GIRTH FITTING GUIDE

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]