Shires Avignon Running Martingales – All Colours

The Shires Avignon Running Martingales feature attractive detailed stitching with raised and padded shoulder straps to create a super quality piece of equipment.

The Shires running martingale consists of a strap that is attached to the girth and passes between the horse’s front legs before dividing into two pieces. At the end of each of these straps is a small metal ring through which the reins pass. It is held in the correct position by a neck strap. A correctly adjusted running martingale is fitted so that each of the “forks” has about an inch of slack when the horse holds its head in the normal position

When correctly positioned, the reins make a straight line from the rider’s hand to the bit ring when the horse’s head in at the correct height and the running martingale is not in effect. When the horse raises its head above the desired point, the running martingale adds leverage through the reins to the bit on the bars of the horse’s mouth. The leverage created by this pressure encourages the horse to lower its head.

A running martingale provides more freedom for the horse than a standing martingale, but if fitted incorrectly can cause severe pressure on the horse’s mouth.

For the new Shires Equestrian Avignon range, Shires have personally selected hides from the best tanneries that specialise in producing vegetable tanned leather without chemicals. For this range, Shires have avoided the use of hides with blemishes, flaws and marks. Both these factors give the Avignon range of leather a beautiful finish with a soft, supple feel and a breathable and flexible nature. Over time, and with use, Avignon leather will gain more character whist remaining robust and strong. Stainless steel fittings