Choose well your girth

1. Choosing the right girth: what type of girth for my horse

There are two types of girth: Short and long. Depending on your make of riding saddle, you won’t need the same girth.

Short girths

Short girths are made for monoflap saddles that are attached much lower down than classic saddles. As such, short girths are mainly used for dressage and cross saddles.

Long girth

Long girths are for double flap saddles, which are mainly used for show jumping saddles. The girth is strapped to the horse under its leg, behind the flap. These are the most conventional types of girth.

2. Choosing the right girth: what size for my horse?

You must measure the height of your horse’s withers to select the size of girth in centimetres. Click here to view our matching guide for short and long girths.

Girth size guide

Girth’s type	Height at withers (hands)	Girth’s size (inch)
Long girth	13’1 13’3 14’1 14’3 15’1 15’3 16’1 16’3 17’1	42″ 44″ 46″ 48″ 50″ 52″ 54″ 56″ 58″
Short girth	13’3-14’3 14’3-15’3 15’3-16’3 16’3-17’3	16″ 20″ 24″ 28″

3. Choosing the right girth: which shape fits best?

Straight girth

Straight girths suit horses with no areas of sensitive skin or that tend to get injured when fitting the girth. It is very narrow and suits certain riding disciplines. The Hunter, for example, requires the lightest and simplest equipment, hence the need for a straight girth.

Straight girths come in short and long versions, with or without rings to attach the reins.

Anatomic girth

Anatomic girths hug the horse’s curves and better distribute pressure from the girth straps. They are shaped to relieve the horse’s shoulders and elbows. These girths give the horse more room, for greater flexibility and shoulder movement. They also prevent injuries from folds and rubbing on the skin. Anatomic girths are ideal for frequent use.

They also come in short and long versions.

Belly guard girth*

Belly guard girths are mainly used for riding disciplines that require the horse to fold its front legs. They are especially needed for cross-country events, where horses are fitted with crampons and can seriously injure their abdomens. The width of the girth protects from hoof impacts. Our belly guard girths also have an anatomic shape, providing more space for the elbow and shoulder.

Belly guard girths come in short and long versions.

4. Choosing the right girth: what material should I choose ?

Leather

Leather unquestionably offers the best performance. It’s hypoallergenic and provides unparalleled comfort for the horse. Even for the most sensitive of skins, the risk of irritation on contact with leather is virtually zero.

Leather is also a guarantee of quality and long life. Well maintained, it can retain all its properties for decades. Our girths are a careful combination of soft and grained leather. Grained leather is thicker and more rigid, providing robustness and better shock absorption.

Antarès products mentioned in this article :