Attaching the girth, do you use straps 1 and 3 or 1 and 2?

Quartz

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Been examining all my tack to see if theres anything causing my horse discomfort. When attaching my girth I use the first and third straps, however I have noticed that the girth doesn't seem wide enough for this and consequently the first strap tends to be done up to number 3 and the third strap to number 2 (just!!) I am curious as to whether it would be a problem if I change to using straps 1 and 2 instead. I know you can't use 2 and 3 together, and 1 and 3 are supposed to even out the pressure. However if the holes aren't equal surely it is better to use 1 and 2. Hope that makes sense, and do you agree?
 

woodlandswow

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1 and 3 as they are attached to different thingies at the top.. sorry .. dont know the name!! mine sometimes over laps the 2nd but as they are designed this way, its how i use it..
 

jes_nibley

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I would say that you are right in that 1&2 with the girth on the same holes is better than 1&3 on different holes - just my opinion though.
I have some saddles / girths that 1&3 work well, and others than 1&2 work best so I guess it depends on the saddle, the girth, and the horse really?!
 

Gucci_b

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When I had Hilary Vernon out from Barnsby saddlery, she was explaining the reason behind 3 girth straps. You use the 1st two straps and the 3rd strap was put in for emergency, should one of the girth straps snap.
 

Katd66

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1 and 3 as they are attached to different thingies at the top.. sorry .. dont know the name!! mine sometimes over laps the 2nd but as they are designed this way, its how i use it..

I was taught this ^^^

Straps 1 & 2 are attached to one bit of leather at the top and strap 3 a separate bit. So if the top of 1 breaks - 3 is still attached. Same as in if 3 breaks.

Third strap(2) is a spare if one does break you can reattach to spare.
 

The Fuzzy Furry

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Front strap is single, 2 & 3 are on the same webbing usually.
Some of my saddles have full point straps on 1. (means they are more set forwards)
Big fuzzy has strap 1 & 3, little one has 1 & 2 as 1 is a point strap & helps keep the front down (useful for round ponies)
 

lauraandjack

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On my current saddle I use 1 and 3, seems to fit best that way.

I was always taught that, as the 1st strap is independent and 2 & 3 attach to the same piece of webbing, that you should either use 1&2 or 1&3, the idea being that if one piece of webbing snaps/stitches come undone the other will hold.

I'm not sure that the idea is so important on modern design saddles especially ones with point straps etc, some saddles have 4 girth straps. I think check your saddle and see how the webbing attaches, and make sure you pick 2 straps on different webbing.

If your saddle is well maintained and checked regularly, in theory there should be very little risk of anything breaking, I hope...........
 

polopony

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Thanks for posting this thread - I've always wondered which was the 'right way' to fasten the girth, I've always done 1 and 3 as a matter of habit, because that's the way I was taught.
 

outandabout

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OP - there is no right or wrong way, it's going to depend on the saddle and your horse. Why not ask the saddler to have a look or even just give your saddler a call as they may well be able to advise you over the phone if they know your horse? It may even be that the saddle itself could do with a slight adjustment to make it fit better.
 

Tifferss

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1 and 3....no fabulous reason just got "told" by my Dad....like NEVER putting a saddle on before a bridle...that was a skinning alive offence
 

Elsbells

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1 and 3....no fabulous reason just got "told" by my Dad....like NEVER putting a saddle on before a bridle...that was a skinning alive offence

Why not saddle before bridle? I always do this while my mare chews away at her haynet so I can then tighten the girth slowly without her complaining.

Is it a safety thing?
 

finnywinny

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My no-wither, flat backed, roly poly Knabstrupper mare came with a made to measure saddle with 4 straps. My fab saddle fitter advised using 1 and 4 to spread the weight and help stop the saddle slipping. Need a girth with long splits though... This plus a Barnsby grip pad has made a world of difference.
 
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