Girth Gall

WelshRuby

WelshRuby

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I have recently taken a pony on loan who is obese. Because she has no girth groove the saddle (fitted to her and with point straps) moves up onto her withers when I ask for halt (she is very forward going with dodgy brakes!) Got back from an hours ride yesterday to discover 2 huge girth galls - skin not actually broken but swollen and red.
She has to be kept in work cos of reducing the weight so I will be riding bareback. Was wondering how long can I ride at a time without causing pressure points with my seat bones.
Will also be buying a new softer girth and a sleeve.
Am mortified that I have caused this to the poor girl!
 
You weren't to know she'd get galls, but you might want to have the saddle looked at if it's moving about so much, as it could be causing more problems that just the girth galls.
Put some camrosa or sudocream on them and they should go down and heal nicely.
I'd suggest also getting one of the neoprene girth sleeves as they're much softer than the fabric/woollen ones.
Hope pony is better soon and starts dropping the pounds asap!
 
My horse was huge when we got her and the saddle moved about, it's hard to find a saddle that stays still when their so fat and got no withers. Make sure you always stretch her legs out once you've tightened the girth aswell or she'll be all wrinkly under the girth and might pinch/be uncomfortable. When your riding bareback you could put on a saddlecloth and surcingle to make it a little more comfortable.
 
We have a mare that is very susceptable to girth galls and we have always used the towelling girth sleeves on her. This has proved to be a good preventative measure and they are not expensive and are washable. If you need to keep her working to lose the weight then how about lunging her gently for about 20 mins 2-3 times a week. This is a workout in itself. You can put a roller on her to allow her skin time to harden to the girth. Also when the sore area has settled down, bathe with salt water twice daily and this will help to harden the skin.
 
Frank gets them use sudocrem generally.

He wears an atherstone plastic waffle girth (aerborn one) with elastic both ends and a nuumed sheepskin sleeve which is kept clean during times when he is more susceptible (ie moulting times). He is worse if I don't pull his legs forward.
 
Thanks guys! I had been using a wintec girth with the bound edges which has obviously contributed to the problem. Had thought about getting a cottage craft type fabric one and cutting out a bit to alleviate the rubbing and covered in a towelling sleeve.
It has gone down and is pink this morning and I washed with salt water, dried it, then smothered in sudocrem.
Always, always stretch legs on any horse I ride!!!!
Thanks again for replies!
 
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