Best Equestrian Martingales of 2026
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Equestrian martingales are a popular piece of horse equipment used to help control and guide the horse's head and neck during riding. There are several types of martingales available, including standing, running, and breastplate martingales. Standing martingales keep the horse's head at a certain height, while running martingales allow more freedom of movement. Breastplate martingales combine the functions of both standing and running martingales, helping to prevent the horse from raising its head too high or pulling too hard on the reins. Martingales can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, nylon, and synthetic materials, and are available in a range of sizes to fit different breeds and sizes of horses.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Equestrian Martingales
NRS Jerry Beagley White String Martingale with Neck Rope
The NRS White String Martingale is designed to give you better control and comfort while riding. Created by Jerry Beagley, this martingale features a white string design that is both functional and stylish. It comes with a neck rope that helps keep the martingale in place, ensuring it stays secure during your ride. With two cords included, you get added stability and support for your horse. This setup is perfect for riders who want a reliable and easy-to-use martingale to improve their equestrian experience.
Weaver Leather Running Martingale
The Weaver Leather Martingale is a top-quality equestrian gear designed by Weaver Leather. It features a fully-adjustable design, making it suitable for various horse sizes. Crafted from durable doubled and stitched nylon, this martingale ensures long-lasting performance. The 1-3/4" inch nickel-plated rings add to its durability, while the non-rust stainless steel snap provides easy attachment. These features make the Weaver Leather Martingale a reliable choice for riders looking for a secure and adjustable martingale to help control their horse's head movement.
Weaver Leather Harness German Martingale
Weaver Leather Harness German Martingale is a great equestrian training tool that teaches correct head position and promotes flexion at the poll. It is made from durable, weather-resistant russet harness leather and 1/4 inch nylon rope.
Equinavia Saga Adjustable Leather Martingale
The Equinavia Leather Martingale offers a durable design made from genuine leather, ensuring long-lasting use and comfort for your horse. The fancy stitching adds a stylish touch, making it look great during rides. You can easily adjust the fit at the neck, girth, and yoke, giving you full control over the comfort and security of the martingale. Plus, the stainless steel hardware provides strong, rust-resistant support, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear. This martingale is a practical and elegant choice for riders looking for reliable gear.
Tough1 Nylon Training Martingale
The Tough1 Training Martingale is a reliable equestrian tool designed by Tough 1. Made with surgical tubing, this martingale provides gentle guidance and aids in training your horse effectively. With an adjustable length range of 53-135, it suits various horse sizes. This martingale is a performer's first choice, ensuring a safe and controlled training experience for you and your horse.
CAMELOT German Martingale Brown
The CAMELOT Martingale Brown is crafted to enhance both durability and functionality, making it easier for you to control your horse safely. Its design prioritizes comfort, ensuring your horse feels at ease during rides. The martingale applies minimal pressure on the noseband, which can help prevent discomfort or stress for your horse. Additionally, the long fork with a snap attachment offers convenience, allowing for quick adjustments when needed. This combination of features makes the CAMELOT Martingale an excellent choice for both you and your horse.
Weaver Leather Roper/Barrel Style German Martingale
The Weaver Leather Roper/Barrel Style German Martingale, also known as the Weaver Leather German Martingale, is a high-quality equestrian martingale designed to help teach correct head position and promote flexion at the poll. Handcrafted from premium harness leather, this martingale is built to last. The nickel plated hardware adds durability and a touch of style. One of the standout features of this martingale is the variable positioning dees on the roper reins, allowing for customizable rein placement. Whether you're a roper or a barrel racer, this German Martingale from Weaver Leather is a reliable and convenient tool to help improve your horse's performance.
Equinavia Saga Adjustable Leather Standing Martingale
The Equinavia Saga Martingale is made from genuine leather, giving you a durable and comfortable option for your horse. Its adjustable design at both the neck and girth lets you customize the fit easily, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and secure during use. The stainless steel hardware adds strength and resistance to rust, so you can count on long-lasting performance. However, keep in mind that the martingale ring is not included, so you’ll need to have one separately. This product pairs well with the Saga Fancy Stitched Hunter Bridle for a coordinated look.
Mustang Barrel Racer German Martingale
The Mustang Martingale Barrel Racer helps you teach proper flexion and head set to your horse. It comes with a flat braided rein featuring four easy-grip knots for better control. The white nylon rope adds durability, while the nickel-plated hardware ensures longevity. This martingale is designed to improve your horse's performance by enhancing communication between you and your horse.
HORZE Winchmore Running Martingale
The HORZE Winchmore Martingale is designed with soft leather that ensures comfort for your horse, preventing chafing during rides. It features adjustable straps, allowing you to customize the fit easily for your horse’s unique size and shape. The snap hook makes attaching and removing the martingale quick and hassle-free, saving you time. Additionally, the metal fittings—silver for the black version—add durability and a polished look. These features combine to offer you a practical and comfortable tool to help control your horse effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a martingale do for a horse?
A martingale is a piece of equestrian tack that helps control a horse's head carriage and provides additional control, apart from the bit. It prevents the horse from raising its head too high, thus protecting the rider from getting hit in the face.
2. Do martingales work for horses?
Yes, martingales are effective in providing control for horses. While they don't make the horse go faster, they help slow down the horse if it increases speed. They are also used to keep the horse's head up when needed, such as in dressage.
3. What are the two types of martingales?
The two main types of martingales are standing and running martingales. A standing martingale attaches to the girth and runs between the horse's front legs, up to the back of the noseband. On the other hand, a running martingale provides pressure on the horse's head to prevent it from raising too high for the bit to work correctly.
4. Why do horses wear running martingales?
Running martingales are used to exert additional pressure on the horse's head, preventing it from raising its head too high for proper bit control. It works alongside the bridle and bit to give the rider better control over the horse's head.
5. Does a martingale stop head throwing?
Yes, both standing and running martingales are used to control the height of the horse's head and prevent it from throwing its head too high, which could potentially hit the rider's face.
6. What are the pros and cons of a running martingale?
Running martingales are considered less restrictive than standing martingales and are often seen as safer. However, it is important to use rein stops to prevent the rings from slipping down and getting caught on the bit.
7. What is the difference between a martingale and a running martingale?
A running martingale is generally considered safer than a standing martingale because it gives the rider more control over the horse's range of head movement.
8. What are the disadvantages of a running martingale?
One disadvantage of a running martingale is that there is always some pressure on the reins due to the weight of the rings, unless the rider is riding with loose reins. When the rider pulls on the reins, the martingale rings pull down, adding pressure to the bars of the horse's mouth.
9. Does a running martingale stop rearing?
A running martingale can help prevent a horse from rearing too high. It works directly on the horse's head through the noseband and does not require contact on the reins to be effective. However, it must be fitted correctly to work properly.
During our equestrian martingale research, we found 24 equestrian martingale products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,566 customer reviews through our big data system to write the equestrian martingales list. We found that most customers choose equestrian martingales with an average price of $52.70.
The equestrian martingales are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of equestrian martingales, including NRS, Weaver Leather, Equinavia, Tough 1, CAMELOT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 993 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.