running martingale

["Paddi" <seamstob@telusplanet.net>]

I am going to try to explain in words what was shown in a clinic.

Take a rope or rein about 1/2" thick that is long enough to hold in your hand and have reins. Your closed fist palm down is the horses mouth. The reins are taken in hand by a friend standing in front of you. Have them steer your hand by pulling and moving the reins. You will feel direct contact. Then have another friend circle their fingers arround the rein as if they are the martingale. Then again steer the horse. You will feel little contact and direction from the rein.

I was shown this when I asked the trainer why he did not use a martingale.

Paddi