Girths

Horse girth designs have been a hot topic for several years because manufacturers no longer create simple devices to hold the saddle into place. Developers take their time to study how horses move to design girths. When selecting it, you have to consider what will make your horse feel happy and safe. Read along for more information.

The term ‘girthy horse’ describes a horse trying to tell you something, but you never seem to understand. Even though the leading cause of this misunderstanding is often ill health, a horse complains of everything that does not make it comfortable. From time to time, it would be wise to look at the girth of your horse. The wrong size or fit can cause unimaginable discomfort. Additionally, a wrong girth can harm your horse’s muscles if you involve in high-pressure activities like racing. Girths come in many shapes and sizes. An ideal girth depends on your horse’s movement, textile allergies, and skin sensitivity. Before you start searching, you must know precisely what you need and its purpose.

Things to know about horse girth

It is a broad strap of leather, cotton, or webbing. It goes around your horse to secure the saddle onto its back. The most crucial feature of a girth is its strength. During your occasional riding, a saddle is sufficient to keep you comfortable. However, if your horse has to change directions frequently, such as in racing activities or playing polo, jumping around, or travelling over steep terrain, a saddle will not be sufficient. A strong crupper that straps to the saddle while looping around the horse’s chest is appropriate. A quality horse girth will prevent your saddle from moving from side to side, backward or forward. In some situations, a second girth or an over girth is used to wrap around the horse and the saddle. Preferably, you can attach a breast collar to the girth for additional stability.

Different types of girths

Girths are available in two types: dressage and jumping girths. Dressage girths attach to long billet straps that reach below the saddle flaps. Jumping girths attach to shorter billet straps. Dressage girths provide maximum comfort and extra room for movement. On the other hand, a jumping girth with an oval panel on its centre is there to prevent the horse from kicking and hurting its stomach when jumping. Under these categories, there are many other types according to their material, shape, and size. The materials used to make your girth are crucial because they affect performance, fit, and durability. Even though leather girths are more expensive, they offer maximum comfort, and they will serve you extensively. Cotton girths or stringed girths are cheap, but they can cause excess rubbing, thus affecting your horse.

Popular varieties like leather & anatomical girth

Different girth types have their advantages and disadvantages. Synthetic girths are manufactured from synthetic materials, e.g., fleece. They are soft and easy to clean using soap and water, simple to maintain, and durable. A leather girth features a traditional design with fancy stitching and different leather tones. Good quality leather girths are durable, easy to clean, and very comfortable, especially after conditioning. String girths are of cotton and wool. They are useful for preventing slipping and skin irritation in the girth area. Anatomical horse girths relieve pressure and prevent the saddle from slipping. They are intended to create room between the horse’s shoulders during movement. Neoprene girths are designed like elastic breast girths. They are wide and advisable for horses whose saddles often slip with other girth types.

Signs that you are using a wrong horse saddle girth

When using the wrong girth, it might be difficult to tell whether it is affecting your horse. Fortunately, your horse can always respond and alert you whether you are doing the right thing or not. Whenever you receive a negative response from your horse, scrutinize its girth position. You should also remember to check the saddle because the girth may not be the only problem. Some signs that your horse is not comfortable are; the horse pulls back its ears when you begin putting up the girth, the horse tenses up or swishes its tail when you bring up the girth, your girth is fastened higher than the 4th hole on both sides of the belt, the front legs of your horse are tight and restrictive, if your horse has sores or galls, and if your girth is torn or worn out.