Dressage Girths - Sizing and Recommendations

[MuddyMonster]

I'm getting a new saddle that requires a dressage girth. How do I convert what size I need compared to my GP? Also, how far up should the buckles come up their side?

I currently have a Prolite but are there other anatomical shaped girths that are worth looking into? If cheaper than a Prolite, I certainly wouldn't complain

 

[milliepops]

prolite for me and my gang -

size wise, as big as you can so that the buckles are well clear of the elbows. Mine almost meet the saddle flaps.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Thanks MP. The trial girth we were using almost met the flaps so maybe it wasn't as big as I thought on him

Is there a way to work out the dressage size in comparison to GP size? He's in a 46' currently.

 

[milliepops]

Thanks MP. The trial girth we were using almost met the flaps so maybe it wasn't as big as I thought on him

Is there a way to work out the dressage size in comparison to GP size? He's in a 46' currently.

not reliably, because it depends on the length of the saddle flap and girth straps etc. for instance one horse might wear a SJ saddle with short flaps and therefore need a *longer* long girth, or a GP saddle with longer flaps which would be a shorter long girth - likewise dressage saddles are not all the same dimensions.

 

[Leandy]

I'd say 22" and under only likely to fit a pony, 26" to 28" for 16hh plus warmblood type. 30" plus for a bigger beast! That's my experience. Agree should not be too short so that interferes with the elbows. Don't underestimate how much you need to pull up a girth though, easily done I find when trying them.

 

[milliepops]

it really depends on your horse though, my 14hh wears a 28" and so does my 16hh TB.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Thank you both

It's a GP/VSD saddle but with long girth straps just to complicate things!

Current trial girth is 28' which might not actually be too big - I thought it should be closer to the elbow, but was totally wrong on that it sounds.

He's also a smidge under 14hh native pony.

 

[catkin]

If he's a native pony then he is quite likely to need a larger size of dressage girth. My Sec Ds and my Fell have had a variety of 28 and 30 inch girths especially if the saddles are wide-fitting.

If you don't get on with the short girths (and not everyone or every pony does) check with your saddler whether the girth straps can be changed to short ones, quite a lot can be, even some dressage saddles

PS forgot to add - anatomical girths are quite personal to an individual's shape. 2 makes that I have found fit well on big-barrelled, slightly forward grooved ponies are Ideal affinity and Harry Dabbs