Girth Materials to Think about:
Most riders know that getting the perfect fit for a saddle is essential for your horse’s heath and comfort, and many riders also debate about the relative merits of the many different materials available today for saddles. Not many riders put that much thought into their girths. That’s a shame, because your horse’s girth is a critical element to your saddle’s fit, your safety, and your horse’s comfort.
The wrong girth won’t keep your saddle steady, and at worst can lead to a dangerous fall, and at best can contribute to back pain in your horse. The wrong fit or the wrong material for your horse, and your saddle can slip, and your horse can suffer bruising or girth sores (‘galls’).
The right fit is one question, but before you measure up your horse, you need to decide on the right materials. Most materials are used for both girths (English riding) and cinches (western riding), although some materials have found more popularity in one discipline over another.
The oldest material, and still very popular, is leather. Leather is hard wearing if properly cared for, and is perfectly suitable for girths. However, it does have its limitations. Leather girths will stretch over time, so you will need to recheck the fit of your girth every few months. Leather also needs to be cared for correctly, especially in the case of girths which are exposed to sweat, shedding hair, and mud and water that gets kicked up under the horse’s belly. Leather girths look nice, absorb some sweat and if properly cared for will stay soft and supple and comfortable for your horse. Many leather girths come with elastic at one or both ends for even more comfort.
String girths are also popular, although they are becoming increasingly replaced with synthetic materials. String girths may be made of cotton cord, mohair, or synthetic materials. Cotton is the most comfortable for horses, and cotton string girths are great for horses prone to galls. If fitted correctly, they won’t pinch, and they allow plenty of air through to the horse’s skin. Synthetic or nylon string girths are less comfortable, but still offer the cooling benefits of string. Mohair is inexpensive, but can be irritating for horses with fine hair or sensitive skin.
Most string girths can be washed in a washing machine, making them very easy to keep clean. Like leather, string girths will stretch a bit over time, and most string girths should be replaced every year or so. They are a very inexpensive option though, so replacement is usually very affordable, and for many horse owners string makes having a few girths possible, so they always have a clean on to use. The best string girths will be made or short sections of soft cotton fiber; the cheapest with longer sections of nylon cord.
Modern girths also come in a variety of synthetic materials, all designed for comfort and ease of care. Neoprene girths can be wiped clean or sponged off with soapy water, and are often padded or cushioned for comfort. A nylon center that connects to the buckles is usually inside a neoprene girth to add strength. However, neoprene offers almost no ventilation, so horses can become very sweaty underneath. Neoprene is often not a good choice for thin skinned horses or those prone to galls.
Other synthetic girths have a padded nylon center and a cotton cover. These girths are usually machine washable, and the cotton outer layer provides much of the ventilation and ‘wicking’ properties a plain neoprene girth lacks. These girths too can be made with elastic at one or both ends. Cotton covered girths are fast becoming a very popular choice because they are usually less expensive than leather and much easier to care for.
Some top end girths may have brass buckles, but almost all girths now have stainless steel buckles. Western cinches have large, arched buckles, and English girths have smaller square buckle. When choosing an English girth, be sure to choose one with rollers on the buckles; these rollers will significantly reduce the wear and tear on your saddle billets! If you use a string or cotton girths, and you wash it in your washing machine, cover the buckles with socks secured with rubber bands to protect your machine and the buckles. The best washable girths will use top quality stainless steel which won’t rust, but if you use a less expensive version be sure to dry the buckles as soon as you can.
Whichever material you choose, you may find your horse just seems to be prone to galls. In this case, you might benefit from using a girth cover. The finest of these are made from sheepskin, but cotton and synthetic fleece are available. They work by absorbing sweat, and preventing the girth slipping and moving which can cause galls. There are even black and brown versions available which are designed to be less visible for showing. The extra benefit of using a cover is that they are washable, and they keep your girth much cleaner!
