Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose the right girth shape
Start with your horse’s conformation and saddle placement.
| Horse type | Best girth style |
| Forward girth groove | Anatomical or contoured girth |
| Narrow ribcage/prominent sternum | Wider girth to distribute pressure |
| Very active/jumping | Stud guard or anatomical for stability |
| Sensitive/girthy | Soft-lined or elasticised girth with shape relief |
Step 2: Correct fit
Length
- Girth should sit two to four fingers below the elbow on both sides.
- If the buckles are too close to the elbow, they may pinch or restrict movement.
Buckle position
- Buckles should sit above the curve of the ribcage, ideally near the bottom of the saddle flap.
- Too low and they create pressure on a moving area.
- Too high and the girth may dig in or twist the saddle.
Even tension
- Tighten both sides evenly i.e. don’t pull up only from one side.
- Avoid relying on one-sided elastic, which can torque the saddle.
Step 3: Check for pressure and movement
After girthing and again after riding:
| Checkpoint | What to look for |
| Behind the elbow | Any rubs, swelling, or heat? |
| Centre of sternum | Signs of pressure, irritation, or girth galls? |
| Girth line | Even tension? No bunching or slipping? |
| Horse’s behaviour | Flinching, tail swishing, pinned ears when girthing or mounting? |
| Saddle stability | Does the saddle stay centred without over-tightening? |
Step 4: Maintenance and material care
| Girth material | Cleaning tips |
| Leather | Wipe down daily, condition weekly |
| Neoprene | Rinse after every ride, deep clean weekly |
| Sheepskin-lined | Brush and wash regularly to prevent matting |
| Elastic | Inspect regularly as overstretched elastic loses function |
Red flags to watch for
- Sudden girthiness in a previously tolerant horse.
- Recurrent saddle slipping despite correct fit.
- Short, tight strides in front after tacking up.
- Resistance in early trot or transitions.
- Any behavioural change linked to tacking up. [end box]