Girth (tack)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A girth is a piece of equipment for riding a horse, used to keep the saddle in place. It encircles the barrel of the equine, and attaches to the billets (girth tabs) of the saddle on either side. Girths are used on English-type saddles, while western saddles uses a girth equivalent called a cinch.
Although a girth is often enough to keep a well-fitting saddle in place, other pieces of equipment are also used in the jumping or speed sports, such as polo, eventing, show jumping, and fox hunting. These include breastplates, breastgirths, breastcollars, and overgirths.
Studies have shown that, although giths may restrict the movement of the ribcage in the horse, they have no effect on the horse's ability to take in air.
[edit] Types of Girths
Girths are usually made from leather or a synthetic material, or from several strands of rope (which allows the girth to slide with the horse's breathing). Modern girths are shaped to allow ample room for the elbows. Fleece girth covers are often used on sensitive horses to protect the barrel of the horse.
A dressage girth, or Lonsdale girth, is shorter than the usual girths used on other saddles. This is because the dressage saddle has longer billets, to keep the buckles out from under the rider's leg, and so a shorter girth may be used.
An overgirth is often used in addition to a regular leather girth. Made of elastic, the overgirth completely encircles the horse around belly and the saddle's seat. It is used by eventers, flat racing, and steeplechase jockies to provide more security in holding the saddle in place.
Some girths (those used on jumpers and eventers) have a belly guard (or stud guard), to protect the belly from being stabbed by horseshoe studs as the animal tucks his legs up underneath him over a tall obstacle.
[edit] Fitting the Girth
A girth should first and foremost spread pressure evenly over the entire area. If it is too narrow, or if it has a narrow reinforcing strip down its center, it may cause discomfort. It is also best if it has some "give" to it, which makes it more comfortable for the horse. Many riders also choose a girth that allows for extra elbow room, so the horse is not restricted as his leg moves backward.
To measure for a girth, the saddle with a pad should be placed on the horse. A measuring tape is then used to measure from the middle hole of the billet on one side, under the horse's belly, to the middle billet on the other side.
To find the length for a dressage girth, you can generally subtract 10 inches from the length of the jumping girth to give the correct length, although it may vary.
If a girth is slightly too small, a girth extender may be used. A girth extender attaches to the billets of the saddle and lengthens them, so that a shorter girth may be used.
[edit] Use of the billets
Most jumping saddles have 3 billets. This not only allows the rider a spare should one break, but can also provide an adjustment option. For horses on which the saddle sits nicely, neither slipping forward or back, the first and third billets should be used. On horses where the saddle slips back, the first and second billets should be used, on those that the saddle slips forward, the second and third should be used.
