Hi, I’m Al Dunning. Today, I’m going to talk about the German martingale. This is a German martingale setup I have on a snaffle. I have it adjusted on the middle ring, which offers multiple adjustments. The reason I’m using it today is that I want this horse to draw back while working the flag.

So, as I come through that turn, I want him to draw back, and when he does, I want him to give his head. Of course, I could always use my hands a lot like this to try to get him to give, but this draws his head down really softly and easily. However, when it gets to a good position like this, you’ll notice the bottom is loose, so it only draws them down so far and then stops, allowing the horse to work straight in my hands.

So, it works kind of like this: draw back, turn, go; stop, draw back; turn, go; stop, draw back; turn, go, until the horse can move on his own and be free like that, making these kinds of moves. You know, you can’t have those kinds of moves without good collection.

Speaking of collection, Professionals Choice has the AD Tack collection. They’re made out of the best Herman Oak leather. The German martingale is just one of those products you’ll love. Try it.