Regardless of discipline, we all want happy, healthy horses. We educate ourselves on correct saddle fit to ensure that our partner will be comfortable and perform well, but have you ever considered girth fit, comfort and the elements that make a girth fit properly for the conformation of your horse? A well-fitting girth is the reason your saddle stays securely in place and prevents discomfort for the horse, while keeping the rider stable, centered and balanced. Dressage girths are now available in different shapes to better fit the horse and provide a full range of motion.

There are many options on the market. Your saddle billet length will determine if you select a long or short girth. The right girth for your horse will depend on how your horse moves, skin sensitivity, allergies, and how much he/she sweats during work. Girths come straight, asymmetric, crescent and anatomical. They can be made from leather, neoprene, foam, felt, mohair, and fleece, which offers distinct durability and comfort traits; with prices ranging from high cost to budget friendly. So how do you determine what will be the best fit for your horse?

Fitting

 Visual aids and detailed guides on these points can be found in the linked images and resources:

● Images of ideal vs. poor horse conformation and anatomical diagrams

● Diagrams illustrating different body proportions 

Selecting an Anatomical Style Girth

The purpose of an anatomical girth is to provide more freedom for the shoulder and elbow while keeping the saddle stable, fitting the horse’s natural shape. Horse’s confirmation should determine what style of girth will work best:

● Anatomical (Contoured) Girth: Best for horses with good conformation and a clearly defined girth groove that is far enough away from the elbow. The shape allows the center to sit in the natural groove while the buckles sit further back.

● Asymmetric Girth: Works for horses with a girth groove less prominent or closer to the elbow, or for those whose girths sit too far forward. It is cut back more in the front to give extra elbow clearance.

● Crescent Girth: Recommended for round-barreled horses with a short back, wide rib cage, and narrow chest. The curved shape helps prevent the girth from slipping forward.

For visual examples of these different girth styles and their intended fit, see:

Please be mindful of your horse’s comfort when tightening the girth. Sensitive horses will not like it instantly cranked up tight. This can cause a biting flinching reaction that can eventually lead to a habit. Instead apply the girth at a minimal tightness just enough so the saddle won’t slip off when walking the horse. After walking 8-10 strides slowly tighten each side one hole at a time, walk another 8-10 strides tighten the other side, one hole at a time, continue walking and tightening until the saddle is secure. To help maintain the comfort of the horse when you are tightening the girth—instead of pulling abruptly straight upward, pull the billet out then slowly up to tighten. If the horse is reactive upon gently tightening the girth, consider physical issues before addressing this as a training issue. 

A properly adjusted girth should be snug enough to keep the saddle in place without causing discomfort or restricting the horse’s breathing. Buckles should not come in direct contact with the horse, this most likely will cause pain from pressure and friction. Once attached, a girth should be vertical. If the girth is slightly backward or forward it is not fitting properly. If you buy a girth with elastic make sure it has elastic on both sides otherwise the side without the elastic will pull to that side.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Girth

The girth lies in a sensitive area. It’s important to maintain and clean your girth regularly to avoid cracks, sharp edges, and overall suppleness of the leather, especially if the horse has been clipped. Girths must be kept clean from dirt and sweat and checked often for wear and tear and keep your horse’s coat clean and groomed to avoid debris rubbing the skin under the girth. 

Horse girth cleaning requirements depend on the material. Synthetic girths, such as those made from neoprene or nylon, can often be machine-washed or cleaned with mild soap and water. Girths made from natural materials, such as leather, require hand cleaning using saddle soap with warm water and occasional conditioning to prevent cracking, or mohair, which requires handwashing and conditioning to maintain their integrity and comfort. Real Fleece lined girths should be hand washed on a rare basis, as the wool will break down with washing; however in between washes, let the fleece dry from sweat, after which it’s best use a cat-hair brush to loosen hair, dirt, and sand to keep clean in between each ride.

If using the same girth between horses, proper hygiene practices must be followed. Girths should be cleaned and disinfected between uses to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, or parasites, particularly if one of the horses has a known skin condition.

How to Estimate Girth Length

Place your saddle and pad on your horse. Hold a fabric tape measure with inch increments on the middle billet hole on one side of the saddle while stretching the tape under the horse—one hand’s width from the back of the elbow—to the corresponding billet hole on the other side. The inch measurement translates to the girth size you need.

Remember that different saddles have different billet lengths, so you may need to change your girth size when you change saddles. Also, a used girth may have stretched.

When sizing up a girth it is important to have a long enough to not add concentrated pressure on the ascending pectoral muscle. The girth should extend well beyond the ascending pectoral muscle, also known as the deep or caudal pectoral. If the girth is too short and concentrated tight pressure is on the ascending pectoral muscle, this will be painful or uncomfortable for horses. This could translate into a blocking/tension throughout the topline and hindquarters. Ideally, you should be able to fit about two fingers between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on each side.

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