When it comes to the anatomy of an animal, few things are as important as the girth. It’s a measurement that refers to the circumference of an animal’s body at its mid-point. As such, the girth can greatly affect an animal’s appearance and also determine how well it’s suited to certain types of work.For example, many horse owners will be familiar with the concept of a show or working girth. A show girth is used by competitors to ensure that their horse has been correctly measured during the show ring so that the correct markings are displayed and the horse can compete to its fullest potential.A show girth is usually twice as thick as a general-purpose girth and will be made out of a stiffer material to allow for greater pressure when measuring the horse during the ring. It’s also worth noting that show girths are usually only suitable for adult animals and not for youngsters. This is because when measuring a horse’s girth during the ring, the person measuring the animal will be pressing down on the horse’s body at a very specific point. If the horse has a particularly thick girth, this can lead to injury if the handler isn’t careful. As such, the show girth can be up to twice as thick as a general-purpose girth to protect the horse in case something goes wrong and they press too hard on a weak point in the girth. However, this doesn’t mean that general purpose girths aren’t important. The girth is an important piece of equipment for horse owners. It’s an essential part of a horse’s tack and can affect how the horse moves, the way it looks and even the way it feels when riding.There are a number of different types of girths that you may come across as a horse owner. Here we take a look at some of the most commonly used types of girths and their uses:
Dressage Girth
A dressage girth is a specialized girth that is used during the show ring to measure the circumference of the horse’s chest. This measurement is called the “molding.” The girth is made of a leather or synthetic material and is used by the handler to ensure that the horse has the correct markings when moving through the ring. This will ensure the horse is correctly “molded” and that the correct markings are displayed.Dressage girths are usually thicker than general-purpose girths and will be made of a stiffer material to allow for greater pressure when measuring the horse during the ring. It’s worth noting that dressage girths are only suitable for adult animals. As such, owners will be required to regularly replace these as they become worn out over time. The girth needs to be replaced regularly to ensure it’s of the correct size. This will ensure that the horse is correctly “molded” and that the correct markings are displayed.
Snaffle Girth
A snaffle girth is a specialized girth that is used by horses in Western riding and is usually made of leather or synthetic materials. The girth is designed to be used with a snaffle bit and is held on the horse’s neck. A snaffle girth is used to ensure that the rider is correctly positioned and can also be used to help with the collection of the horse. This will ensure that the rider is correctly seated and that the horse is correctly “gathered.”Snaffle girths are usually thicker than general-purpose girths and will be made of a stiffer material to allow for greater pressure when measuring the horse during the ring. It’s worth noting that snaffle girths are only suitable for adult animals. As such, owners will be required to regularly replace these as they become worn out over time. The girth needs to be replaced regularly to ensure it’s of the correct size and fit. This will ensure that the rider and horse are correctly positioned and that the rider has the correct amount of control over the horse.
Breaking Girth
A breaking girth is a specialized girth that is used to help break in a horse. The girth is designed to be used with a breaking device and is often made of a hard material that will support the horse’s weight during the break-in period. It’s worth noting that breaking girths are only suitable for adult animals. As such, owners will be required to regularly replace these as they become worn out over time. The girth needs to be replaced regularly to ensure it’s of the correct size and fit. This will ensure that the horse is correctly broken in and that the correct pressure is applied to the horse’s muscles.
Full Bitting Girth
A full biting girth is a specialized girth that is used during the show ring to measure the circumference of the horse’s chest and stomach. It’s important to note that the full biting girth is only suitable for adult animals. As such, owners will be required to regularly replace these as they become worn out over time. The girth needs to be replaced regularly to ensure it’s of the correct size and fit. This will ensure that the horse is correctly “molded” and that the correct markings are displayed.
Conclusion
When it comes to girths, there are many different types that are used for different purposes. The dressage girth is used by horse owners to ensure the horse is correctly “molded” and that the correct markings are displayed when moving through the ring. The snaffle girth is used by horse owners in Western riding to ensure the rider is correctly positioned and the horse is correctly gathered. The breaking girth is used to help break in a horse and the full biting girth is used during the show ring to measure the circumference of the horse’s chest and stomach.