Definition: A martingale is a configuration of straps (usually leather, although other materials may be used) designed to prevent the horse from lifting it’s head too high and evading the cues of the bit. The standing and running martingale are the most common types. A standing martingale consists of a single strap that runs from the bit to the girth, stabilized with a strap around the neck. A running martingale is attached at the girth, and branches off into a Y shape, with the reins running through rings at the uppermost branches of the Y. A martingale is considered an artificial aid.
Pronunciation: m - art - in- gale
Examples:
The horse had a habit of tossing its head when excited at shows, so they rode it with a martingale.
