Measure Girth of a Horse:

A horse girth, also known as a cinch, is a piece of essential equipment used to keep the saddle in place on the horse. The basic purpose of a girth is to hold the saddle in place and prevent it from slipping side to side or moving forward or backward while riding the horse.

Therefore, it is extremely important to have accurate measurements before buying it. If you are not sure how to measure girth, do not worry, we will guide you step by step on how to take accurate measurements for it.

Let us start our detailed discussion by understanding the horse’s girth.

What is a Horse Girth?

As most of you must be familiar with the horse’s types of equipment, you would have an idea of the saddle, saddle pads, and billets. Saddle pads are very useful while riding a horse. It prevents the horse from any injuries. Saddle pads are used to make the ride more comfortable for both the horse and the rider. Similarly, a horse girth is used to put the saddle in place.

A horse girth is a belt-like equipment that keeps the saddle in place while you ride the horse comfortably. It is available in different materials. It is usually made up of cotton, leather, webbing, or a combination of these materials. Leather horse girths are usually a popular choice. Synthetic horse girths are also available but are not generally recommended as they are not so durable.

A durable horse girth ensures safety and is comfortable for the ride as well. It does not put any strain on the horse and allows free, comfortable movements around the horse’s ribcage. Neither too tight nor too loose to disrupt its breathing process. It should also secure and improve the saddle position. If the horse’s girth is not measured properly, it may cause damage to the horse’s skin. Continuous pinching may cause sores commonly known as girth galls on the horse.

Now, you must have understood what is the primary purpose of a horse’s girth. Let us move forward and understand how it is measured precisely.

What is a Girth Measurement for a Horse?

An effective way for girth measurement is to attach the girth to the saddle or its billet straps and go around the horse covering its ribcage and leaving a distance of a hand from its elbows. This effectively secures the saddles and covers both sides of the horse. If it is difficult for you to measure both sides, always ask for help to eradicate confusion.

However, it can also be measured without the saddle. We will discuss both procedures in a step-by-step guide below.

Horse’s Girth Measurement Without Saddle

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Step 1:

The first simple step is to make sure your horse is standing in a flat place. A leveled ground is an ideal place to start the measurement process.

Step 2:

Start from below the withers. Run the take from one side to another, covering the base and the natural girth groove. End the tape from where you started. Record the measurement and make sure it is not too loose or tight. It should be measured as accurately as possible.

·Step 3:

Then, take the number and divide it by 2. Subtract 3 from the result. If you get an even number, that is okay, but if not, convert it to the nearest even number possible. It is because most of the girths are sold in even numbers. So, it is better to round off to the nearest even number.

Remember, these steps suggest how to measure the girth of a horse without a saddle.

We will now be talking about what is a girth measurement with a saddle.

Horse’s Girth Measurement with Saddle?

Mostly, people measure horse girth with the saddle. The reason is that it allows them to accurately measure the real size of the horse girth with the saddle they are going to use. So, in case you have already bought the saddle for your horse, place it on the horse, along the saddle pad, if needed, to correctly measure the horse’s girth.

Step 1:

Make sure your horse is standing on leveled ground.

Step 2:

Place your saddle pad, saddles, and everything you have on your horse before starting the measurement process.

Step 3:

Identify where the horse’s heart girth is. It is usually located 4 inches behind his front elbow. You may notice a slight curve on the side.

Step 4:

Start the measurement process from the second last hole of the billet strap. It is important to note that billet straps may vary and you should measure from the one you are going to use with the girth. It is also important to note here, that if you are measuring with an old girth, you may not get an accurate measurement as old girths may have stretched over time.

Step 5:

Grab one end of the measuring tape from the second or third billet’s hole, and run down the horse, covering his heart girth to the other side of the horse. It is important that you use fabric measurement tape instead of regular measuring tape.

Step 6:

The last step is to record the exact measurement. It should also be in even number, if not then round off to the nearest even number.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should measure from the buckle to the buckle end. To test the accuracy, you may place your palm beneath the girth. If it slides in too easily or if it is too tight then you should adjust it accordingly. Remember, it should not be too tight or loose, it should be fitted just enough to avoid any injuries.

GIRTH SIZING CHART

HORSE HEIGHT	LONG GIRTH	SHORT GIRTH
13H to 14H	38 – 40	18 – 20
14H to 15H	42 – 44	22 – 24
15H to 16H	46 – 48	26
16H to 17H	50 – 52	28
17H and over	54 – 56	30 – 32
	*English or jumping	*Dressage

Some Important Points to Consider on Measuring a Girth

As we have discussed earlier, you may measure horse girth with or without a saddle. But for best results, measure it including everything you have for the ride. If you have started from the second or third last hole of the billet strap, you should end it on the same corresponding hole on the other side.

A horse’s girth has another important benefit. It also serves in approximating the horse’s weight. A horse’s weight helps in determining how much daily food intake is required. It allows us to identify any underlying causes that may need medication. Therefore, you should be familiar with how to measure girth accurately.

There are different types of girths available in the market. Some have elastics and some do not. And other are shaped to provide a better riding experience while others are straight. Also, have a wider panel to adjust the pressure on the horse’s breastbone while others do not. So, always consider these before making any purchase decision.

It is also very important to keep the girth clean. Whether you buy a leather girth or a synthetic one, just make sure it is all clean and fine so that your horse does not suffer from any injuries or bruises.

Furthermore, some people are not fond of hassling and they just take their old, stretched girths to the shop to buy a new one. This is not an ideal case. Girths are made up of cotton or leather, which may stretch over time. This elasticity may increase their length and you might end up buying a wrong-sized girth.

Similarly, some horses have dressage billets. It means that their buckle straps are slightly up the usual billet strap. They require long girths. So, if you are not sure of your saddle or billet straps, do not take old, used girths for accurate measurements. It might be slightly longer than the rest.

How to Measure a Girth Size with Different Saddles

Always determine which type of saddle you have. This will influence the girth size. Some horses have mono flap saddles while others have a dual flap. Mono flapped saddles have longer girth straps, thus they require shorter girths. Whereas two flapped saddles require longer girths. Thus, measure girth size according to the saddle type.

A Final Note to Girth Buyers

After a lengthy and detailed discussion, we believe it would not be a problem how to measure girth of a horse. All you need is a stable place, leveled ground, a fabric measuring tape, and some basic mathematics skills. You might need a friend to hold one end of the measuring tape from one side. It would really help you easily and accurately measure the girth size. Always, convert the size into an even number and check the tightness by inserting your fingers beneath the girth. Lastly, Always maintain four-finger space from the horse’s front elbow, to allow free movement while riding. Keep the girth clean and be aware of any worn and torn strap. Always adjust the girth according to saddle type and corresponding billet straps.