The importance of correct girth fit and design
The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) discusses the key muscles that the girth sits on and looks at the importance of correct girth fit for horse welfare.
The vast choice of girths available means it can be overwhelming for owners when it comes to choosing one. It can be all too easy to follow the latest trend rather than considering the conformation and comfort of their horse. It is important that consumers understand that the girth is an essential piece of tack, but it's so much more than just a strap to keep the saddle securely in place.
Correct fit is crucial for the comfort and well-being of the horse and owners should be encouraged to ask their saddle fitter about which girth to use and how to fit it. Ensuring you, as the saddle fitter, understand the horse’s anatomy and where the girth sits as well as being able to assess the horse’s conformation will help you when it comes to advising them on the best girth.
The girth lies over a complex array of muscles that are crucial for the horse's movement and comfort. Understanding the position and role of these muscles will help you when it comes to advising, selecting and fitting the right girth to ensure the horse's well-being, comfort and optimise their performance.
The primary muscles under the girth are the pectoral or brisket muscles, these are responsible for the movement of the horse's forelegs. Among these, the ascending pectoral muscle, also known as the deep pectoral muscle, is a flat, triangular muscle that’s located in the chest area. This muscle plays a crucial role in the movement and stability of the horse, helping in the backward movement (retraction) of the forelimb and the suspension of the trunk between the front legs. It also contributes to the stabilisation of the shoulder joint.
The ascending pectoral muscle reinforces the action of the muscles, supporting the back and facilitating the forward motion of the horse's body when the foreleg is on the ground, as well as flexing the shoulder.
Tightness in these muscles can cause discomfort and affect the horse's way of going, such as shortened strides, a reluctance to go forward, and difficulty with movements that require a full range of motion in the forelegs such as lateral work.
As a saddle fitter, you will recognise that these signs may be an indicator that the fit of the tack needs looking at. It is also important to highlight these signs to owners so that if they see any of them, they can call you out for a tack fit check.
Another significant muscle group under the girth are the abdominal muscles, which are attached to the ribs and wrap around the abdomen; they play a role in the horse's breathing and provide support for the horse’s abdominal contents.
When considering girth fit, it's important to ensure that the girth does not interfere with the horse's natural movement or the function of any of these muscles. A correctly placed girth should allow for proper thoracic expansion, which is essential for efficient breathing.
Why girth fit is so important
Recent research on girths and girth fit has highlighted the importance of girth design, fit and placement for equine health, comfort, and performance. These studies have assessed how the girth impacts on the horse, especially when it comes to pressure distribution, breathing and movement.
Choosing the right girth and correct fitting is crucial for the horse's comfort and can prevent muscle tightness. The fit of the girth is just as important as the saddle but is an item of tack that can be overlooked by owners and this is where education and talking to your clients about the importance of correct girth fit is crucial.
A correctly fitting girth compliments the horse’s conformation and sits approximately one hand's width behind the horse's elbow. The girth should sit in the horse's natural girth groove and attach to the billet straps, lining up vertically.
The girth groove is the natural position where the girth sits around the horse’s ribcage. It’s determined by the individual anatomy of the horse and is typically the narrowest part of the horse's barrel, where the girth rests without slipping.
The position of the girth groove varies - some horses have a forward-set groove, close to the front legs, while others may have it set further back. The positioning of the girth groove is an important consideration and influences which girth is best to use to ensure both saddle stability and comfort for the horse. A well-fitting girth accommodates
the location of the girth groove and helps keep the saddle in the correct place.
Studies using motion sensors have found that the optimal placement for the girth varies depending on the horse’s build and the type of exercise being performed. These studies emphasise the importance of adjusting girth fit and position based on individual horse anatomy, as one size and position doesn’t fit all.
The impact of an ill-fitting girth
Poor girth fit can cause behavioural problems, including tail swishing, ear pinning and attempts to bite when the girth is being tightened.
Horses that associate the girthing process with discomfort may become more challenging to handle and train. Over time, this can lead to the horse becoming anxious or aggressive when being saddled.
Studies suggest that horses experiencing girth-related discomfort may be less likely to perform well including a reluctance to move forward or remain calm under saddle. There are also the visible signs of a poorly fitting girth such as rubbing or swelling where the girth sits.
Different girth designs
Studies use pressure-mapping technology to study how different girth designs affect pressure distribution along the horse’s body. The results show that conventional straight girths often create high- pressure points, especially around the sternum and the area directly behind the elbows. Anatomically shaped girths tend to distribute pressure more evenly and minimise these pressure points.
The type of material used in a girth can affect both pressure and friction. Leather girths may cause more friction, leading to skin irritation, while neoprene or gel-padded girths may reduce pressure and be more comfortable for the horse. Research indicates that padding in girths reduces concentrated pressure areas and enhances comfort, which may, in turn, influence the horse's behaviour and performance.
A study by Murray et al (2013) emphasised how different girth shapes affected the freedom of the horse’s shoulder and thoracic movement. Anatomically shaped girths that allow for more space behind the elbows and pectoral muscles facilitate better shoulder movement. It also highlighted that poorly designed or improperly fitted girths can restrict the movement of the forelimbs and the shoulder.
Correctly designed anatomical girths, by comparison, allow more freedom of movement. One of the key findings in this research was that anatomical girths placed slightly further back than traditional placements can improve shoulder range of motion by allowing more space for the pectoral muscles and the horse’s elbows, enabling the horse to move more freely without interference from the girth.
As a saddle fitter, you will know that each horse is an individual and the girth that suits one may not necessarily suit another. It is important to explain to your clients the importance of correct girth fit and the anatomy of the horse.
Also, discuss the signs to look for if the girth isn’t fitting as well as it should be. This will help them to recognise when things alter and that it’s a sign to have their tack checked. The message that we need to get out there is that girth fit needs to be looked at the same as saddle fit.
Just as fitness levels or a change of season can affect the horse’s shape and fit of the saddle, these changes can have a significant impact on the fit of the girth too. This may mean that some will need a few different girths that can be swapped as and when necessary. As with any other item of tack, it is imperative that it fits well to ensure the welfare and comfort of the horse.
