Comments on: German Martingale

By: Jennifer Vermillion

Jennifer Vermillion — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:17:54 +0000

Hi. I have an older Morgan/QH gelding who when he speed up likes to stick his nose in the air and try to take control to keep going fast. I want to use his speen as a timed event horse. Will the German Martingale work for him to train to barrel race?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:18:27 +0000

Hi Larry my horse understands giving to pressure when I pull back on the reins with even pressure he knows to drop his poll and tuck his nose. But when I ask him to slow down and pull back on the reins he thinks I'm asking him to drop his poll when I want him to slow down. How can I help him distinguish the two?

By: LarryTrocha

LarryTrocha — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:38:30 +0000

@Courtney: Hi Courtney. A good dressage horse must learn to REACH for and go ON the bit before he is ever taught to get BEHIND it.

If you already have the first two requirements handled, then the German martingale will greatly help the third.

Take care,

Larry T.

By: Courtney

Courtney — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:12:23 +0000

I've just begun working with a five year old paint mare, I broke her out late this winter and she's doing very well. I'm looking to train her to do dressage because of her natural ability. Eventually I will start her over fences and I'll begin eventing with her. I'm wondering if it will help her use her frame to begin with a German martingale now or if it's too soon to begin using it. Thanks!

By: LarryTrocha

LarryTrocha — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:57:40 +0000

@Marissa: Hi Marissa. I think the German martingale is the better way to go if you are training with a snaffle.

If using a curb bit, go with the headsetter.

Be sure you watch the video clips of how to use each one as the training in each clip will give you some good ideas.

Larry T.