First things first: look at your horse and not the latest trend! To choose the material I can give you some useful tips.
Fur girths for horses sensitive to skin
For horses sensitive to skin in the girth position, often including gray horses and foxes, coat girths are recommended. There are also special creams, similar to those used by cyclists, to protect the sensitive skin folds on the inside of the elbow. We have specially developed the equigetic pad with fur for these horses. But more about that later.
Saddle girths for large-framed or narrow horses
Large-framed horses are often grateful for moon girths and wide girths, which distribute pressure better. Narrow horses, those with a high blood content, are often more sensitive and more comfortable with narrow girths. Here always applies – trial and error and the exception proves the rule.
Tip: Try out saddle girths
Now, if you have been given a girth to try out at the equestrian store and are not sure, you can put a towel between the hide and the girth for riding to ensure a later return or exchange. You are also welcome to test the equigetic Pad and the equigetic Jump -Springgurt for up to 10 days.
If you have a horse that needs special shoulder freedom or often has tension in the shoulder area, an anatomically shaped girth is a good choice.
Saddle girths for horses with stomach problems
For horses with stomach problems, it has been proven that often less is more. Narrower and straight cut belts are usually the better choice here. Even the good old corded harness is comfortable for such horses. It distributes the pressure without having more contact surface than, for example, a moon belt. However, please make sure the cord strap is of good quality – often the cheap synthetic straps cut in uncomfortably.
Indications of a horse with stomach problems are usually a painful and pressure-sensitive lateral girth position and a negative reaction when grooming around the belly.
Short Belts, Long Belts & Leather Belts
Neoprene short or long belts are a pleasant alternative. Some even have a soft memory feature that feels softer than traditional neoprene and is also said to provide better pressure distribution. Cleaning is uncomplicated, but regular inspection of the material is important here.
The leather girth is certainly the most durable saddle girth and will accompany you for many years with good care. Small tip – when buying, make sure that the leather smells good. You can literally smell poor quality in this case. Also, the leather should be supple and not have grooves when bending.
Girth strips on the saddle girth
With the dressage short girth, they should be softly underlaid to avoid uncomfortable pinching of fur and skin. With elastic girths please always choose both sides of the girth with elastic and girth evenly! On both sides! Thus, the belt and saddle remain where they should be and also the distribution of the belt pressure is even! Your horse will thank you!
In the next blog we will deal with the equigetic system in detail – if you have any questions or suggestions we are looking forward to your message.
Stay healthy and with the horses – Tina Schäfer