Measuring Your Horses Girth.

When choosing a girth for your horse or pony there are a few things to take into consideration. There are many different girth options to choose from, leather or Synthetic, Shaped, With Elastic, Without Elastic and so on.

It is important to make the right choice as if this is not correct it could have an impact on the way your saddle fits and even can even affect you horse behaviour.

Things To Take Into Consideration.

There are a few signs to take into consideration when looking for the correct girth, personally I like a leather girth, these are easy to clean and maintain. make sure when choosing a leather girth, it features softer padding/materials on the underside which will be in contact with the horse. Also ensure the stitching and buckles are checked on purchase and also on a regular basis going forward for any signs of damage or wear.

If you are choosing a girth with elastic, ensure this is on both ends of the girth. If there is only elastic on 1 end, this can cause your saddle to be less stable and encourage more give in one side. Elastic moves and gives, if you have problems with movement in your saddle, or your saddle slips it is always recommended to purchase a girth with no elastic so there is no option for movement.

The Size Of Your Girth.

This will depend on two main factors: the type of saddle and the stomach width of your horse.
If you own a dressage saddle, Monoflap saddle or saddles with longer girth billets your girth straps will typically lie much lower down against the horses side and so will require a shorter length girth. Alternatively, if you own a jumping saddle, GP saddle, Show saddle you may find your girth straps sit much higher and so will require a longer length girth.

Always Measure When Buying A New Girth.

It is always best to re-measure your horse to ensure you’re getting the correct size if you are getting a new girth. This is because your horse’s weight may have changed, the girth may have stretched or the numnah is/was affecting the measurements. If you are replacing a current girth and need to know the size, the correct way to measure is from is the pin end of the buckle at each side.

Either re-measure the length of twine or take the twine to your local saddlers/equestrian store to use as a guide.

How To Measure.

The take a measurement of you horse you will need a tape ideally, but you can also use a piece of baling twine and measure after. Position your Saddlecloth and saddle on the horses back and measure from the 2/3 hole through to the same hole on the other side. If you are purchasing a girth with Elastic take a couple of inches off the allow for the elastic to stretch.

A correctly fitting girth will sit on around holes 3-4 on each side. If you are needing to go up more than this it is recommended you purchase a shorter girth.