Choosing the Proper Girth for Your Horse : eBay Guides

Proper girthing is an important factor in the comfort of your horse and the security of your saddle.  Yet, finding girths that are too loose, too tight, too far forward, too far back, or that create pressure points and sores is all to common. 

At ReactorPanel Saddle Company, we are big fans of applying science to the art of saddle fit.  But, like any art, there are certain things we learn to do by 'feel' as our skills grow.  When it comes to tightening a girth, the same educated feel is all-important.  Applying the basic rules of thumb, (i.e. being able to easily slip your hand between the girth and the horse's body, and once there, being able to pull it about 1/3" away from the horse's side) we get to know our horse and how tight we need to make the girth.  However, along with 'feel' there are some important guidelines you should take into consideration to ensure your horse's comfort and your saddle's stability.

Guidelines for Proper Girthing:

• Girth Groove: Locate your horse's natural girth groove.  This is where your girth will wind up regardless of how far forward or back it is initially placed. When the horse is girthed in the natural girth groove AND the saddle is placed properly, check the billets.  Are they exerting neutral pressure on the saddle (straight up and down) or are the the billets (girth straps) on a diagonal from the saddle to the girth? To provide a proper girthing solution on a range of horses, the saddle needs to have flexibility in the girthing system. For instance, multiple billets (four is ideal or at least three that are well spaced) or a flexible rigging that allows the girthing points to be moved forward or rearward as necessary.
• Girth Shape: Is your girth anatomically shaped to fit your horse?  There should be width under the belly to reduce pressure, and narrowing behind the elbow to eliminate sores.  There are numerous styles and types of girths on the market, so you should have any easy time finding a shape that works for your horse.
• Girth Give: Is there some give in the girth?  Natural fibers or elastics will both provide give.  If using elastic, be sure that the elastic is either centered or on BOTH ends.  Elastic on only one side may help the rider's ability to tighten the girth, but does nothing to even the pressure on the horse when it comes to both rib cage expansion and the stability of the saddle itself.
• Buckle Backing: Be sure there is proper backing behind the buckles of the girth.  When the girth is tight, the buckles should be well up onto the sweat flap if you are using a long (for instance, jumping) girth.  If using a dressage (or short) girth, make sure there is a firm, padded backing to the buckles.  To be sure there is sufficient backing, you will need to feel behind the buckles when the girth is tight.  If the dressage girth lacks sufficient backing or the buckles are not on the sweat flap, the girth can cause uncomfortable pressure points on the horse's side.  Girths that create pressure points should be replaced immediately.
• Buckle Type: Girths should have roller buckles.  These buckles have a metal barrel around the top bar of the girth buckle that permits the girth strap to roll over it when tightening.  This extends the life of your billet straps and also makes tightening the girth easier for you and your horse.
• How to Tighten the Girth: When you tighten the girth, it is best to put the saddle on and tighten the girth gradually.  Before the final tightening, walk the horse in hand or pull the forelegs forward in a very gentle stretch to avoid catching folds of skin behind the elbow. 
• Overtightening: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the girth.  This is commonly done, and studies show that an overtightened girth limits the ability of the rib cage to expand.  While this may or may not hamper the ability of the lungs to expand, it is certainly uncomfortable and may prevent your horse from offering the best performance.
• Undertightening: Also, DO NOT UNDERTIGHTEN the girth.  The girth is designed to hold your saddle securely in place.  A loose girth puts you at risk of the saddle slipping, and puts your horse in danger of having the saddle move on his back, causing pressure, friction, or both.   Far from being kind, riding a horse with a too-loose girth may be like running in shoes with no laces.
• Pressure Points: When you are feeling under the girth to test the tightness, try slipping your hand beneath the center of the girth and your horse's sternum.  You may be surprised to find out how tight it is in this area.  Consider using girth designs with a wide belly plate to dissipate this pressure. 
• Check While Riding: Test the girth for proper tension after you are aboard and the horse is warmed up a bit.  Many saddles, saddle pads, or both compress a little under the combined weight of yourself and your saddle. 

When evaluating a horse's performance or the fit of a saddle, the importance of proper girthing should not be overlooked.  When we developed the ReactorPanel System, girthing was a primary concern.  Our saddles have 3-4 billets that are well spaced to ensure your girth can rest in the girth groove and provide stability for the saddle.  To facilitate the overall effectiveness of the RP System, we developed Centrelastic Girths.  Shaped to comfortably accomodate movement and distribute pressure, it works in concert with the saddle and the movement of the horse.

If you have further questions on girthing or other saddle fitting issues, contact us or sign up for the RP News, and e-newsletter addressing saddle fitting concerns.  You can join on our website or email us. We love to talk about horses and saddles.

The ReactorPanel Saddle Company

Authored by Carmi Weininger, President and Master Saddle Fitter

Carmi Weininger is the President and Owner of The ReactorPanel Saddle Company.  In addition to her daily work in the field, Carmi regularly teaches saddle fitting seminars and has taught courses on saddle fit at the University of Guelph and UC Davis.