MARTINGAL
.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed a HEADSTALL martingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and having SWIVEL RINGS at the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and are used to keep down the head of a hard-mouthed or high-staring horse, that he may see the ground upon which he is to move with less danger to the neck of the RIDER. The headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous practice, and should only be used with COLTS in breaking; for if a horse once stumbles in action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost inevitably comes to the ground.