Anatomical girth - which way round?

[LillyTheCat]

Sounds like a silly question but which way round would you put this girth on? Top of picture towards the front of the horse or bottom? I have been doing one way but was recently told that was incorrect!

 

[Beausmate]

Bottom. You want it to curve back, away from the elbows.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I can't see both photo's, I can only see a stock photo? But I'd have the clip nearest to the horse's chest & front legs and the wider stud guard like part facing towards the back of the horse to protect their belly. Unless the horse was happier with it backwards, of course!

 

[Barton Bounty]

This particular girth is the one i used and the curve is supposed to go to the chest not belly.

 

[Reacher]

As others have said, bottom of photo (pointy bit) towards the head (appreciate it feels counterintuitive) then the elbows go in the cut away bits

 

[nutjob]

Normally the bottom of the picture goes to the front of the horse for a horse with a forward girth groove.

 

[ecb89]

They go the opposite to stud girths so the wider part goes to the front of the horse.

 

[BSL2]

Some girths come in different sizes, narrow or standard gauge. Depending on how wide your horse is between front legs/lower chest area as to which size suits.

 

[LillyTheCat]

Thanks all, that’s really helpful. I was putting the wider part to the front to cut out round the elbows so apparently doing it right! Horse does have a very forward girth groove and occasionally saddle slips forward so any ideas for other girths gratefully received. Must be covered in sheep as the sensitive beast is prone to girth rubs

 

[blitznbobs]

Pointy bit forwards

 

[Equi]

It depends on your horse and what you need it for. If they have a forward girth groove, the pointy bit goes forward to help the straps on the saddle be straight. If it has a backwards groove, the pointy bit goes towards the bum.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Thanks all, that’s really helpful. I was putting the wider part to the front to cut out round the elbows so apparently doing it right! Horse does have a very forward girth groove and occasionally saddle slips forward so any ideas for other girths gratefully received. Must be covered in sheep as the sensitive beast is prone to girth rubs

Can you not buy a girth sleeve and then you're not as restricted on girth to buy?

 

[Meredith]

I’ve got this which helps stop the saddle slipping forwards on a Connemara. I think a girth sleeve is made for it too.

Competition Girth | deversaddlery

www.deversaddlery.com

 

[TPO]

Have a look at Mattes girths. They are sheepskin and have different styles for different girth grooves. Iirc they had good photos illustrating girth grooves. @sbloom can help with ordering too

 

[LillyTheCat]

Can you not buy a girth sleeve and then you're not as restricted on girth to buy?

I’m not a huge fan of sleeves as they often bunch up. I think integrated fluff is generally better if possible

 

[LillyTheCat]

Have a look at Mattes girths. They are sheepskin and have different styles for different girth grooves. Iirc they had good photos illustrating girth grooves. @sbloom can help with ordering too

I have been looking at these and they seem ideal. Not sure my bank balance can quite stretch to one at the moment but maybe in future

 

[Barton Bounty]

I like the fleece , I was worried it would sweat him but I have just bought Orbi a new girth but a contour arma fleece one. The anatomical one doesn’t work with the new saddle . The fleece wicks the sweat away.

 

[MuddyMonster]

As others have said, bottom of photo (pointy bit) towards the head (appreciate it feels counterintuitive) then the elbows go in the cut away bits

Well, I've learnt today I was putting mine the wrong way around I've changed designs now so no longer an issue! Sorry pony ...

 

[Reacher]

Well, I've learnt today I was putting mine the wrong way around I've changed designs now so no longer an issue! Sorry pony ...

If it’s any consolation, whenever I take my Micklem bridle to bits and have to put it back together, I always have to look at the arrow on the head piece to check which way is forwards!