A dressage saddle must fit properly in order to stay in place, which is necessary for the horse’s comfort while being ridden, as well as the rider’s safety. The saddle should stay in the desired position throughout the ride, without shifting and causing either the horse or rider discomfort. The girth, a piece of horse equipment that attaches the saddle, helps to keep it securely in place.
Its design resembles an elastic strap with buckles on either end, allowing you to adjust the fastening more comfortably in a way that will prevent the saddle from falling down. The shorter length of dressage girth allows for better contact with the horse and a better sense of the horse’s body while in a seat.
How to Choose the Best Girth Model?
On the market, there are numerous varieties of girths. The one you should choose frequently depends on the silhouette of your horse. When classifying girths, you will typically discover:
Anatomical Girth
The best option for horses with proportionate chests is an anatomical dressage girth that is at a right angle to the front legs. On the front and back, it has recognizable pits for the horse’s elbows.
Asymmetrical Girth
It is the best option for horses with wide chests, where it is difficult to see a place clearly designated for the girth, is an asymmetrical girth. Only the front, near the elbows, shows any signs of the pits.
Half-Moon Girth
It is the best option for horses with short backs and convex chests is a half-moon dressage girth because its slightly bent shape perfectly fits the profile. The front of it is pitted.
Girth For Athletic Horses
The best option for horses with thinner backs is an athletic dressage girth. It resembles the girth of a half-moon, but the bent is to the front rather than the back.
Dressage girth can be varied according to a wide range of other factors. Consider the length or the type of material, for instance. Girths with fur are very popular because the horse is further protected from irritability by the soft interior.
In recent years, girth designs have become more anatomically friendly and have been shown to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce discomfort. Pressure points can cause sores and restrict your horse’s range of motion, and often happen when pressure is applied unevenly to sensitive areas.
The best short girths have a wider central section at the sternum area to help spread the pressure evenly and prevent any pressure points from developing. They give the elbow room to move, which might help you get better grades. Your girth’s edges should be soft and smooth to prevent pinching and rubbing. Before every ride, make sure to check for the proper fit and make any necessary alterations.
How Long Is a Girth?
A girth, in case of English saddles, is utilized for a variety of purposes. The precise duration, however, may vary depending on the event. In dressage, a shorter girth is used instead of the more common longer one. The bulk under the knees and thighs is decreased and this style fits the longer billets found on dressage saddles
- Place the saddle and saddle pad on your horse’s back in order to get the appropriate short girth for it.
- On one side of the saddle, place the end of a flexible measuring tape at the middle billet hole.
- Measure the length of the horse back where the measuring tape meets the corresponding billet on the other side. The dressage girth should be of this length, according to this measurement.
How to Find the Right Girth Fit for Dressage?
Girths come in a variety of styles and colors. Shape should be taken into consideration first. These are two basic shapes:
Straight
This is the classic design, which works well on horses with saddles that are simple to fit.
Ergonomic
Cutouts for the elbows and shoulders are included in girths that are ergonomically designed to reduce irritation.
Conclusion
Having a properly fitting saddle is recommended before beginning your search for the ideal dressage girth because the two accessories complement one another well. To find a saddle that will suit both you and your horse, consult a trainer or saddle fitter.
