The specific benefits of the JP SofTTurn System™

The specific benefits of the JP SofTTurn Martingale™

Action & Movement: Because the rein rings slide on a loop, the direction of contact is infinitely adjustable and the horse quickly finds his most comfortable position. The elasticity of the loop opposes a progressive
resistance to the horse trying to invert his posture. As a result, the horse is guided to the right position and movement, not constrained, or blocked! It rapidly reduces training problems, improves many behavior issues (nervousness, spooking), and the resulting relaxation and improved balance prevent long-term soundness issues.

Designed Obsolescence: Contrary to many other training aids, the SofTTurn™ System becomes automatically obsolete as the horse quickly softens, adjusts his posture and balances by himself (“Self-Carriage”). When the system seems no longer engaged, it still produces ongoing micro-adjustments that are both effective to comply with the rider’s demands, and painless for the horse, who feels reassured and confident in the rider’s hands.

Fostering uprightness: Alternating dorsal lateral bends with a lowered head moves the withers from side to side symmetrically, clearly improving uprightness. The resulting decompression between vertebrae prevents
(or alleviates) “kissing spine” and has an immediate calming effect on the horse. When straightening the poll to improve the horse’s lateral balance, the SofTTurn™ System lifts the one side that is too low while automatically lowering the other side. A horizontal line from ear to ear is indispensable for the function of the “Righting Mechanism,” by which the horse maintains his balance and adjusts his proprioception. It allows for improved symmetry of the contact, reflecting a better symmetry of the legs & weight distribution and reducing orthopedic risks. Its beneficial effects are both immediate and long-term.

Training Purpose: The SofTTurn martingale entices the horse to take the contact forward and down, improving his symmetry and relaxation, all facilitate the educational process. The easier the horse is to ride, the better the rider can focus on improving the seat! Learning riders (and coaches!) are often determined to suffer through the learning process of “getting the horse on the bit” though the action of an educated seat. They forget the horse suffers more during that process (back tension, neck inversion, mouth pain). The less amount of time the horse spends in conflict with the rider’s hand during his training, the better for his welfare. A softer contact creates relaxation and a much happier experience for both horse and rider.

Multi Discipline adaptability: The SofTTurn™ System is adaptable to any kind of bridle: snaffle, pelham, gag,
even double bridle and western curbs. As already stated, it is extremely helpful to train horses for any
discipline, from young horses to trail riding, dressage or GP jumping. It is a great improvement compared to
many traditional training devices.

Biomechanics and behavior: A horse out of balance becomes scared and a scared horse can become angry as he may not believe that there is no solution to the problem he faces. Many horses’ behavior and “way of going” are positively transformed at the first moment they feel the Persuasion Guiding Effect of the SofTTurn™ System. The JP SofTTurn™ System’s elastic and steadying action buffers the unnecessary movement of the hand and reduces the horse’s mouth discomfort. This prevents many of the usual defenses: spooking, leaning, pushing against the hand, rushing off on the inside shoulder and inverting the neck. Your horse will thank you for giving it a try!

Arched neck benefits breathing: the opening of the throatlatch, the arching of the neck, are all factors of easier breathing. Conversely, an inverted neck with a tight throat latch is an obvious obstacle to breathing, specially at speed.