Simple, well-made martingale for everyday schooling

The Velociti Running Martingale is a straightforward piece of tack aimed at riders who want a neat, reliable aid for horses that tend to lift or toss their heads. Made from high quality leather with stainless steel fittings, it sits firmly in the classic, no-nonsense camp rather than trying to be overly flashy or complicated.

With fully adjustable straps at the girth, neck and martingale forks, it is designed to give you a close, tailored fit on a range of horses and ponies. At this price it falls into the affordable to mid-range bracket for leather martingales, making it a sensible option for everyday use, schooling and lower-level competition.

There are no user reviews to draw on yet, but on paper the combination of decent leather, clean hardware and adjustability should appeal to riders who value function and durability over gimmicks.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • Traditional running martingale design for more consistent head carriage
  • Crafted from quality leather for comfort and durability
  • Stainless steel rings and buckles for rust-resistant reliability
  • Adjustable at the girth, neck and martingale forks for a tailored fit
  • Smart black finish to match most bridles and saddles

Who this martingale is best for

The Velociti Running Martingale is best suited to riders who need a practical aid for horses that occasionally throw their heads or become strong, particularly in jumping and general schooling. It offers the familiar action of a running martingale, helping to keep the contact more consistent without being overly restrictive when the reins are in a normal position.

It is a good fit for budget-conscious riders looking for a smart leather option rather than synthetic, without stepping up into premium, show-ring price territory. Leisure riders, riding club competitors and those doing regular flatwork and jumping will get the most from it.

Because all key points are adjustable, it should suit owners with more than one horse or yards where tack is shared between different animals. Novice riders who are just starting to use training aids can also benefit, provided they have guidance from an instructor on correct fitting and use.

If you are mainly focused on top-level showing or want padded, decorative or anatomical designs, this martingale is likely to feel a bit too simple. But for day-in, day-out reliability in the school or on hacks, it ticks the core boxes.

What we like

The headline strength of the Velociti Running Martingale is its use of good quality leather. This matters in daily use, as better leather softens and shapes to the horse more comfortably and generally stands up better to regular cleaning and the odd bit of rain.

Stainless steel fittings are another plus. They resist rust and pitting, so the rings and buckles should remain smooth and safe over time, which is especially important where the rings run on your rein stops.

The fully adjustable girth, neck and martingale straps make it far easier to achieve a precise fit. That means you can keep it correctly positioned on different horses without having to punch extra holes or compromise on safety or effectiveness.

The clean black colour and unfussy design help it blend neatly with most bridles and saddles, making it suitable for both schooling at home and low-key competitions where a tidy appearance still matters.

Where it could be better

From the information available, the Velociti Running Martingale is a fairly basic piece of kit with no added padding, elastic inserts or anatomical shaping. For many riders that is absolutely fine, but if you have a very sensitive-skinned horse or you prefer additional comfort touches, you may find yourself looking at more premium options.

There is also no indication of different size options or width of leather. If it is a standard, one-size design, it might not sit as elegantly on very fine ponies or very big, wide-chested horses without careful adjustment.

Finally, with no user reviews to reference, there is still a question mark over how the leather feels straight out of the packet and how quickly it breaks in. Some riders may prefer to handle it in person before committing.

Everyday use

In daily riding, a running martingale should be easy to fit, unobtrusive once on, and simple to adjust between horses. The Velociti Running Martingale appears to deliver on that brief, with straightforward buckle adjustments at the girth and neck and standard rings for the reins.

The plain leather design keeps the tackroom routine easy. Cleaning should be no more complicated than wiping it down after a ride and using a decent leather conditioner when needed. Stainless fittings mean you do not have to be overly precious about wiping every drop of water away after a wet hack.

Because the martingale straps are adjustable, you can fine-tune the length so the rings sit just below the horse’s neck when the reins are at a normal contact, which is exactly where they should be. This helps the martingale come into effect only when the horse lifts its head beyond the usual working frame.

In use, once correctly fitted, it should feel like a discreet but reliable aid. There are no added elastic or quick-release systems to fiddle with, which keeps day-to-day handling simple, especially in busy yards or before a competition round.

Performance and features

As a traditional running martingale, the main performance goal is to encourage a more consistent head carriage and prevent a horse from throwing its head up sharply. The Velociti model follows this classic pattern, providing downward leverage only when the horse exceeds the desired frame while allowing complete freedom when working correctly.

The high quality leather is central to its long-term performance. Good leather resists cracking and stretching, which helps keep the martingale working as intended over many months of riding. It is also more comfortable against the horse’s skin than cheaper, stiff leather, especially around the neck strap area.

Stainless steel fittings contribute to safety and reliability. Smooth-running rings reduce friction on the reins and rein stops, and corrosion-resistant buckles are less likely to weaken over time. For riders using the martingale several times a week, that reliability is important.

The multiple adjustment points are the key feature from a fit perspective. Being able to change the length at the girth, neck and martingale forks means you can maintain the correct geometry whether you are riding a compact cob or a longer-framed horse, as long as they fall within the general size range. This adjustability is particularly handy if you also swap between different saddles with slightly different girth points.

Overall, while it does not offer advanced technical features, it does deliver the essentials of a running martingale well: sensible materials, straightforward adjustability and a clean, functional design.

Value for money

At around this price point, the Velociti Running Martingale represents decent value for a leather aid from a recognised equestrian brand. Many cheaper options at the lower end of the market are either synthetic or use leather that can feel coarse and take longer to soften.

Here you are paying for better base materials and corrosion-resistant fittings rather than frills. If you want fancy stitching, padding or branded badges, you will need to spend more, but for a functional, everyday running martingale the balance between cost and quality feels fair.

Without user ratings it is difficult to gauge long-term durability from owners’ feedback, but on specification alone it should prove a sound investment for riders who use a martingale regularly and want to step above entry-level, bargain-bin tack.

Our verdict

The Velociti Running Martingale Black is a sensible, no-nonsense choice for riders who value solid materials and adjustability over extra embellishments. Good quality leather, stainless steel fittings and practical adjustment points make it a reliable option for schooling, hacking and riding club competition.

It is not trying to compete with high-end showpiece tack, and it does not add padding or technical twists to the classic design. Riders with very sensitive horses or those chasing a particular aesthetic may want to explore more premium alternatives.

For everyday owners who simply need a trustworthy running martingale that fits well, looks tidy and should stand up to regular use without breaking the bank, this Velociti model is a strong and sensible pick.

FAQs

What type of martingale is the Velociti Running Martingale?

It is a classic running martingale designed to help prevent a horse from raising its head excessively while still allowing freedom when working in a normal outline.
It is made from high quality leather with stainless steel fittings, giving a good balance of comfort, durability and smart appearance.
Yes, the straps at the girth, neck and martingale forks are all adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the fit for different horses or ponies within its size range.
The model described here is supplied in black, which matches most bridles and saddles. If you need a different colour you may need to look at other models in the range.
Yes, it is designed for regular schooling, hacking and jumping. The quality leather and stainless fittings make it well suited to day-to-day use with normal care.
Beginners can use it, but any training aid should be fitted and adjusted under the guidance of an experienced rider or instructor to ensure it is used correctly and safely.
Wipe it down after use to remove sweat and dirt, then clean and condition the leather regularly. The stainless steel fittings are low maintenance but should still be checked for wear.
Its simple, tidy design and black leather make it appropriate for many jumping and riding club competitions, but you should always check the specific rules of your discipline or governing body.

Velociti Velociti Running Martingale Black Review

£34.00

Overall score

7.8/10

LOWEST PRICE FOUND:

LOWEST PRICE FOUND: