noun
martingale
A strap arrangement that prevents a horse from raising its head too high.
The martingale keeps the horse from lifting its head too high.
Etymology
The French source already names the horse-control strap. Its deeper history is uncertain, so the practical restraint function should not be turned into an invented root explanation.
More examples
- She checks the martingale before mounting her horse.
- A tight martingale can restrict the horse’s natural movement.
- The tack shop sells both standing and running martingales.
Forms
martingale · martingales
Similar words
- tie-down
- Usually a fixed Western riding strap connecting noseband and girth.