What riders say about our saddle girths
We actually use the SohoFlex all year round. In winter, I use the soft fur side, and when it gets warmer, I switch to leather. It makes a big difference, especially for my sensitive horse. Plus, the girth is much easier to keep clean than I initially thought.
— Trusted Shops Review
I ordered the Soho in the morning and had it in my hands shortly after, beautifully packaged. The leather was soft right away and the buckles work smoothly.
— Customer review for the 50g rain rug (Dublin)
What makes a good saddle girth
The girth is located in an area that is subject to significant movement with every step: the sternum, rib cage, and elbows all change position due to breathing and forward motion. At the same time, the girth must keep the saddle securely on the horse. Therefore, its shape, contact surface, and positioning are critical to how evenly pressure is distributed and how freely the front leg can move.
Which girth fits your horse?
The right version depends primarily on the saddle type, discipline, and your horse's body shape. Different designs clearly serve different purposes.
- For dressage saddles: Short girths are tailored to the long billets of dressage saddles and sit compactly under the horse's belly.
- For jumping and eventing saddles: Long girths are used with shorter billets and lie evenly under the horse's belly with their padded surface.
- For jumping with additional belly protection: Stud girths feature a widened belly guard that shields the belly from contact with horseshoes or studs when the front legs are tucked tightly over a jump.
- Anatomical shape for more freedom of movement: Our girths are anatomically cut and specifically create space behind the elbow. This allows the front leg to swing backward more freely without the girth pressing unnecessarily into this area.
- For sensitive skin in the girth area: Soft, neatly finished contact surfaces can reduce friction and improve comfort in an area that is under strain with every movement.
The benefits of high-quality girths
A good girth should absorb forces as evenly as possible, function reliably, and adapt unobtrusively to the horse while in motion. Many small design details play a role in this.
Wider contact area for more even pressure
A sufficiently large contact surface can distribute the resulting forces over a larger area and thereby reduce point loading.
Elastic sections yield in a controlled manner.
Elastic inserts can accommodate minor changes in chest circumference during movement and breathing, without the entire girth losing its position.
Roller buckles make it easier to tighten the girth.
Movable rollers on the buckles reduce friction on the billet straps and make it easier to tighten them evenly.
Dimensionally stable materials
A high-quality girth should retain its basic shape even under tension, so that the contact area and buckling remain reliably in the intended position.
Clean edges reduce the potential for chafing.
Softly crafted transitions and smooth edges prevent harsh pressure lines on the skin and are particularly important during longer training sessions.
Practical details for daily use
Soft fur and high-quality genuine leather ensure comfortable contact with the horse, while D-rings and snap hooks offer practical attachment options for additional equipment.
Why overtightening seatbelts does not provide additional safety
The horse's rib cage expands during inhalation and also moves with every step. An extremely tightly tightened girth therefore primarily increases pressure on the skin, sternum, and rib area. This does not make the saddle infinitely more secure. Rather, what is decisive is a proper saddle fit, a correctly positioned girth, and a tension that holds the saddle reliably without unnecessarily compressing the tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about girths
How do I measure the correct girth length?
It is best to measure with the saddle you are using on the horse. With a long girth, the buckles should be in an easily accessible area without sitting directly under the rider's leg. With a short girth, the buckles should be neither too low nor positioned directly against the elbow.
Should I tighten the girth completely just before mounting?
It is better to tighten the girth gradually. Tighten it loosely at first, check it before mounting, and check it again after a few steps. This allows the horse to move and the saddle to settle into its normal position.
Why does a girth sometimes slip forward?
The girth often follows the natural girth groove, which is the narrowest part of the rib cage. If this is positioned far forward, a straight girth may be pulled toward the elbows.
What is the purpose of the belly guard on a stud girth?
It protects the underside of the belly from being struck by horseshoes or studs when the horse tucks its front legs tightly under its body over a jump.
Do elastic inserts have to be on both sides?
Not necessarily. The crucial point is that the girth is tightened evenly and that the elastic does not encourage over-tightening. The design of each specific model determines how the elastic sections function.
What practical extras do our girths offer?
D-rings and carabiners create additional attachment points for further accessories. Depending on the model, different material solutions are added, such as soft fur or smooth leather. Some versions even combine both options as a practical 2-in-1 solution.