RE: RE: Re: Training ride today

[Karen Webb <kwebb@GSSB.com>]

No, it's not a gimmick; it is an aid.  If adjusted properly, the running
martingale only comes into play when the horse throws its head up to come
above and avoid the bit.  With my acrobatic stallions, it certainly saved me
being from being slung off when they decided they just didn't want to
cooperate.  As stated before, if properly adjusted if the horse is behaving
itself and working in some semblance of a frame, the martingale has
absolutely no impact.  I wouldn't recommend any green rider using one
without supervision.  Certainly, it is not mean't to replace good riding and
good schooling.

- Karen Webb

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave & Abby Bloxsom [mailto:cyclone@snet.net]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 11:24 PM
To: Karen Webb; 'Sue Brown'; ridecamp@endurance.net
Cc: donp@dcr.net
Subject: Re: RE: Re: Training ride today


> I disagree about the use of a running martingale.  I have started two
young
> Arabian stallions under saddle in the last five years.  Arabians being as
> smart as they are soon figure out that if they come above the bit, they
can
> pretty well do what they want and it is hard for you to then regain
control.

Well, it looks like here we go again, but this is simply crap.  If you ride
a horse correctly, and use your hands and legs effectively, ALL horses,
Arabs and otherwise will reflexively assume a round frame.  It's not about
training, it's about riding right.

I have REtrained, in the last four years, either myself or under my
tutelage, over 100 horses - Arabs, TBs, QHs, Apps, grades, whatever.  These
horses, ranging in age from 2 or under to over 20, came some with no
training, some with good training, and some with bad training.  They all
improved, and I have used a running martingale on THREE of them, for very
specific reasons and for a limited time only.

> I don't like to use alot of aids and gimmicks when training young or green
> horses, but I have found that the running martingale is an invaluable tool
> when used correctly.
>
Yes, but 97% of the time, it's a gimmick.

Abby Bloxsom
ARICP Certified Instructor
Head Instructor, Camp Jewell YMCA, Colebrook CT