A martingale stop is a small rubber or leather ring that sits on the rein between the martingale ring and the rein stop, preventing the martingale ring from sliding forward to the bit or backwards over the rein stop during movement. It is a simple piece of equipment but serves an important safety function — without it, the martingale ring can travel along the rein unpredictably and interfere with the bit action or jam against the rein buckle at a critical moment.
Why Martingale Stops Matter
When a running martingale is fitted, two rings on short straps attached to the martingale neck strap sit on the reins, limiting how high the horse can raise its head before the martingale engages. This arrangement works correctly when the rings sit in the mid-section of the rein. Without a rein stop — a small leather or rubber block already fitted to most quality reins — and a martingale stop, the ring can slide all the way to the bit, which creates a direct upward angle of rein pressure that bypasses the intended action entirely. It can also create a loop through which a horse’s hoof can become hooked if it strikes out and catches the rein — a situation that has caused serious accidents.
The martingale stop sits behind the ring, keeping it in the correct section of the rein at all times. Combined with a properly placed rein stop (usually a small fixed rubber ring or leather block already on the rein near the buckle), the martingale ring is confined to the functional section of the rein and cannot migrate to either extreme.
Types of Martingale Stop
Martingale stops are typically made from rubber — usually the same material as rein stops — and are available in two sizes: full (for standard horse reins) and cob or pony for narrower reins. They slide onto the rein before the reins are buckled together or onto the bit, and simply sit there, requiring no fastening other than the snug fit of the rubber against the rein.
Some manufacturers now produce combination stops that function as both rein stop and martingale stop in one piece. Leather stops are also available and are preferred by some riders for showing, where rubber may be considered less smart in appearance. Functionality is identical regardless of material.
See our related entries on the running martingale and standing martingale for more on how each type works and when each is appropriate.
Fitting Correctly
A martingale stop that is too large for the rein will slide freely and defeat its own purpose. It should fit snugly enough to require a deliberate push to move along the rein. If the stop slides without resistance, replace it with a smaller size. Rubber stops perish over time — inspect them regularly as part of your routine tack check. A cracked or brittle stop that breaks during a session provides no protection at all.
Positioning is simple: the stop sits between the martingale ring and the rein stop (if using a separate rein stop), or between the martingale ring and the bit end of the rein. In normal use, it rests quietly in position. It only becomes relevant if the ring migrates, which it will not do under normal circumstances — the stop is a safeguard against the ring moving in unusual situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a martingale stop if my reins already have rein stops?
Yes. A rein stop prevents the ring from reaching the buckle end of the rein; a martingale stop prevents the ring from reaching the bit end. Both serve distinct purposes. A rein stop without a martingale stop means the ring can still slide forward to the bit; a martingale stop without a rein stop means the ring can still slide backward. Both should be fitted whenever a running martingale is used. They are cheap, lightweight, and easy to fit — there is no good reason not to use both.
Are martingale stops required in competition?
British Showjumping rules require that where a running martingale is used, both rein stops and martingale stops must be fitted. This is a safety rule, not a stylistic one. Inspectors at BS shows will check tack before allowing a rider to compete, and missing stops can result in a request to fit them before entering the ring. Check the current rulebook for your discipline — requirements may vary by class level and organisation.
Can a standing martingale work loose in the same way?
A standing martingale attaches directly to the noseband rather than to the reins, so the issue of ring migration does not apply — there are no rein rings to slide. However, a standing martingale should still be fitted with a neck strap keeper or equivalent fitting to ensure the body of the martingale cannot hang loose or flap. The safety concern with a standing martingale is different: it is primarily about correct length adjustment to ensure it does not restrict the horse’s movement over fences or in the event of a fall.