Running Martingale For Showjumping: 7 Best Proven Picks (2026)

A running martingale for showjumping is a leather strap that runs from the girth, between the forelegs, and splits into two straps ending in rings that the reins pass through. It does nothing while your horse carries its head normally. The moment the head climbs too high, it adds downward leverage through the reins.

Simple idea. Surprisingly easy to get wrong.

Wander through any collecting ring on a Saturday and you’ll see the full range. Some martingales are slung so low they slap the knees. Others are so short the horse looks permanently startled. And there’s always one rider who has forgotten the rubber stops altogether. Fitted properly, though, a running martingale is quiet insurance. It protects your contact when a fresh horse tosses its head at a spooky oxer, and it helps you keep steady rein control through a tight related distance without hauling on the reins.

This guide is built the honest way. Everything below comes from published specifications, UK retailer listings, rulebooks and whatever review evidence could genuinely be verified. None of it comes from claims of hands-on testing, and where review data was thin, we say so.

You’ll find seven real options from budget to premium, plain-English advice on martingale length, and a clear look at competition martingale rules and showjumping tack rules for 2026. We also cover running martingale with rubber rings and running martingale for strong horse setups.

One housekeeping note: prices appear as ranges because they move constantly. Check current price and availability before you buy.

Quick Comparison: 7 Running Martingale Options at a Glance

Here is the whole field on one screen before we dig into the detail.

The Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale and Equestro Leather Running Martingale are the sensible budget entries. The LeMieux Kudos Running Martingale and Shires Velociti LUSSO Elite Running Martingale are paying for padding and finish.

If your horse is strong rather than merely head-happy, the LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment and Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment deserve a look. They are attachments, so they need a compatible neck strap or breastplate. Bands come from UK and European retailer listings at the time of research, and stock, sellers and sizes vary, so confirm on Amazon UK.

💬 Just one click — help others make better buying decisions too!😊

Top 7 Running Martingale for Showjumping Options: Expert Analysis

Each pick below follows the same logic: what the spec means in practice, who it suits, and what the evidence does and doesn’t tell us. Where independent review data was too thin to summarise fairly, we flag it rather than invent sentiment.

1. Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale — budget-friendly and fully adjustable

Adjustability is the headline here. The Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale adjusts at the neck, the girth and the rein straps. That makes it the “one hook in the tack room, several horses” option.

The maker describes the cut as following the horse’s natural shape, with leather construction and high-shine stainless steel fittings. In practice, three adjustment points matter more than the shape marketing. Dialling in martingale length per horse beats punching new holes every time a pony swaps with a cob.

Based on the spec comparison, this suits riders wanting a dependable running martingale for showjumping at schooling shows without paying for hand-stitched polish. The listing mentions no padding, so very sensitive-skinned horses may do better higher up the range.

Independent review data was too thin to summarise fairly, so treat comfort claims as manufacturer-stated. One retailer showed some colours and sizes as backordered, so confirm stock.

Pros:

• ✅ Adjustable at neck, girth and rein straps
• ✅ Stainless steel fittings throughout
• ✅ Matches the wider Velociti tack range

Cons:

• ❌ No padding mentioned in the listing
• ❌ Stock can be patchy by size and colour

Expect to pay around £30-£40 depending on size. That is strong value for the flexibility.

2. Equestro Leather Running Martingale — classic tanned-leather simplicity

Sometimes the old way is the right way. The Equestro Leather Running Martingale is a traditional vegetable-tanned leather design with stainless steel buckles and numbered adjustment holes.

Those numbers are the quiet star. They make a setting repeatable. Note “hole four on the girth strap” in your tack diary and you can refit it in thirty seconds. A keeper clip tidies the strap end so it doesn’t flap against your leg.

On paper, this is the most straightforward way to get a running martingale with rubber rings and nothing else to fuss over. The maker itself stresses using rein stops, because the rings can otherwise slide forward and snag the bit rings. It comes in pony, cob and full sizes.

The listing describes it as a special-order item with a UK delivery window of roughly 7-10 working days. That’s worth knowing before a show weekend. We couldn’t verify a meaningful pool of independent reviews, so durability claims are the maker’s own.

Pros:

• ✅ Numbered holes make settings repeatable
• ✅ Simple, traditional design with fewer failure points
• ✅ Pony, cob and full sizes

Cons:

• ❌ Special-order delivery times
• ❌ No padding at the neck strap

Around £40 is the guide. A fair price for a no-nonsense workhorse.

3. LeMieux Running Martingale — quick-clip rings for fast changeovers

The rings do the talking. The LeMieux Running Martingale uses custom rings that clip onto the reins without you unbuckling anything, plus an adjustable neck strap with a padded top piece at the wither.

That matters more than it sounds. If you alternate between rubber-grip and plain leather reins, or share tack with a clubmate, clip-on rings turn a five-minute faff into a ten-second job. The padded wither section spreads pressure where a bare strap would otherwise sit.

What most buyers overlook is the flip side. Quick-release hardware deserves a glance before every round, because a ring that clips on can, in theory, be knocked off. Pair it with proper rein stops and the risk is small. It is made from soft European leather and comes in black or brown.

Reviewer data we could verify was limited, so comfort and longevity are best judged against the brand’s reputation rather than hard numbers.

Pros:

• ✅ Rings clip on and off without undoing reins
• ✅ Padded top piece at the wither
• ✅ Soft European leather in two colours

Cons:

• ❌ Clip hardware needs a pre-ride check
• ❌ Pricier than basic leather options

Retailer listings sit in the £50-£70 range. Good value if you change reins often.

4. LeMieux Kudos Running Martingale — detachable rein attachments for flatwork days

Here the standout is flexibility. The LeMieux Kudos Running Martingale has quick-clip rings plus rein attachments that detach when you don’t need them.

If your horse works in a martingale only on jumping days, you can remove the rein section and keep the neck strap and girth connection for flatwork. In everyday terms, that is one piece of tack doing two jobs.

It also has a padded wither piece and soft European leather in black, brown or havana, with silver or brass hardware. It comes in pony, cob and full. Based on the spec comparison, you’re paying for refinement over radically different performance. The action through the reins is the same running martingale principle as the cheaper models.

We couldn’t verify enough independent review detail to summarise owner sentiment, so we won’t pretend to. The brand’s UK retail presence is long-standing, which counts for something on after-sales support.

Pros:

• ✅ Detachable rein attachments for flatwork days
• ✅ Padded wither section and soft leather
• ✅ Several colour and hardware combinations

Cons:

• ❌ Premium pricing for similar core function
• ❌ More hardware means more to check

Expect roughly £75-£90 once you compare retailers. Worth it if the finish matters to you.

5. Shires Velociti LUSSO Elite Running Martingale — cushioned neck and chest lining

Comfort is the pitch. The Shires Velociti LUSSO Elite Running Martingale lines both the neck strap and the central chest section with cushioned leather.

That chest section is where the fork sits against the horse, so lining it is the right place to spend money. Adjustment on both sides of the neck strap and at every attachment point also helps asymmetric horses or awkward saddle-and-breastplate combinations.

It uses European leather, a vegetable-tanned polo leather that is hand-stitched in matching thread, and stainless steel hardware. For a horse with sensitive skin or a rider who simply wants the best finish in the Shires range, this is the logical step up from the Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale.

No verified independent review pool was available at research time. The comfort case rests on the construction details rather than owner reports.

Pros:

• ✅ Cushioned lining on neck strap and chest
• ✅ Adjustment on both sides of the neck strap
• ✅ Hand-stitched vegetable-tanned leather

Cons:

• ❌ Costs about double the budget picks
• ❌ Core running action is unchanged

Retail listings sit around £75-£80. A fair premium for a sensitive horse.

6. LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment — softens the rein action

This one is about give. The LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment replaces the fixed rein straps with elasticated cord. Retailer descriptions say this softens the action on the reins, and it carries rein snap hooks plus buckle adjustment.

A leather bridge keeps the straps close together. That helps keep the action consistent, and in a fall it helps stop the reins coming over the horse’s head. Retailers state it is FEI competition compliant, though you should still check the live rules for your class.

It’s compatible with LeMieux breastplates and martingales, so check you own a suitable neck strap first. For a running martingale for strong horse work, elastic gives a more forgiving “yield” than rigid leather. It will not suddenly make a determined puller polite, though.

We found no verifiable independent review volume, so its softening effect is as described by the maker and retailers.

Pros:

• ✅ Elastic cord softens rein action
• ✅ Leather bridge keeps straps together
• ✅ Quick snap-hook rein attachment

Cons:

• ❌ Attachment only, so needs a compatible neck strap
• ❌ Elastic gives less direct control

Roughly £25-£35 in listings. Excellent value for experimenting with elastic.

7. Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment — round elastic with adjustable ring spacing

Fine-tuning is the draw. The Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment uses 8 mm round elastic. A leather strip slides along the straps to space the rings apart, and a roller buckle attaches it to a yoke or breastplate.

Ring spacing is an underrated variable. Slide the strip so the reins sit true to your hands, and the action stays even on both sides. Roller buckles make adjustment smoother than a standard tongue buckle. It is leather, weighs about 0.3 kg and is marketed for jumping and eventing, in both training and competition.

For a rider who wants a running martingale for strong horse work with a premium finish, this is the most refined elastic option here. Like the LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment, it needs something to attach to.

UK stock and pricing vary by collection and retailer, and we couldn’t verify independent review volume.

Pros:

• ✅ Adjustable ring spacing via sliding leather strip
• ✅ Smooth roller-buckle attachment
• ✅ Light at roughly 0.3 kg

Cons:

• ❌ Needs a compatible yoke or breastplate
• ❌ UK availability varies by collection

Expect around £45-£65 once converted from euro and dollar listings. Premium, but well finished.

How to Fit a Running Martingale and Get Martingale Length Right

Fit is where most problems start. Here is the sequence, in order.

1. Neck strap first. Slip it over the head and adjust until you can fit a hand’s width between strap and neck. Tighter restricts the shoulders. Looser lets the fork sag.
2. Girth loop next. Pass the girth through the loop at the end of the chest strap, then buckle up. The fork should sit comfortably between the forelegs, not dangling.
3. Set the martingale length. With your horse’s head in its normal carriage and your reins forming a straight line from bit to hand, the martingale should be slack, not tugging. A widely taught rule of thumb in British riding schools is that the rings, pulled up the neck, should reach roughly the withers. Have an instructor or qualified saddle fitter confirm your first fit.
4. Check the extremes. Too short and the horse braces or breaks at the withers to escape pressure. Too long and the martingale does nothing.
5. Add the stops. Unbuckle the reins, slide a rubber stop onto each, move it towards the bit, thread the rein through the ring, then rebuckle.
6. Re-check after a few sessions. Leather stretches and horses change shape, so one hole either way is normal.

Good martingale length feels almost boring. If your horse starts tossing its head against the martingale, it’s probably too short.

Problem → Solution Guide: Rein Control Troubleshooting

Five common headaches, and how to fix each.

Rings catching on the bit or rein fastenings. This is the classic accident waiting to happen. Fit rein stops, and make sure the stops are larger than the rings.

Horse fights the martingale. Check martingale length first, because it’s usually too short. If head-tossing continues after lengthening, ask your vet, equine dentist or saddle fitter to rule out discomfort rather than tightening further.

Fork hangs too low. A neck-strap stopper stops it sliding down between the forelegs. The Horze Martingale Stopper is one rubber option sold for exactly this job.

Rubbing on the reins. Worn stops and dry leather both cause it. Replace cracked rubber, and condition the leather regularly.

Swapping reins is a faff. Quick-clip rings, such as those on the LeMieux Running Martingale, let you change reins without unbuckling anything.

None of these needs expensive kit. Most come down to checking before you mount.

Real-World Scenarios: Matching a Running Martingale to Your Round

These are hypothetical profiles, not real customers, built to show the reasoning.

The budget weekend jumper. Imagine a rider at local shows once or twice a month, jumping at 90-100cm, with under £50 to spend. The Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale or the Equestro Leather Running Martingale suits this profile. Both give reliable rein control without padding or detachable parts you may never use.

The strong, sharp horse. Picture a fit horse that gets above the bit when excited, jumping 1.10m on a regular basis. An elastic option like the LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment adds some give. A Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment is the premium alternative. Neither replaces schooling, but both can take the harshness out of a fixed action. This is the heart of a sensible running martingale for strong horse setup.

The shared pony. Think of a Pony Club teenager rotating two ponies. Adjustability beats elegance here, so the Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale wins on flexibility. If budget allows, the LeMieux Kudos Running Martingale lets the detachable rein section come off for flatwork.

✨ Ready to Compare Current Prices?

🔍 Take your jumping to the next level with these carefully researched options. Click on any highlighted product to check current pricing and availability. A well-fitted martingale could be the difference between a stressful round and a smooth one!

How to Choose a Running Martingale for Showjumping: 6 Steps

Short on time? Work through these in order.

1. Check the rules for your classes first. Competition martingale rules vary between bodies, and a legal item at one show may not be at another. See the rules section below.
2. Pick the right size. Pony, cob and full are standard. A large horse in a cob-size martingale will struggle to get adequate martingale length, so measure properly.
3. Choose your material. Leather is traditional and long-lasting. Padded or cushioned versions protect sensitive horses.
4. Decide the rein attachment style. Fixed rings are simple, clip-on rings are fast, and elastic adds give.
5. Look for adjustment range. More adjustment points mean a better fit across horses and over time.
6. Match the budget to usage. A martingale used weekly for years rewards spending a little more. A once-a-season outing doesn’t.

Rein control is the point of all this. Choose the setup that lets you keep a steady, elastic contact rather than one that simply looks smart.

Competition Martingale Rules and Showjumping Tack Rules: What 2026 Riders Must Check

British Showjumping publishes its saddlery requirements in Rule 102 and backs them with an Equipment Clarification Document listing what is and isn’t permitted. At the time of research, that document had been updated repeatedly through 2026, including versions dated 24 February, 27 March, 30 June and 13 July.

That cadence tells you something. Showjumping tack rules aren’t static, and relying on last season’s memory is risky.

The August 2026 amendments sheet says the only martingales permitted are standing and/or running martingales, which can include elastic inserts. The clarification table also lists bib martingales as permitted. An earlier June 2025 handbook amendment covered Irish or bib martingales and said only permitted martingales may be used anywhere on the show site. It also required standing martingales to attach to a flat leather cavesson noseband at least 2cm wide.

Wording has shifted between versions, so treat that as history rather than current law. Always check the live rulebook.

Other bodies have their own rules. Rein stops are compulsory at Pony Club and British Eventing events, and the rules for two-rein setups are covered in the rubber rings section below.

This isn’t official advice. Competition martingale rules can change mid-season, so check the current Rule 102 and the latest equipment document before every show. Tack stewards have the final say on the day.

Running Martingale with Rubber Rings: Why Rein Stops Matter

“Rubber rings” can mean two different things, and you need both.

Rein stops are rubber (or leather) stoppers slid onto the reins between the bit and the martingale ring. They stop the rings sliding forward and catching on the bit rings or the buckles and studs that attach the reins. A running martingale with rubber rings in this sense is the safe version. Sold in pairs, products like the Horze Rubber Rein Stoppers simply slide over the reins.

Neck-strap stoppers are rubber doughnuts that stop the fork sliding down between the forelegs. The Horze Martingale Stopper is made of 100% rubber and encircles both the neck and girth straps, keeping the girth strap from hanging too low. The LeMieux Martingale Rubber Stoppers serve a similar purpose on the neck strap.

If you ride two reins, there’s an extra wrinkle. Horse & Hound’s 2026 eventing rule round-up notes that British Eventing has clarified that when you use a running martingale in the jumping phases with two reins, the rings can only be used on the top rein.

Rubber perishes. Check for cracks, swap stops each season, and size them so they are larger than your rings.

Running Martingale for Strong Horse: Control Without a Fight

Let’s be honest about what a martingale can and can’t do. It only acts when the head goes above the point of control. A horse that is strong by leaning, or pulling with its head low, gets very little from one.

For those horses, the answer is usually schooling, fitness and a bit review with a qualified professional, not extra gadgets. A martingale is an aid, not an anchor.

For the horse that throws its head up in excitement, a running martingale for strong horse work can help. Elastic inserts are permitted under British Showjumping’s 2026 equipment amendments, which makes the LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment and Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment legitimate options, subject to checking your class.

Elastic gives more forgiving feedback. The trade-off is less direct control, so it suits a horse that panics at a fixed action more than one that simply charges.

Safety matters here. Never shorten the martingale length to “win” an argument, because a martingale that’s too short can trap a horse in an over-flexed position. If a horse is genuinely dangerous to hold, speak to an experienced instructor rather than adjusting tack alone.

Rein Control: What a Martingale Can and Can’t Fix

Rein control is the quiet currency of showjumping. It means a steady, elastic contact that survives the take-off and landing without snatching.

A running martingale supports that contact by limiting how far the head can rise. When the martingale length is right, the reins form a straight line from your hand to the bit, and the martingale stays slack until needed. That’s the whole trick.

What it can’t do is replace balance. If your hands bounce, no strap will cure it. If your horse is behind your leg, the martingale won’t create engagement.

Think of it like a handrail on a staircase. You shouldn’t need it on every step, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you stumble. Treat it as a safety net for your rein control, not a substitute for position and schooling.

Running vs Standing Martingale vs Alternatives

Picking between types is partly about rules and partly about what your horse needs.

A standing martingale is more restrictive because it can’t be loosened in an emergency, which is why many riders prefer the running type. A Market Harborough works similarly to a running martingale but with additional leverage.

For most showjumping riders, the running martingale offers the best balance of safety, legality and flexibility. Standing martingales suit horses that need a firmer limit, but the lack of “give” is a real trade-off. Always check the current rules before assuming any alternative is permitted.

Long-Term Cost and Maintenance: What a Martingale Really Costs

Buying cheap isn’t automatically thrifty, and buying premium isn’t automatically smart. Total cost of ownership is the fairer measure.

A martingale in the £70s used 60 times a year for five years works out at roughly 25p a use. By contrast, a budget one replaced twice in that time can cost more overall. The cheapest sticker price isn’t always the cheapest option.

Maintenance is simple. Wipe after each ride, condition the leather regularly, check stitching around the rings and girth loop, and replace rubber stops each season. Discard anything with cracked leather, because a failed martingale mid-round isn’t a risk worth taking.

FAQ

Conclusion

The best running martingale for showjumping is the one that fits your horse, suits your budget and stays within the rules. For most riders, that means either the budget-friendly Shires Velociti RAPIDA Running Martingale or the traditional Equestro Leather Running Martingale. Step up to the LeMieux Running Martingale if clip-on rings appeal, or the LeMieux Kudos Running Martingale and Shires Velociti LUSSO Elite Running Martingale if comfort and finish are priorities.

If your horse is sharp, the LeMieux Elasticated Martingale Attachment and Dy’on Elastic Running Martingale Attachment open up a softer approach. For any running martingale for strong horse work, remember that schooling still does the heavy lifting.

Fit is everything. Get the martingale length right, never skip the rubber rein stops, and treat competition martingale rules and showjumping tack rules as a living document you check before every show. Do that, and your rein control will thank you.

Recommended for You

• Running Martingale Vs Standing Martingale: 7 Best Buys (2026)
• Loose Ring Snaffle Bit: 7 Best Picks For Fussy Mouths (2026)
• Gag Bit For Strong Horse: 7 Best Proven Picks (2026)

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

✨ Found this helpful? Share it with your friends! 💬🤗