix the frame the headset naturally follows .
^^^THIS! German martingale is hands down my favorite training tool.
I also like draw reins every once in a while to really round one out but you have to know how to use them correctly and not over do it.
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 349
Location: texas | I like the german...
I agree w another poster, it engages to a certain point and then u can have just regular rein, and w the rings on reins u can adjust very easily....
Its just user friendly, to me u dont loose anything such as flex and lateral movement |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 599
| Should you only use o-ring bits with a German martingale ? Or D-ring....? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| I really like the martingale as well! But actually, my favorite tool is just an average training fork like this one: https://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-harness-leather-training-f...
All of my horses have responded really well to it, and you can use any type of bit with it. I use it for my warm ups and all my slow work on every stage of horse =]
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I LOVE my neck stretcher for building topline but I only lunge with it, I don't ride them in it. It has done wonders for my gelding and his KS.
However, when riding I prefer a german martingale or a running martingale. I try to switch it up but I don't use them often. My gelding was a dressage foundation but every once in awhile he needs a tuneup.
On the lungeline he moves like a cow so we need some aids there. I alternate between long lines and the neck stretcher. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck. |
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Regular
Posts: 90
| This is my favorite running martingale. Cheap enough so if you lose it, they're an easy replacement. Always, always use rein stops with rings like these! I like this one because I can tie one knot and it's adjusted exactly how I like. I don't want them regularly hitting the rings. The rings just about reach the throatlatch when I use it.
https://www.jefferspet.com/products/string-martingale-training-fork |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| oija - 2017-03-20 11:06 AM
Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
Location: Pacific Northwest | oija - 2017-03-20 9:06 AM
Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
This...I worry more about where they're tracking and if their back is rounded. Generally their head will lower if everything else is correct. As long as they aren't flinging their head away from me I don't nitpick about the "headset" too much.
That being said, my mare can be a brat about her head sometimes. She gets in these moods when she's wound up and will throw her head every time I ask for anything. If she refuses to work out of it I put draw reins on her for about 10 minutes. |
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 Hummer's Hero
Posts: 3071
Location: Smack Dab in the Middle | oija - 2017-03-20 11:06 AM
Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
Yes, this. I personally don't like martingales, though I do understand that they have a use, and for that reason I do own one and very occasionally use it. However I find it much more effective to spend a few days teaching one to do it right.
Example: this mare was horribly unbalanced and not broke in her face or body. Fought me terrible about it too. Would throw her face around and root, stick her nose up to evade, and I'd had it with her. I tied her head down and let her fight it out for a few min, then went about gently encouraging her to move forward and up into her bridle. This was the result of 15 min of work.
And she was a totally different horse for the better when I rode her. Not that she's miraculously fixed, she'd benefit from a few more sessions, but the difference in teaching her to move up underself and into the bit was Night and Day. She's a beautiful mover, just had no idea HOW. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | RockinGR - 2017-03-20 1:04 PM
oija - 2017-03-20 11:06 AM
Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
Yes, this. I personally don't like martingales, though I do understand that they have a use, and for that reason I do own one and very occasionally use it. However I find it much more effective to spend a few days teaching one to do it right.
Example: this mare was horribly unbalanced and not broke in her face or body. Fought me terrible about it too. Would throw her face around and root, stick her nose up to evade, and I'd had it with her. I tied her head down and let her fight it out for a few min, then went about gently encouraging her to move forward and up into her bridle. This was the result of 15 min of work.
And she was a totally different horse for the better when I rode her. Not that she's miraculously fixed, she'd benefit from a few more sessions, but the difference in teaching her to move up underself and into the bit was Night and Day. She's a beautiful mover, just had no idea HOW.
She looks super heavy on the forehand, as that method will do every time. You tie the head down and in order to avoid yanking themselves in the mouth, they just suck back behind the bit and dump themselves onto the forehand.
Collection starts from behind. You don't ride a horse front to back and call it "collected".
You need them to drive from the hind end and then you use your body to push them forward onto the bit, and the head coming down is the very last step and happens when they lift their back. You can have horses with their heads down and still have no impulsion and hollowed out backs. If you look at your mares back, her head is down but her back is hollow.
Edited by QHriderKE 2017-03-20 1:19 PM
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Hummer's Hero
Posts: 3071
Location: Smack Dab in the Middle | QHriderKE - 2017-03-20 1:17 PM
RockinGR - 2017-03-20 1:04 PM
oija - 2017-03-20 11:06 AM
Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
Yes, this. I personally don't like martingales, though I do understand that they have a use, and for that reason I do own one and very occasionally use it. However I find it much more effective to spend a few days teaching one to do it right.
Example: this mare was horribly unbalanced and not broke in her face or body. Fought me terrible about it too. Would throw her face around and root, stick her nose up to evade, and I'd had it with her. I tied her head down and let her fight it out for a few min, then went about gently encouraging her to move forward and up into her bridle. This was the result of 15 min of work.
And she was a totally different horse for the better when I rode her. Not that she's miraculously fixed, she'd benefit from a few more sessions, but the difference in teaching her to move up underself and into the bit was Night and Day. She's a beautiful mover, just had no idea HOW.
She looks super heavy on the forehand, as that method will do every time. You tie the head down and in order to avoid yanking themselves in the mouth, they just suck back behind the bit and dump themselves onto the forehand.
Collection starts from behind. You don't ride a horse front to back and call it "collected".
You need them to drive from the hind end and then you use your body to push them forward onto the bit, and the head coming down is the very last step and happens when they lift their back. You can have horses with their heads down and still have no impulsion and hollowed out backs. If you look at your mares back, her head is down but her back is hollow.
If that's what you see, ok I guess. I should have had a "before pic" to show the difference only a few min made... She is backed off the bit (see slack in the reins) and traveling balanced in her frame. She is lifting through her rib cage--not hollow in her back. Her back legs are up under body, driving her. That's what I see, but again, I saw the before too. And that is with only me standing in the middle of the pen, asking her to move forward, not on her back, asking her for it. Accomplished 10 times more than a week in the martingale did... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | Compare her stride in that photo in the front to the stride in her hinds. She's stepping shorter behind (not tracking up) and it is not under her like you want to see in a horse that is really driving from their hindquarter. That's what I see, and that's what I've seen with every horse that was taught to respect the bit more using that method.
This is my dads head horse, I ride her english sometimes just for something new to do and keep her in shape.
She isn't an example of collection, but she's tracking up with her hind end and with just a little bit more work on the right muscles, is ready to start thinking about lifting her back up for me and rocking back onto her hindquarter a little.
I have to really get after her with my leg to keep her driving with her hind end, and when they're out of shape it takes a long time to develop the right muscles. Collection isn't a thing that happens in a week.
Edited by QHriderKE 2017-03-20 1:47 PM
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Hummer's Hero
Posts: 3071
Location: Smack Dab in the Middle | QHriderKE - 2017-03-20 1:34 PM
Compare her stride in that photo in the front to the stride in her hinds. She's stepping shorter behind (not tracking up) and it is not under her like you want to see in a horse that is really driving from their hindquarter. That's what I see, and that's what I've seen with every horse that was taught to respect the bit more using that method.
I do not disagree with your description per sey... But again, this was only a few minutes of work (not a finished product, merely the best pic I had to illustrate what I was saying), compared to trying to ride her through her head shaking/flinging, bit fighting, nose rooting etc. Doing that she was ALL on her front end, legs everywhere but up under her, with no forward motion to speak of. Because she simply had no idea how to stop fighting and just move up. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | RockinGR - 2017-03-20 1:43 PM
QHriderKE - 2017-03-20 1:34 PM
Compare her stride in that photo in the front to the stride in her hinds. She's stepping shorter behind (not tracking up) and it is not under her like you want to see in a horse that is really driving from their hindquarter. That's what I see, and that's what I've seen with every horse that was taught to respect the bit more using that method.
I do not disagree with your description per sey... But again, this was only a few minutes of work (not a finished product, merely the best pic I had to illustrate what I was saying ), compared to trying to ride her through her head shaking/flinging, bit fighting, nose rooting etc. Doing that she was ALL on her front end, legs everywhere but up under her, with no forward motion to speak of. Because she simply had no idea how to stop fighting and just move up.
Sorry I updated that post on ya, but the mare I'm riding was also an extreme head-flinger and shaker, didn't like contact at all and it took a while but she figured out that contact is not going to kill her and she will sometimes look for it when I'm taking her out for a little ride under English tack. It took a lot of just being really forgiving with my hands and using lots of leg to push her into the bridle |
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 boon
Posts: 2
| I live and die by a german martingale when training or tuning up my horses! Dramatic, I know, but seriously they're the best. You can work your horse in them or use them in a run.
But, I hate a running martingale and have never been able to get good results from them myself. |
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Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | The bay horse in this article is collected. Don't just look at his head. LOOK AT HIS BACK. It is rounded.
https://www.horsejournals.com/preparing-piaffe-and-passage |
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Veteran
Posts: 107
| My mare usually has a low headset, just needs help/needs to be reminded to keep herself collected while I am doing more intense drills so that I don't have to constantly be in her mouth. Also, this isn't something that I would use all the time, I don't want it to become a crutch for my horse or me, just used as a tune-up/reminder once in a while. :)
I like the idea of the training fork as I feel it would give my horse a little more freedom, but it focuses mostly on keeping the head low. Whereas I want her to know she needs to stay collected as well. But the german martingale also seems a little more restrictive. |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I don't like gimmicks and gadgets to get a head set. For my hunter under saddle horse we just ask for give and release. Ask for his face, he gives a second and we release. Now he knows to keep it low and we are working on keeping his nose in. Just wiggle my fingers when I feel his nose out a tad. They learn really fast if you are consistent. They know where they carry their face to be left alone. His breeding helps dictate how he moves and he naturally moves slow, collected and has a low headset. He collects up nice on his own on a lunge line but I am working on him doing it when asked when ridden. |
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 Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | slacy09 - 2017-03-21 10:46 AM
If you're just using it for a week or two at a time, it doesn't hurt anything. Even if you are worried about keeping your horse supple laterally, and think using a martingale will be "detrimental" to that, why not just take 10 minutes before you put the tool on just working on flexion? It's like doing your stretches before a workout!
This was the first time I walked her through the pattern last Spring, so it's pretty sloppy and I do a lot of wrong things, but she's wearing a running martingale and she has lots of room for all kinds of lateral movement if I were to ask her for it! She picked up that bend between first and second almost all on her own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6a_7fvuXg
I've used both german martingales and the running martingales, just depends on how strong the horse is being.
Just for this particular OP, I think they don't need anything aggressive. Which, she could use a german martingale too, just on the rings with the least amount of draw, it's her choice though.
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Impressive!!
Posts: 1954
Location: Idaho | QHriderKE - 2017-03-21 9:21 AM slacy09 - 2017-03-21 10:46 AM If you're just using it for a week or two at a time, it doesn't hurt anything. Even if you are worried about keeping your horse supple laterally, and think using a martingale will be "detrimental" to that, why not just take 10 minutes before you put the tool on just working on flexion? It's like doing your stretches before a workout! This was the first time I walked her through the pattern last Spring, so it's pretty sloppy and I do a lot of wrong things, but she's wearing a running martingale and she has lots of room for all kinds of lateral movement if I were to ask her for it! She picked up that bend between first and second almost all on her own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6a_7fvuXg I've used both german martingales and the running martingales, just depends on how strong the horse is being. Just for this particular OP, I think they don't need anything aggressive. Which, she could use a german martingale too, just on the rings with the least amount of draw, it's her choice though.
Picture is of 4 year old mare, who is extremely balanced and collected naturally, but you can see that hip driving up and forward, her head is vertical to the ground, meaning she is not behind or ahead of the bit, her shoulder is elevated allowing that hip to come up and forward.  (IMG_1301.jpg)Attachments ----------------  IMG_1301.jpg (47KB - 161 downloads) |
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Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | QHriderKE - 2017-03-21 11:21 AM slacy09 - 2017-03-21 10:46 AM If you're just using it for a week or two at a time, it doesn't hurt anything. Even if you are worried about keeping your horse supple laterally, and think using a martingale will be "detrimental" to that, why not just take 10 minutes before you put the tool on just working on flexion? It's like doing your stretches before a workout! This was the first time I walked her through the pattern last Spring, so it's pretty sloppy and I do a lot of wrong things, but she's wearing a running martingale and she has lots of room for all kinds of lateral movement if I were to ask her for it! She picked up that bend between first and second almost all on her own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6a_7fvuXg I've used both german martingales and the running martingales, just depends on how strong the horse is being. Just for this particular OP, I think they don't need anything aggressive. Which, she could use a german martingale too, just on the rings with the least amount of draw, it's her choice though. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | flyhperformancehorse - 2017-03-21 12:23 PM
QHriderKE - 2017-03-21 9:21 AM slacy09 - 2017-03-21 10:46 AM If you're just using it for a week or two at a time, it doesn't hurt anything. Even if you are worried about keeping your horse supple laterally, and think using a martingale will be "detrimental" to that, why not just take 10 minutes before you put the tool on just working on flexion? It's like doing your stretches before a workout! This was the first time I walked her through the pattern last Spring, so it's pretty sloppy and I do a lot of wrong things, but she's wearing a running martingale and she has lots of room for all kinds of lateral movement if I were to ask her for it! She picked up that bend between first and second almost all on her own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6a_7fvuXg I've used both german martingales and the running martingales, just depends on how strong the horse is being. Just for this particular OP, I think they don't need anything aggressive. Which, she could use a german martingale too, just on the rings with the least amount of draw, it's her choice though.
Picture is of 4 year old mare, who is extremely balanced and collected naturally, but you can see that hip driving up and forward, her head is vertical to the ground, meaning she is not behind or ahead of the bit, her shoulder is elevated allowing that hip to come up and forward.
Spot on! |
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Veteran
Posts: 119
Location: NeverLand | I start all my horse with the dressage principles. That way they learn from a young age how to properly carry\collect themselves as well as lots of lateral work like leg yields and half pass ect... That way I never have to use any training tool gimmicks like martin gales, hear setters or draw reins. |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | This is my horse with no gagets or gimmicks. In the summer/english picture with my friend riding, he is rounded and collected at a slow extended trot. We use a smooth D ring bit. He does have his head too low, but she may have been asking him for it as I can see the reins have contact. In my winter furry picture from a couple weeks ago, I was asking him for a slow jog with some collection-impulsion from the hind end, but taking small slow steps without knee action. This horse is so green it isn't funny. I never ride him steady but we are consistent when we ask for something. Collection is harder to achieve at a canter, at least for me. I am against getting on their face constantly, but with him I have to ask him up with my legs (or he breaks to a trot) but bump him back with the reins to get the head set and collection. It frustrates me, I have only started colts or barrel horses before taking on this adventure. I just know even with barrel racing I don't like to use anything unless it is a last resort.
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Veteran
Posts: 119
Location: NeverLand | wyoming barrel racer - 2017-03-21 5:23 PM
This is my horse with no gagets or gimmicks. In the summer/english picture with my friend riding, he is rounded and collected at a slow extended trot. We use a smooth D ring bit. He does have his head too low, but she may have been asking him for it as I can see the reins have contact. In my winter furry picture from a couple weeks ago, I was asking him for a slow jog with some collection-impulsion from the hind end, but taking small slow steps without knee action. This horse is so green it isn't funny. I never ride him steady but we are consistent when we ask for something. Collection is harder to achieve at a canter, at least for me. I am against getting on their face constantly, but with him I have to ask him up with my legs (or he breaks to a trot) but bump him back with the reins to get the head set and collection. It frustrates me, I have only started colts or barrel horses before taking on this adventure. I just know even with barrel racing I don't like to use anything unless it is a last resort.
I completely agree! nothing drives me more insane then people forcing a frame or collection with the gimmicks. Why not just teach it? it does take longer but the results are so worth it! |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | Prairie Rouge - 2017-03-20 7:54 PM My mare usually has a low headset, just needs help/needs to be reminded to keep herself collected while I am doing more intense drills so that I don't have to constantly be in her mouth. Also, this isn't something that I would use all the time, I don't want it to become a crutch for my horse or me, just used as a tune-up/reminder once in a while. :) I like the idea of the training fork as I feel it would give my horse a little more freedom, but it focuses mostly on keeping the head low. Whereas I want her to know she needs to stay collected as well. But the german martingale also seems a little more restrictive.
If your goal is to teach your horse collection, a martingale is not going to get you there. Being on her face, is also not going to get you there. You have to teach her to use her body efficiently through your seat and legs. Which IS difficult to do.
If you don't know how to do that (certainly nothing to be ashamed about) go take some private dressage lessons with your horse and get headed in the right direction.
If she's using her body correctly, you aren't going to need to use an artificial tool to control her head.
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | oija - 2017-03-20 12:06 PM Someone briefly mentioned this but I am going to reiterate, collection or being bent at the poll IS NOT true collection. True collection involves them gathering their entire body and using their hind end with impulsion. They round out their back. A lot of people get them to bend their head only and then become convinced they have collected the horse. Just make sure you can feel the horse round the back and bring their hind end under them to work. True collection usually gets them to bend at the poll but they can bend at the poll without collection. That's why some of these tools can be counter productive with horses if all you are doing is teaching them to give you their nose more but their back is still hollow and their hind end strung out. Then they end up with just a really muscled neck.
yes exactly...you dont collect at the poll, you may be head setting but not collection.. you will run into trouble.. .......... |
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Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | I wish I knew dressage for this very reason! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1141
Location: Somewhere across the SABINE | dRowe - 2017-03-20 10:41 AM
Should you only use o-ring bits with a German martingale ? Or D-ring....?
ideally yes, but you can use other bits as well |
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