What shape girth does my horse need?

The crescent girth shape gives room for the bulk of the rib cage and belly and prevents the girth from pushing forward. For horses with an athletic wedge shaped build. The special cut of the girth prevents the girth and saddle from sliding backwards.

Does my horse need an anatomical girth?

Most equestrians will be able to see that with the reduction in elbow pressure, and better saddle placement the freedom of movement in the scapula that an anatomical girth will allow. A decent anatomical girth is well worth the investment.

How do you choose girth?

The size of your girth will depend on two main factors: the type of saddle and the stomach width of your horse. If you own a dressage saddle, your girth straps will typically lie much lower down against the horses side and so will require a shorter length girth.

How do I know if my horse has a forward girth groove?

If when girthed, the front billet is pulled at an angle forward, this may result in the saddle being pulled forward and into the horse's shoulder. This indicates the horse has a forward girth line and dictates the need for an ergonomic girth as pictured that contoured forward under the sternum.

Do I need a shoulder relief girth?

Does every horse need the Shoulder Relief Girth? No, some horses are lucky enough to have the conformation perfectly shaped for saddle fit. However, many horses do need it, and sadly there are way more horses that feel the pain of interference from the saddle than you might imagine.

CURVED GIRTHS... Will one help your horse? Do they help with saddle fitting?

What is an anatomic girth?

Anatomical girths are designed to allow the saddle to sit further back off the shoulders, whilst still allowing the girth straps to line up with the girth buckles.

Where should a girth sit on a horse?

A correctly fastened girth should rest approximately one hand's width behind the horse's elbows.

What are the different types of girths?

What's the average size cinch for a horse?

Most horses are a 24-26" cinch, no matter what their height is. Some signs that your cinch may be too long include your horse being cinchy and even turning to bite you when your are cinching up.

What is the difference between a girth and cinch?

A girth, sometimes called a cinch (Western riding), is a piece of equipment used to keep the saddle in place on a horse or other animal. It passes under the barrel of the equine, usually attached to the saddle on both sides by two or three leather straps called billets.

Why are dressage girths shorter?

Short girths are designed for saddles with long billets. Most dressage riders prefer a short girth because it keeps the area underneath the thighs and/or knees bulk-free. The downside is that the buckles are located farther down, directly on the horse's body.

How should an anatomical girth fit?

Make sure you fit the girth with the curved section facing forward (towards the forelimbs). The front of the girth is clearly marked. 7. For a short (dressage or event girth) fit the longest length possible so the buckles fasten away from the pressure-sensitive area behind the elbow.

Do I need a stud girth?

The purpose of the stud girth is foremost to protect the horse's underside from this impact, but many people prefer to use them even if the horse does not have studs fitted. This can save their horse's underside from getting clipped by a hoof or shoe when they fold their legs beneath them to jump.

Why does a saddle have 3 girth straps?

The 1st & 4th girthing can sometimes help with lateral stability on rounder horses. The 1st & & 3rd girthing options are sometimes good for ponies and horses with no withers and high Spring ribs, these can help prevent a saddle slipping forwards.

Are Sheepskin girths good?

Sheepskin girths can also absorb up to three times their own weight in moisture. Sheepskin girths are highly shock absorbing and prevent rubbing and bruising, chafing, pressure sores and girth galls. They are also light in weight and extremely hard-wearing.

Is horse girth too tight?

To get an idea of how tight your particular girth needs to be given all the variables I mentioned above, check the position of your saddle now and then throughout your ride. If it tends to slip to one side or backward toward your horse's tail, the girth may need to be a hole tighter.

How tight should a cinch be?

You should be able to put one index finger under the cinch to your finger's first joint. If you can reach in at the back of the cinch more than that, it's probably too loose. If you can't fit a finger in at all, it may be too tight.

Do anatomical bridles work?

Conclusion. Overall, anatomic bridles have been scientifically proven to benefit your horse. From avoiding sensitive pressure points and nerves to allowing better blood circulation. It's hard to turn down the modern bridle especially when there are so many different options and styles.

What is a girth groove?

The girth groove is an area just behind the sternum where the belly makes a small upward curve or indention (about 3-4 inches behind the elbow, and about 3-4 inches wide, typically). A girth would naturally want to slide into that little groove and hang out.

What does wide girth mean?

The distance around something; the circumference. 2. Size; bulk: a person of large girth.

What is a Monoflap girth?

These girths are designed to work with a monoflap saddle and may have elastic ends or non elastic ends. These girths are shorter and often come with a belly guard area. Sizes are usually 20-32 inches. Monoflap girths can be synthetic or leather.

Why is my saddle sliding forward?

If the centre of gravity of the saddle is too far back right from the start, the saddle is again likely to slip forward when the horse is in motion. While riding, the saddle will make its way forward inch by inch. It is also possible that a saddle slips forward because it is too wide.

Where should western saddle sit on horse?

What is a contoured girth?

Professional's Choice Contoured Girths are designed with the horse in mind. The contoured design allows your horse freedom of movement in the shoulder and reduces pressure points. The high-quality TPU outer shell is durable, easy to clean, and ventilated to keep your horse cool and comfortable.