How do you choose the right girth for your horse?

When fitting a girth, the right size is often a secondary consideration to the aesthetics of the girth - do you want a plain black one, or a pretty leather one? For many people, the choice of girth is as much about image and fashion as it is about function and suitability. The truth is that there is no single girth that is right for every horse - every horse has a unique anatomy and there will be some girths that can fit them better than others. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make the right choice in any situation.

What is a girth?

A girth is a band of leather or fabric that runs around the horse’s abdomen. It is used to help support the rider, control the horse, and also to help prevent injuries.A girth should fit snugly around the horse’s abdomen without being too tight or restricting movement. It should be long enough to be effective, but not so long that it interferes with the horse’s movement.

Finding the right size

The first step is to find the right size of girth for your horse. You can measure the circumference of your horse’s abdomen, but most people use a girth that is a few inches longer than the horse’s body. This is to allow for some shrinkage, so that the girth doesn’t slide down towards the horse’s hock.You can also measure the girth that you are planning to use and then add or subtract the difference from your measurements. This will give you a rough idea of what size you need.

How much slack is too much?

A girth should be fitted as snugly as possible without causing any chaffing or irritation to the horse. If the girth is too loose, it will not be able to support the rider and might put the horse at risk of injury. At the same time, if the girth is too tight, it could cause irritation or chaffing, and might even cause the horse pain.The ideal condition is somewhere between being too loose and too tight. A girth that is too tight may cause the horse some pain, but it will be too tight for the rider too.

Girths made from different materials

There are several types of girths available, each with their own unique qualities. We’ve outlined the most commonly used materials below:

Leather girths - Leather is a durable and fairly strong material, and is therefore often used for outdoor use. They are available in a wide variety of colours and designs, and are often used in competition.
Leathers - Leather is the most common material for girths. They are usually made from a thick, tough, leather panel, which is sewn together, sometimes with a buckle attached. They are often used for everyday use.
Wool girths - Wool girths are a relatively rare sight, but are often used in racing. They are usually made from tough, woolen fabric, and have metal buckles attached to them.
Rope girths - Rope girths are often used in eventing. They are usually made from cotton, and have metal buckles attached.

Conclusion