Choosing the right martingale can make a real difference to your horse’s comfort and your confidence in the saddle. Whether you’re jumping, hacking or schooling, a well-fitted running martingale can offer subtle extra control without getting in the way. In this guide we’ll use the Velociti Running Martingale Black as a practical example, and look at how to choose, fit and care for your tack alongside a few useful alternatives for your riding kit.
What is a running martingale and when is it useful?
A running martingale is a simple piece of tack designed to stop a horse throwing its head too high. Two short straps pass through the reins and attach to a central strap from the girth, only coming into play when the head lifts beyond a certain point. This makes it a popular choice for jumping, fast hacking and cross-country riding, where excitement can easily bubble over.
Used correctly, a running martingale is there as a safety net rather than a constant restriction. It helps keep the contact consistent and your hands in a good position, while still allowing the horse to stretch and work over the back. The key to all of this is fit and adjustability, which is where the Velociti Running Martingale Black comes in.
Why the Velociti Running Martingale Black is a good reference point
The Velociti Running Martingale Black is a straightforward, well-made leather martingale with a focus on adjustability and everyday practicality. It’s cut from high quality leather and finished with stainless steel fittings, so it sits firmly in that sweet spot between smart and hard-wearing.
One of the stand-out details is that it offers adjustable straps at the girth, neck and martingale sections. This matters because horses change shape through the seasons and as their workload alters. With multiple points of adjustment, you can fine-tune the fit rather than having to live with a compromise or punch extra holes.
If you want a deeper dive into how it feels and wears in real life, you can always read our full review of the Velociti Running Martingale Black once you’ve finished this guide.
Key features to look for in a running martingale
Whether you’re considering this Velociti model or another brand entirely, the same essentials apply. Look for:
- Quality leather or material – supple from the start, without deep cracks or stiffness.
- Strong, smooth stitching – no loose threads or uneven seams that could rub.
- Reliable hardware – stainless steel or brass buckles and rings that won’t rust easily.
- Multiple adjustment points – particularly at the neck and at the main chest strap.
- Neat girth loop – wide enough to be safe but not so big that it shifts around.
- Appropriate colour – black or brown to match your bridle and saddle for a smart, cohesive look.
The Velociti Running Martingale Black ticks these boxes with its high quality leather, stainless steel fittings and fully adjustable design. For riders with dark tack, the black colour makes it a natural fit for competition and everyday use alike.
How to fit a running martingale correctly
1. Start at the girth
Attach the martingale to the girth and check the loop is flat and not twisted. The strap running from the girth to the rings should lie in the centre of the chest, not pulled to one side. This helps the pressure remain even through both reins when the martingale comes into play.
2. Adjust the neck strap
The neck strap should sit in front of the shoulder and allow a hand’s width between it and the horse’s neck. Too tight and it can restrict the shoulder and feel claustrophobic; too loose and the whole martingale can swing or tangle. The Velociti design’s adjustable neck section makes getting this right much easier, especially if you share tack between horses.
3. Set the length of the martingale strap
With the horse’s head in a natural position, the rings should reach roughly to the withers, without pulling the reins down. When you shorten or lengthen the martingale, take small steps and check from both sides. Over-shortening is a common mistake and can make horses feel trapped or cause them to lean.
4. Final checks before you ride
- Ensure the reins pass through the rings smoothly without twisting.
- Check that nothing pinches at the chest, between the legs or around the neck.
- Walk and trot on a loose rein and feel whether the martingale stays quiet.
- Ask a friend or instructor to watch you ride and confirm it looks balanced.
Because the Velociti Running Martingale Black has adjustable girth, neck and martingale straps, you can tweak each section separately until the fit is just right. If you’re unsure, it’s worth seeking a professional eye, particularly for competition horses or youngsters.
Black vs brown: choosing a colour and the Havana alternative
Colour might feel like a purely aesthetic choice, but matching your martingale to your other tack can influence how smart and tidy your horse looks, especially in the show ring. The Velociti martingale range comes in both black and a Havana (brown) option.
If you ride in dark, black leather tack, the Velociti Running Martingale Black is the obvious choice. It blends neatly with modern jumping saddles and many dressage set-ups. Riders using brown, Havana or chestnut-coloured tack, however, may prefer the coordinating brown version.
For a closer look at the brown option, you can read our detailed look at the Velociti Running Martingale Havana. The core design is similar, so your decision largely comes down to colour and how it complements your existing bridle and saddle.
Caring for a leather martingale so it lasts
A well-made leather martingale should last for years if it’s looked after. The Velociti model’s high quality leather will respond well to regular care, and good maintenance is also important for safety as it lets you spot wear before it becomes a problem.
- After each ride: Wipe away sweat, dirt and grease with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Weekly (or after heavy use): Clean with a suitable leather cleaner, then condition once dry.
- Check hardware: Inspect stainless steel rings and buckles for sharp edges or damage.
- Monitor stitching: Pay attention to stress points near buckles and holes.
- Store correctly: Keep in a dry, cool area, away from direct heat and sunlight.
Regular cleaning doesn’t just keep your martingale looking smart; it stops dryness and cracking, which could cause failures under pressure. The smoother and more supple the leather, the more comfortable it is against your horse’s skin and coat.
Building the rest of your riding kit around your martingale
A martingale is just one piece of a bigger riding picture. Once you’ve sorted your horse’s tack, it’s worth considering how your own clothing and accessories support a secure, effective position in the saddle.
Half chaps for grip and comfort
If you ride in short boots, half chaps are a simple way to add extra grip and stability. The Moretta Adults Amara Half Chaps Black are designed to pair neatly with jodhpur boots, adding a close-contact feel down the calf and lower leg. They’re a sensible option for riders who want a snug fit without the expense of long boots. You can see how they perform in detail in our Moretta Adults Amara Half Chaps Black review.
If your tack is brown or you simply prefer a warmer tone, the Moretta Adults Amara Half Chaps Brown offer a similar style in a different colourway. Matching your chaps to your boots and saddle creates a more polished overall look, whether you’re in the school or heading out for a lesson. For more on fit and feel, have a look at our in-depth review of the Moretta Adults Amara Half Chaps Brown.
Breeches to support a secure seat
Once your lower leg is supported, the next link in the chain is your breeches. Grip in the saddle and comfort in the hips and knees can be just as important to control as the martingale on your horse’s tack. The Aubrion Women's Thompson Knee Patch Breeches are a practical example, with knee patches that help your leg stay more stable on the horse’s side.
They’re designed with riding in mind, so seams and stretch panels are placed to minimise chafing and maximise freedom of movement. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe alongside your tack, it’s worth reading our review of the Aubrion Women's Thompson Knee Patch Breeches to see whether they’d suit your discipline and riding style.
Keeping your rug collection under control
Good tack care doesn’t stop at the bridle and martingale; your stable management plays a role in how organised and efficient your riding routine feels. A simple accessory like the Shires Rug Storage Bag can help keep your rugs clean, dry and easily accessible.
Instead of rummaging through a pile of rugs or leaving them draped over doors, a dedicated storage bag makes it easier to rotate pieces as the weather changes. That’s especially useful if you’re riding regularly and want your horse’s back kept dry and comfortable before tacking up. For a closer look at its size and practicality, take a look at our review of the Shires Rug Storage Bag.
Comparing the Velociti Running Martingale Black with alternatives
While this guide focuses on the Velociti Running Martingale Black, you might still be weighing up whether it’s the right style and material for your horse. Here’s how it sits in the wider landscape of your kit choices.
- Versus the Velociti Running Martingale Havana: Functionally similar, the main difference is colour. Riders with brown tack will naturally gravitate towards the Havana version to keep their set-up consistent.
- Versus synthetic martingales: Leather (like the Velociti) offers a smart, traditional look and can mould to the horse over time, while synthetic alternatives can be lighter and easier to clean but may not age as gracefully.
- Versus other training aids: A running martingale is more forgiving than many fixed gadgets because it only acts when the head is high. It’s often a better first step than stronger nosebands or draw reins, provided the root of the problem isn’t pain-related.
- Compared with rider-focused upgrades: If your main challenge is balance or lower-leg stability, investing in half chaps like the Moretta Amara range or supportive breeches such as the Aubrion Thompson Knee Patch Breeches can be just as impactful as adding a martingale.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you’re trying to improve. If your horse genuinely needs support with head carriage in more exciting situations, a well-fitted running martingale like the Velociti model is a sensible, adjustable option. If you’re still not sure, you can read our full hands-on review of the Velociti Running Martingale Black for further insight into how it behaves in daily use.
Safety and training considerations
No piece of tack should be used as a shortcut for good training. Before adding a martingale, it’s worth checking your horse’s teeth, back, saddle fit and general health. Sometimes head-tossing or resistance is a sign of discomfort rather than exuberance.
When you do introduce a running martingale, use it in conjunction with sympathetic riding. Keep your hands soft, your seat balanced and your schooling progressive. Many horses benefit from starting with the martingale on a slightly longer setting and, as their balance and confidence improve, you may even find you rely on it less over time.
A well-chosen running martingale can be a quiet, effective partner in your riding, helping you feel more secure while allowing your horse to work freely. The Velociti Running Martingale Black is a solid benchmark for what to look for: quality leather, stainless steel fittings and plenty of adjustability. If you’d like to go deeper into how it performs in the real world, follow the links in this guide to explore our dedicated product reviews and build a tack set-up that truly works for you and your horse.