Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

English girth

From: Elizabeth

Dear Jessica, I have been an avid reader of your newsletter for a long time and I have learned so much. I want to thankyou for all of the work and time you have put into this. You have helped me and my horses (Spirit and Blaze) in many ways. I recently bought a lovely English saddle that fits me and my horse lovely but only one problem....I cannot get that same fit with the girth. I don't really understand how to measure for an english girth and I was hoping you could tell me how. I have looked in the archives and couldn't find anything. If I have just missed it could you please refer me to where it is. Spirit, Blaze, and I would be very greatful! Thankyou in advance, Elizabeth, Spirit, and Blaze

Hi Elizabeth! Congratulations on the new saddle. ;-) You didn't specify what the particular girth problem was, but here's some general information that may include what you need.

The way to measure for an English girth is to get a friend and a measuring tape.

First put the saddle on your horse, then take a measuring tape and have your friend stand on the horse's off side holding the end of the tape against the billets, at the second hole from the bottom. Bring the tape around under the horse's belly -- where the girth will go -- until it reaches the second or third hole of the billets on the near side. Then look at that measurement, which will probably be somewhere between 42" and 54". You now have a good idea of what length girth will fit your horse when it wears this saddle.

Be sure to measure carefully -- if you measure from higher billet holes, your new girth may be too long. But you don't want to measure from the bottom hole to the bottom hole, because then you may have a girth that is hard to fasten, or that won't fasten easily if you use a thicker pad under the saddle. You want a girth that will allow you to use the lower holes in the billet straps, but you also want a girth that will be useful and comfortable year-round, and since most horses don't stay the same size year-round, there must be a little leeway built in.

If your horse measures between sizes -- girth sizes run in two-inch increments -- then get the larger; in other words, if your horse appears to need a 43" girth, buy the 44" instead of the 42".

Most horses are comfortable in shaped girths, and your horse can be even more comfortable if you buy a girth with elastic at one (split) end, and split leather at the other. Splits at both ends allow you to fasten the girth on both sides with even pressure on the first and third billets (don't use the center one, it's a spare).

A good girth is a good investment in your safety and your horse's comfort. Good luck!

Jessica

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