Fitting a Martingale
A martingale is a short-term corrective aid that applies pressure to help prevent a horse's head from coming up too high when being ridden. It should always be used by a knowledgeable rider and with rein stops to prevent the rings becoming tangled with the bit or billets. There are three types of martingales.

Standing Martingale - If the horse raises its head above the allowed height, pressure is applied to the nose to encourage the horse to return to the lower head carriage. Pressure is relieved with the lower head carriage. The strap attaches to the back of the noseband. Pass the lower part of the martingale through the horse's front legs and then fasten to the girth. It should be loose enough so the strap can be pushed up to touch the throatlatch of the bridle when the horse has its head in a relaxed position.

Adjusted correctly, you should to be able to press the strap into the inside contour of the neck from its attachment at the chest. The loop should reach to the horse's chin when stretched along the length of the gullet.

Running Martingale - If the horse raises its head above the allowed height, pressure is applied to the bars and tongue to encourage lower head carriage. A running martingale can provide more freedom than a standing martingale, and the rider can release pressure as soon as the head is in the correct position. The reins pass through rings that are attached to the center strap.

When correctly adjusted, the rings should reach the horse's withers when stretched tight, and the reins should run a straight line from the rider's hand to the bit ring.

German Martingale - If the horse raises its head above the allowed height, the reins apply pressure to the bit, which acts on the bars and corners of the mouth. The pressure encourages the horse to resume the lower head carriage, and the pressure is then released. Swap your reins for the German martingale reins. The breast strap of the martingale connects to your girth first. Each side strap runs through the corresponding bit ring and clips onto a d-ring of the German martingale reins.

How to Attach a Nameplate to a Halter, Bridle, Martingale or Breastplate

Required Tools: will need a leather hole punch, hammer and pencil.

Steps:
1. Unwrap your nameplate and identify the rivets as having two posts and two caps.
2. Center the plate where you would like it ; mark its holes with pencil.
3. Use the hole punch centered on the pencil marks. A good quality hole punch with appropriate pressure applied should be able to penetrate even thick leather halters.
4. Push the rivet posts through the back of the tack so the posts are pointed toward you.
5. Put the nameplate on rivet posts.
6. Place rivet caps onto the posts, and tap the caps with a hammer.

Note: If you do not feel comfortable installing your own nameplate, we are happy to help. Bring your plate and tack into your local Dover Saddlery store for assistance. Your local leather repair professional or cobbler may also be able to assist you.