How To Choose A Girth | Cavaletti

Table of Contents: 

Estimating girth length
Switching between long & dressage girths
Types of girths
Cavaletti vogue dressage girth
Choosing a girth for 'girthy' horses
The takeaways

A correctly fitted girth is necessary for keeping your saddle in position and essential for your horse's comfort. 

Girths are built of an array of materials and come in a range of sizes, forms, colours, and designs, each with its own set of advantages for the horse. 

The best girths for your horse will be determined by how he performs, his own skin allergies in the girthing area (belly and sides), its skin sensitivities, as well as how much it sweats when exercising.

If your girth is too loose, your saddle will be able to slide from side to side, which can be dangerous for both you and your horse. If it's too tight, it will rub and chafe your horse's skin, causing discomfort.

Cavaletti saddles are designed to provide the perfect fit for both you and your horse, with a wide range of girth options to choose from.

Here are some equestrian tips and everything you need to know about finding the right girth for your saddle:

Estimating Girth Length 

Position your saddle and saddle pad, as well as any additional padding you'll need underneath the saddle, on your horse to determine the girth length you'll require.

1. Ask a friend to hold the tape measure from the middle hole on one of the girth straps.
2. Extend the tape measure under the horse (around 4 inches from his elbow), to the corresponding wedge hole on the other side of the saddle.
3.  Measure this length to find out how long your horse’s girth needs to be. 

Switching Between Long & Dressage Girths 

Add or remove 20 inches if you know your horse's girth size and will need to change between a long and a short girth. For instance, if your jumping saddle has a 48-inch girth, you may try a 28-inch girth with your dressage saddle.

Types Of Girths 

The numerous materials used to manufacture girths provide distinct advantages to the horses and riders, determine price, and even address difficulties. You'll need to think about these things when choosing a girth. Note that girths come in a variety of forms, including straight styles that look like a belt and anatomical curves that offer room for a horse's elbows throughout the movement. Certain girths are designed to reduce tension on the sternum of the horse.

The design and substance of your girth's most crucial feature is that it fits well with your horse's specific conformation, movements, and complexion to appropriately transmit force along his barrel. It must move with the horse's hair (horizontally) rather than against it (vertically) in order to avoid friction or irritation. If a horse's girth is too small, it puts a lot of pressure on a narrow zone of his barrel, which can be painful.

Leather Girths 

Leather girths come in a variety of brown colours to complement saddles and black for dressage. On request, brown dressage girths are available. With two-tone leather, complex exquisite stitching, and overlays, leather girths can be simple or classy. Leather girths are simple to maintain, and even with conditioning, they become smoother and more luxurious. This type of girth is available in straight or curved configurations with rubber on one or both ends.

Cavaletti Collection ASX Atherstone Girth 

For an ideal girth, this Cavaletti premium collection leather girth features a moulded overlay structure for sturdiness, longevity, and convenience. Having a gentle, flexible cushion that ensures your horse's wellbeing. Both ends have triple elastic with a centre 'D' ring.

Product: Cavaletti Collection ASX Atherstone Girth

Cavaletti Collection ASX Atherstone Girth (Non-Elasticated) 

This Cavaletti leather Girth is quite similar to the Atherstone Girth. It also has a moulded overlaying construction for durability, longevity, and comfort. It is comfortable and has flexible cushioning that guarantees comfort. However, both ends don't have a triple elastic on them and instead feature a centre 'D' ring.

Product: Cavaletti Collection ASX Atherstone Girth NON Elasticated 

Cavaletti Collection Vogue Dressage Girth 

This shaped leather dressage girth is made of high-quality leather. Features smooth, versatile padding and triple elastic on both ends that ensures your horse's pleasure!

Find out more about the Cavaletti Collection Vogue Dressage Girth here. 

String Girths 

This kind of girth, which is manufactured of mohair (a long and smooth fibre), wool, cotton, or nylon thread, is a great suggestion for horses with sensitive skin in the girth area as well as to relieve stress and tension. String girths are preferred by some riders for hot weather riding. The threads that make up the girth can move and function independently, so some horses can carry them very well.

Cotton string girths must be manually washed and cleaned in cold water and hung to dry to avoid shrinkage in warmer temperatures conditions. Nylon girths can be machine thoroughly washed and also hung to dry.

Wool or Synthetic Fleece-Lined Girths 

This type of girth can be mounted to a fabric or leather girth to accommodate horses who prefer a smoother feel against their body and skin. This wool lining aids in the drainage of moisture from the horse.

It can be hand- or machine-washed in a gentle manner and then hung to eventually dry. For easy cleaning, several leather models of this type of girth feature hook-and-loop attachments on the fleece.

To Pair: Cavaletti Collection Dressage Saddle 

Suited for Flatwork and Dressage, this lovely, minimalist styled saddle is a necessity for all lovers!  

This Cavaletti Dressage saddle features woollen flocked panels and plush knee pads and is manufactured from the best full grain leathers that were built with convenience, elegance, and practicality in consideration.

With a sophisticated replaceable gullet structure and six width fitting alternatives, you can simply shift the fit of the saddle without returning it back, accommodating alterations in your horse's physique. You may adjust your seating position with the huge moveable blocks. A traditional deep seat provides stability and comfort!

3-point girthing via Y-System. Cantle and stirrup keeper badges are also accessible to accentuate your style.

Product: Cavaletti Collection Dressage Saddle

Choosing a Girth for a ‘Girthy’ Horse 

If you have a ‘girthy’ horse, finding a girth that doesn’t rub can be a challenge. A girth with softer edges, like the Cavaletti Collection ASX Atherstone Girth, can be a good choice. And if your horse is particularly sensitive, a string girth may be the best option.

How to fit girths for a bigger (wide-bellied) horse.

If you have a bigger or wide-bellied horse, you may find it difficult to get the girth tight enough. There are a few things you can do to make the process easier.

1. Make sure you have the right size girth. If your horse is between sizes, always choose the larger size. 
2. Use a girth with elastic at both ends. This will allow you to get a tight fit without putting too much pressure on one area. 
3. Use a girth cover. This will help to protect your horse’s skin and keep the girth clean.

There are numerous saddles available that will accommodate a wide horse. You could want to consider something with an adaptable gullet system so that you can preserve the saddle if he loses weight. 

To try on your horse, Cavaletti Collection provides a variety of uniquely designed saddles manufactured from the best leather to satisfy all riders and disciplines.

If you're new to saddle fitting, hiring a professional is usually the best solution. If you're having trouble choosing the proper saddle, one of UK’s largest saddle retailer, Cavaletti Collection, is ready to assist! We recommend that you have your saddle fit evaluated.

Choose your Girth Wisely! 

When it comes to riding, your girth is one of the most important pieces of horse tack. It is essential for keeping your saddle in place and ensuring your horse’s comfort. The perfect girth for your horse depends on a number of factors, including the type of riding you do, your horse’s build, and his level of fitness. If you are unsure which girth is right for you, speak to a qualified saddle fitter or experienced rider for advice. With so many different types and styles of girths available, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you and your horse!

If you need help evaluating what kind of girth you need for your horse, our friendly experts at Cavaletti would be happy to assist you! Just drop us an email at contact@cavaletticollection.co.uk or call us at 01922 666016