A martingale is part of the harness of a heavy shire horse and is made of black leather. It has been the tradition to decorate these with brassware for many hundreds of years and there was a wide range of choice of designs particularly in the 19^th Century.  Brass plaques were made to commemorate events, like the coronation or particular individuals as well as the extensive catalogues of popular designs. This replica martingale is decorated with three brass plaques, each of which refers to a different location along the network of English canals and rivers. This indicates that it was for a horse that worked on the canal network.

Each brass has the name of a canal or a river and a decorative symbol. Brass 1 shows a dragon, referring to Wales, and the words MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL. Brass 2 shows a swan, and reads FRADLEY JUNCTION. Brass 3 shows a horse and reads RIVER SEVERN. When horses were no longer used, these brasses were transferred to decorate the barges. They are now collectibles and many replica designs are available for purchase.

Horses were used in the days before engines were fitted to canal boats and they would walk along the towpath pulling the very heavy barge loaded with goods such as coal.  Canals were a main way of transporting heavy commodities around the country and there was an extensive network throughout England by the 19^th Century. Many of the existing canals are now more associated with leisure and holidays.