Smart, dependable running martingale for everyday riding

The Velociti Running Martingale in Havana is a straightforward, well-made piece of tack aimed at riders who want reliable control without overcomplicating their bridle setup. Cut from quality leather and finished with stainless steel fittings, it is designed to cope with regular schooling, hacking and low-level competition.

Velociti sits in the solid, mid-market band of equestrian brands: not bargain-basement, but sensibly priced for riders who care about fit and longevity. At this price point, the martingale under review offers a traditional look with a few practical touches, notably adjustability at the girth, neck and martingale straps.

There are no user reviews to draw on yet, so this assessment leans on the specification and typical use of running martingales. On paper, it looks like a dependable choice for everyday riders who want a tidy Havana finish without paying premium-brand prices.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • Running martingale design for controlled, progressive head carriage support
  • High quality leather construction for durability and a supple feel
  • Stainless steel fittings resist rust and offer long-lasting strength
  • Adjustable girth strap to fine-tune overall length and action
  • Adjustable neck strap to keep the martingale securely and comfortably in place
  • Adjustable martingale forks to position the rings correctly for your horse
  • Classic Havana colour to match dark brown bridles and saddles

Who this martingale is best for

The Velociti Running Martingale is best suited to riders who need a bit of extra control over head carriage without moving to more restrictive training aids. It will appeal to those who regularly school, hack out or do light jumping and want a neat, traditional addition to their tack.

With an accessible mid-range price, it is a sensible option for leisure riders and riding club competitors who still expect decent leather quality and hardware that will last. It will suit owners running one or two horses who need a martingale that can handle everyday use without feeling too precious.

The fully adjustable design at the girth, neck and martingale straps makes it a good bet for riders sharing tack between horses or for young or developing horses that are still changing shape. If you are new to using a running martingale, this adjustability gives you a bit more leeway to get the fit right under guidance from an instructor.

Riders at higher competitive levels might prefer a brand with more technical options or a wider size and colour range, but for most general-purpose English riders looking for a clean Havana look, this model fits the brief well.

What we like

The standout advantage of this martingale is the use of high quality leather, which should feel supple with use, mould well to the horse and develop a better appearance over time if cared for properly. Paired with stainless steel fittings, it is built to cope with sweat, weather and regular cleaning without the metalwork pitting or rusting.

Adjustable straps at the girth, neck and martingale sections are another strong point. This makes it easier to achieve a correct fit on different horses, fine-tune the action and keep everything sitting neatly in front of the saddle. It is particularly handy for riders with more than one horse, or for growing youngsters whose shape changes quickly.

The Havana colour will please those who prefer a classic, smart look to match existing dark brown bridles and saddles. Overall, it offers a straightforward, functional design without unnecessary fuss, which is exactly what many everyday riders want from a running martingale.

Where it could be better

The main compromise here is that the specification is quite basic beyond the quality leather and stainless steel fittings. There is no mention of additional comfort-focused touches such as padded areas at the neck strap, raised detailing or fancy stitching that some more premium models include.

There is also no information on the range of sizes available or any pony-specific proportions, which might limit its suitability for very small or very large horses if the adjustability does not cover the extremes. Riders wanting a martingale with interchangeable attachments or matching breastplate options may also find the range limited.

Finally, with no existing user reviews to reference, buyers cannot yet draw on real-world feedback about how the leather breaks in or how well the fittings hold up over several seasons. A bit more detail from the manufacturer on leather sourcing or tanning would add extra confidence for those particularly picky about tack quality.

Everyday use

In day-to-day riding, the Velociti Running Martingale should feel familiar and straightforward if you have used this type of equipment before. The running design allows the reins to slide through the rings, engaging only when the horse lifts its head too high, so it offers a more forgiving action than a standing martingale while still providing extra control.

The fully adjustable girth, neck and martingale straps should make fitting relatively simple. Being able to fine-tune each part helps keep the chest piece centred and the neck strap sitting flat and secure, reducing the risk of rubbing when fitted correctly. Once set up for your horse, adjustments are likely to be occasional rather than every ride.

Leather martingales are typically easy enough to live with: a quick wipe-down after sweaty sessions and occasional conditioning should keep it supple. The stainless steel fittings mean you can rinse off grime without worrying about corrosion. For riders who tack up and untack frequently, the conventional buckles and rings will feel intuitive and uncomplicated.

Performance and features

As a running martingale, performance is all about providing consistent, predictable pressure when needed, without interfering unnecessarily the rest of the time. The quality leather construction should help it sit smoothly against the horse, reducing the likelihood of pinching or stiffness that can come with cheaper, rigid leather.

Stainless steel fittings are a practical choice for regular work. They offer good strength to cope with the occasional strong pull, and they will not tarnish easily with sweat and rain. This matters for both safety and longevity, particularly if you ride frequently or store tack in less-than-perfect conditions.

The adjustability at three key points is a welcome feature. Being able to change the length at the girth strap, neck strap and martingale forks allows a more precise setup so the martingale only comes into play when it should. This is especially useful for horses with unusual conformations, high withers or deeper chests, where off-the-peg martingales sometimes sit awkwardly.

The Havana finish gives it a traditional, smart appearance that will blend well with most dark brown bridles and saddles, making it suitable for lessons, clinics and informal competition. While the design is simple, that simplicity is part of its appeal: there are no extra clips or adjustment systems to complicate fitting or add bulk.

Compared with more elaborate options in a crowded tack market, this model focuses on doing the basics well rather than offering novel features. Riders wanting a dependable, conventional running martingale for schooling and hacking will find it hits the necessary points without unnecessary extras.

Value for money

At around £34, the Velociti Running Martingale sits in a sensible mid-range price bracket for leather martingales. It is noticeably more affordable than many high-end, branded competition options, yet it offers better materials and finish than the very cheapest synthetic or budget-leather alternatives.

The combination of decent leather and stainless steel fittings makes the price feel fair, particularly for riders using it several times a week. With basic, tried-and-tested design rather than gimmicks, your money goes into build quality rather than flashy styling.

Without user review data, it is hard to quantify long-term durability, but on specification alone it looks like good value for everyday riders who want a reliable, smart martingale without stretching to premium prices. Those who only use a martingale occasionally may also find this a cost-effective yet respectable option to keep in the tack room.

Our verdict

The Velociti Running Martingale Havana is a solid choice for riders who value straightforward, functional tack made from decent materials. Quality leather, stainless steel fittings and generous adjustability combine to create a piece of equipment that should serve well for daily schooling, hacking and low-level competition.

It is not the most feature-rich or luxurious martingale on the market, and riders seeking advanced comfort features, padded sections or a perfectly matching competition set might look to higher-priced brands. However, for most leisure riders and riding club competitors, it offers exactly what you need: a clean, traditional look and reliable performance at a sensible price.

If you are upgrading from a budget martingale or buying your first for a horse that can get a bit high in front, this Velociti model is a well-judged, good-value option that should slot easily into your existing tack setup.

FAQs

What type of martingale is the Velociti Running Martingale Havana?

It is a running martingale, designed so the reins run through rings and only apply extra pressure when the horse raises its head too high.
It is made from high quality leather with stainless steel fittings, giving a supple feel and good durability when properly cared for.
Yes, it has adjustable straps at the girth, neck and martingale forks, allowing you to tailor the fit to different horses or changing shapes.
Yes, the robust leather and stainless steel hardware make it well suited to regular schooling, hacking and general-purpose riding.
The Havana shade is a traditional dark brown, intended to match or complement most dark brown bridles and saddles.
Wipe off sweat and dirt after riding, then periodically clean with a suitable leather cleaner and apply conditioner to keep it supple.
Yes, the martingale uses stainless steel fittings, which are resistant to rust and tarnishing when exposed to sweat and moisture.
Its simple, traditional design and Havana leather make it appropriate for most informal and riding club competitions, provided it meets the rules of your discipline.

Velociti Velociti Running Martingale Havana Review

£34.00

Overall score

8/10

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