Girth up!

Research into girth t and design has led to some rather interesting new creations. Stephanie Bateman explores the latest girth designs and how they impact performance.

Pictured

Above: The design and fit of a girth can have a significant impact on the horse’s way of going.

Below: Where there is elastic on the girth it should be on both sides or in the middle to avoid asymmetric pressures.

whole unit becomes a problem,” says Rachel. “The issue there isn’t necessarily the girth but could be the girth straps on the saddle. Saddles with more flexibility in terms of number and position of girth straps will be easier to fit. For example, a saddle that has a tendency to slip forward may be less likely to slip if you put the girth on a point (front) strap. If you have a saddle that slips back, it may be in a happier place with a girth strap positioned further back in conjunction with the balance (back) strap.

“If the saddle is slipping to one side because the horse moves asymmetrically, or the saddle is not flocked evenly, the girth is more likely to rub, so it’s important to look at everything together.”

Then you have the elastic vs non-elastic debate and where you should have the elastic. “Elastic on one side only isn’t ideal because it gives you asymmetric pressures,” tells Rachel. “If there is elastic on a girth, it should be in the middle or on the sides equally. Elastic will also stretch over time and become less stable.” >

Symptoms Of A Badly Fitting Girth

• Rubbing – hair loss and sores

• Pain on palpation anywhere under the girth including the buckles

• Issues with collection or connection

• Unhappy when doing up the girth.

STÜBBEN EQUI-SOFT

Another girth to boast research behind its design is the Stübben Equi-Soft. A comparative study of girths was performed by physiotherapist Mar de Echevarria Ruiz-Oriol and vet Patricia Prats Filgueira who found that the heart rate of horses were much lower when using the Equi-Soft girth. This girth uses a system of elastic rings to even out girth pressure distribution.

It has an anatomical design to fit the contours of the horse’s body to achieve maximum comfort, avoiding pinching.

The design allows the horse to expand its chest when needed during exercise.

Dressage rider Emily Ormerod said: “Not only can the horses find greater looseness and freedom in their paces, but their relaxation is significantly improved. It reassures me to know that they are able to expand the rib cage and take in the oxygen they need to work at their maximum. On a practical note, I love that the interchangeable pads can be swapped in seconds or between tests so my horses never have to work in a damp or dirty girth.”

Prestige Rp

Prestige’s RP (Relax and Perform) girth has an oval area which is padded and sits away from the horse’s sternum, and is designed to slide over the oval plate as the sternum moves while also allowing for lateral movement. The oval plate also means the girth sits away from the horse’s sides where there is a large concentration of blood vessels and nerves. Horses are able to lift more through their backs and take deeper breaths.

Emily Kemp competes Artie, a nine-year-old German Warmblood. This year they qualified for Preliminary Winter Regionals and Novice Area Festivals.

Emily has struggled with Artie’s walk; he would throw his head up and have a choppy stride.

Keith Ewers from supplier Equitogs visited Emily last November and fitted a new Prestige X D2 Saddle and Prestige RP Girth.

“I was impressed with the difference in Artie’s movement,” Emily said. “His stride lengthened, his head carriage was more consistent and he was a happier horse, no longer fighting against me.”

The Fairfax Girth

Based on the research undertaken in 2013 as mentioned above, The Fairfax Performance Girth was designed and has been shown to improve forelimb protraction in dressage horses by up to 33%.

“A reduction in pressure facilitates increased forelimb extension,” says Vanessa Fairfax of Fairfax Saddles. “This is because the horse is free to move without restriction. Not only that, but knee and hock flexion is improved too.”

The Fairfax Performance Girth removes asymmetry between the leg pairs.

“If you ride evenly and generate less wear and tear, your horse will be sounder for longer,” adds Vanessa. “The Fairfax Girth design incorporates a unique leading edge which was thoroughly tested and shown to allow enhanced freedom of movement. The appearance may be unusual but it is important to note that the design was scientifically proven not to transfer pressure to the back edge of the girth.”

Sharf Freedom Girth

“The Scharf Freedom Dressage Girth has been designed to work with the horse’s various muscle groups, providing independent support for each area of the chest,” says Claire Hubbard of The Centre Line. “This allows the ribcage to move freely, to expand and contract as the horse breathes, relieving pressure. It is designed to encourage horses to let go over the back and work into the contact with ease. It is the first girth on the market to enhance muscle function, improving the freedom of muscle groups and therefore enhancing the horse’s movement and overall way of going. The girth has been composed of individual sections that allow air to circulate, reducing sweating and minimising the risk of any sweat rubs or sores.”

Girth Fitting Tips

• A dressage girth should fit to avoid the key pressure zones behind the horse’s elbows. Choose a girth long enough so that the buckles are fastened away from the elbow area and closer to the bottom of the saddlecloth.

• Shape is important too. In principle, a wider girth would distribute pressure and also aid saddle stability, but if it is so wide that it interferes with movement or causes pressure behind the elbow, the benefits are lost. Also, if the horse has a particularly forward girth groove, or lots of wrinkly skin behind his elbows, a wider girth might not suit him either.

• Using a girth cover risks adding unnecessary bulk. If your horse needs a sleeve, make sure it’s the right size and fits the shape of your girth.

• Seek the advice of a qualified Society of Master Saddlers

Saddle Fitter when it comes to which girth to suit an individual horse’s conformation and the saddle he’s using.

Source: Fairfax Saddles