How to Choose the Right Girth for your Horse?

Choosing the right girth for your horse is a decision that deserves some thought. Almost as important as the saddle, the quality of the girth is a guarantee of comfort for the horse.

Let's find out together how to choose the right girth and give your horse all the comfort it deserves.

Contents

1. The different models of straps
2. The right materials for the right strap
3. Knowing how to adjust your strap

The different models of straps

Just as there are different models of riding saddles, there are different models of girths. Whether it is short, long, bib or hunter, each girth has a particular use.

The size of the horse strap

In classical riding, there are different sizes of girths on the market: long and short. You will have to choose the size of your girth according to your saddle.

Indeed, long girths are generally suitable for riders using classic double quarter saddles. On these saddles, as is the case with jumping saddles, the girth straps are quite high, hence the interest of a long girth.

Dressage riders or those using a single quarter saddle such as cross country saddles should choose short girths. In these saddles, the girths are lower, so the length of the girth must be adapted for it to be effective.

The different cuts

Depending on our practice, it is possible to choose a strap with a particular cut.

The straight girth is quite common. It is a straight piece of leather or fabric, which does not take into account the morphology of the horse.

The anatomical girth is designed to respect the horse's body. Its ergonomic design is widened at the sternum and refined at the back of the elbows. This girth allows the horse to move freely and easily. However, be careful to strap symmetrically so as not to create painful pressure points on the pectoral muscles.

The bib girth is inspired by the anatomical girth with an additional yoke covering a larger part of the girth passage. These girths are mainly used for show jumping or cross-country riding and help to protect the horse's skin. Indeed, it is not uncommon for a horse to bend its forelegs too much when jumping and injure itself with its shoes (especially if they are equipped with spikes). There are short and long girths that are best suited to your horse.

The right materials for the right horse girth

If riding saddles come in different materials, so do girths. At Arion HST, we have chosen to use 100% French leather for our saddles and girths, but this is not the case for all companies.

Synthetic straps

There are straps on the market made of woven materials, usually cotton or nylon. These straps are very affordable, and for good reason, they are not durable. The weave tends to loosen or spin and the strap is irreparable.

Woven girths are generally straight girths. They are not ergonomic and the material can hurt the horse by heating up the skin. It is possible to improve the comfort of the horse by buying a natural girth. Choosing a woven girth with a custom-made saddle is not the right strategy for optimal comfort.

Leather straps

The best material for optimal comfort and durability is leather. Indeed, leather straps are very strong if they are well maintained. With regular maintenance, they last at least as long as the saddles! Maintenance is not to be taken lightly. Keep in mind that leather is an absorbent material. If the horse sweats and the girth is not washed, it can be a haven for many bacteria, which will lead to skin problems during use.

Leather, as a natural material, has the great advantage of becoming more supple over time. After a few months of use, the girth "adapts" to the horse's morphology, which makes it a custom-made item.

However, be careful to choose a high quality material. Otherwise, the leather strap will tend to harden and become uncomfortable.

Knowing how to adjust your strap

Depending on the length, shape or material of the strap, the adjustments will be different.

It is important to remember that the girth, while leaning on the girth passage, rests on the pectoral muscles. These muscles have a fundamental role in the locomotion of the horse. Indeed, if they are compressed and the horse feels discomfort in their use, its biomechanics are affected, which leads to injuries and loss of performance.

It is important to know that the pectoral muscles are located on the horse's rib cage. Thus, their compression also compresses the rib cage and acts on the proper functioning of the horse's lungs and heart.

A poorly adjusted strap can be a real hindrance to our mount.  

The right positioning

Before getting a new girth, it is essential to check a few things, especially the location of the buckles. They must not touch the skin of your horse.

If you choose a long girth, the buckles are normally between the two quarters of the saddle so everything is fine. If you choose a short girth, the buckles of the girths must be doubled on the horse's side or completely covered. Protecting these buckles will eliminate any risk of skin pinching or rubbing on your saddle.

If your saddle requires a short girth, also be careful that the buckles are not too low. If they are not positioned correctly, the buckles can come into contact with the olecranon (the point of the elbow) of your horse and cause discomfort or even injury.

In any case, if you notice that your horse is having the slightest discomfort when using a girth, it means that it may not be suitable for him. There is no point in constraining him any further, you should change equipment. If in doubt, our saddle fitters will be happy to help you find the best solution for your horse!

3 questions to help you choose your horse girth!

What are the different types of straps?

There are short or long girth models depending on the category of your saddle (single quarter, dressage, western...). You can also choose from straight, anatomic or bib girths!

Which material to choose for a horse girth?

It is important to choose a material that is strong and resistant but which is soft on the horse's skin. Leather is one of the most renowned materials for this purpose.

How to properly adjust your horse girth?

First of all, you must know the size of your horse. Then you must pay attention to the positioning of the girth, its symmetrical adjustment and the position of the straps.