The standing martingale from Shires is made from excellent quality leather with stainless steel fittings. Standing martingales are useful for horses that toss their head up in a dangerous manner as they block the head from coming above a set point. They need to be used with a cavesson noseband or similar, and this should be of a strong material to take the strain imposed by the martingale. Fitting the standing martingale to the correct length is traditionally done by running the leather strap up between the horses front legs from its position on the girth (taught) to the junction of the jaw and neck, and adjusting the martingale to stop at that distance before fitting to the noseband of the bridle. Standing martingales are not recommended for jumping as they may restrict the horses ability to bascule correctly, and as with any aid should be used by knowledgeable and sympathetic riders.