Girth Extenders... Your Thoughts?

[Lippyx]

HI!

Well, rode my mare for the first time in 5 months this evening and she was fab! She was a little nappy to start with, but then she really settled, and started to work well, which I though was really good considering she hasn't been start on for so long!
Anyway. I got her a new girth and it is slightly too short, which I am really frustrated about, as I got the same size that my self and the saddler used when trying the saddle. So I can just about get the girth done up, and once I'm on and she has moved I can put it a few more holes, so was thinking about getting a girth extender, just to give a few more inches.
What do you think?

 

[Joss]

Girth extender is fine for occasional use but not for regular use. If its a new saddle & girth it may well settle/stretch a bit. Cant you change the girth for a size up or have you used it properly now?

 

[Lippyx]

Well, thats just it, I've used it now

I did think that being that everything is new and stiff, after regular use, the girth straps will stretch and the girth will thin out and stretch (its a padded leather one)
Do you think it would be ok to get an extender until the leather has settled and stretched?
Admittedly I do have yet to put any leather cream on my saddle yet, job for the weekend!!

 

[Kentisheventer]

no i wouldn't always use one, it just seems an extra thing to go wrong?