- Frequently asked questions
- What are the characteristics of dressage girths?
- How does a dressage girth fit correctly?
Dressage Girths
- Frequently asked questions
- What are the characteristics of dressage girths?
- How does a dressage girth fit correctly?
What are the characteristics of dressage girths?
Unlike a long girth, the dressage girth is buckled below the saddle flap. They are therefore often used on dressage saddles with long saddle flaps. At the same time, the dressage girth should not be too short so that the girth buckles do not pinch the crook of the elbow and cause chafing. You can also use a buckle protector for dressage girths, which distributes the pressure from the girth buckles even better. The material of the girth also plays a role in ensuring optimal wearing comfort for the horse. Dressage girths are therefore not only available in leather, but also the very comfortable and slightly elastic cord girths or shock-absorbing and soft saddle girths made of memory foam. Some styles are additionally padded with sheepskin. Dressage girths are available in sizes from 16 to 32 and with an anatomical, straight or asymmetrical shape.
How does a dressage girth fit correctly?
A dressage girth should fit correctly as the point pressure on dressage girths can be greater than on long girths. To determine the correct girth length for your horse, measure from the lower edge of the saddle flap to the lower edge of the saddle flap. Subtract 30 cm from this result. To determine the final dressage girth length, round up the final result to the next higher girth length.
A correctly buckled dressage girth comes to rest a hand's width behind the horse's front leg. This is also the narrowest part of the belly. Under no circumstances should it lie further back, otherwise the saddle will be too far back and put pressure on the sensitive loins. To distribute the pressure optimally, the dressage girth should be tightened at the same height on both sides.
When putting on a girth, you should also take a critical look at the saddle pad. Any wrinkling of the saddle pad can lead to unpleasant pressure peaks. Girth and saddle pad should fit together - the girth should not move or pull the saddle pad together. The dressage girth should end below the saddle pad. Ideally, there should be four to ten centimetres of space between the girth buckle and the edge of the saddle pad.