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My understanding of "correct" adjustment on a martingale is: the rings that
go on the reins should just reach the jowl/throatlatch (within 1"+or-). This
allows the neck to be used for balance but does not allow the head to come
back and catch you in the face.
The martingale was originally designed to be used with a snaffle bit to keep
the head from coming above the withers. This kept the horse from being able
to "take the bit and run/evade it's use". The snaffle is not designed as a
"stopping bit" but as a "lateral bit". A horse "leaving" in a snaffle may
need the freedom of the sliding martingale to be able to get his head far
enough around to disengage his shoulder and therefore his hip. Some horses
are very flexible and can bring the head and neck around and still not give
their shoulder. (In a fixed martingale you would be in big trouble at this
point).
I recommend a "sliding" martingale over a fixed. (Fixed has two straps that
are joined at the breastcollar. The slilding has one continuous strap from
one ring to the other, and a third ring that attatches it to the
breastcollar). If you ever have to double/hard turn a horse or assist a
horse who is falling; the sliding martingale allows the horses head to come
further around.
The sliding martingale works the same as a fixed or standing martingale in
stopping the horses head from coming back towards your face but allows more
lateral reining. The fixed straps, especially if adjusted short can be
quite hazardous. (I consider standing martingales lethal).
Before I catch a lot of flack... (Many people get away "murder".or haven't
gotten in trouble yet...!) My comment is made from being "safety conscious".
Most people have never seen a sliding martingale so 90% are in fixed
martingales and have done ok. Most speed event horses are in standing
martingales with shanked bits; not the preferred choice. But a lot of people
do what they gotta do (or what works on their friends horse...).
Many people have started using martingales, short, for headsetting. This can
create tension in the jaw, poll, neck and back as the "feel" does not go
direct from the horses mouth to your hands for the "release".
We've all heard, " if you need more bit, more control, more stopping go back
to basics". Ropers and gymkana people etc. as a rule can't not use standing
martingales but most other sports and especially trail riders have lots of
better options.
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