The girth is an important piece of tack that ensures that both horse and rider have a comfortable and safe riding experience. A properly fitted girth will keep your saddle from moving or slipping, ensuring that you can ride confidently, while still allowing your horse the ability to breathe and move freely while being ridden. Figuring out the correct size may seem overwhelming, but with 3 easy steps you can find your horse the perfect size girth.
What you will need:
Tape Measure (Preferably Fabric)
Saddle and other tack you ride with including saddle pads, half pads, risers, etc.
*Please note for best results we do recommend having a second person to hand to help with measurements*
1) Place your saddle on your horse’s back. It is important you also include any additional tack you use when riding including your saddle pad, half pad, riser, etc.
2) Hold the tip of your measuring tape on the second hole from the bottom of the billets.
3) Pass the remaining measuring tape under the horse’s barrel at the heart girth line up to the offside billets. Take note of the measurement that appears at the second hole from the bottom of the offside billets.
Final takeaway, and bonus girthing tips when selecting, purchasing, and riding away in your new girth:
– Remember when you are selecting your girth this measurement could change due to the amount of elastic, shape and material. Be sure to adjust your measurement according to these attributes.
– If you ride in multiple saddles you may need multiple girths to correctly and comfortably fit each saddle. Repeat the above process for each saddle/horse combo to ensure you have the right size and fit.
– Girth brands; like jeans, measure slightly differently, so make sure the measurement truly matches up before you make a final purchase.
– Ensure that any new girth is given a proper test ride.
– Remember to always check your girth before mounting, once mounted, and after your initial warm up.