Girth recommendations - Forward girth groove

J

janinek1981

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So at the moment my horse is poulticed to high heaven - (read my "recurring abscess nightmare!" post in hoof care)
HOWEVER! When she is sound I do actually try to ride her!
Ive found that she has a forward girth groove and shes also quite sensitive to the girth. She wont bite or anything but I can just tell she isn't too happy so I do my best to gradually do it up before riding.
She was only broken in December so its still a fairly new thing but I have noticed that her current girth, which is a leather atherstone one with elastic one end, is not lying flat on her sides and so I think its probably digging in which cant be nice for her.
Anyone got any recommendations for a nice padded girth designed for forward girth grooves, possibly with a gel insert - not sure!
Just something nice and comfy.
The saddle doesn't seem to move too much, as in it doesn't slip forwards but she does have large shoulders which are possibly stopping that happening and I do worry about the saddle pushing into them so all you girth gurus give me your knowledge please :)
 
Hate to say this as I am thinking of your pocket but have tried everything on mine and the only real solution is a Fairfax girth, they are sometimes available second hand. Cheaper than changing your saddle though. a friend had success with a saddle that had four girth straps which enabled her to move the position of the girth as the horse changed shape.
 
second the fairfax-in a straight girth or even a cheaper curved girth my 3yo is *backy* about being girthed up, just humps and jumps away a bit but in the fairfax he stands half asleep. i couldnt believe the difference it made to him tbh but he made his vote very clear!
 
this is his normal aerborn that is the best one I've had for not rubbing his elbows, elastic both ends

11427221_10155841104840438_4178540888938277735_n.jpg


11391131_10155841104835438_339803455870345922_n.jpg


I really would try it before forking out for a fairfax. It amuses me that the one on the yard still requires a fleece cover apparently :rolleyes3:
 
ester said:
this is his normal aerborn that is the best one I've had for not rubbing his elbows, elastic both ends

11427221_10155841104840438_4178540888938277735_n.jpg


11391131_10155841104835438_339803455870345922_n.jpg


I really would try it before forking out for a fairfax. It amuses me that the one on the yard still requires a fleece cover apparently :rolleyes3:
Click to expand...

This is the girth i've just got for my 4yo and the difference is amazing - it was only about £35 i think! Anyone know if they do a short version?
 
After looking at your pictures I think my mares girth groove isn't as forward as I thought. Shes certainly never had problems with it rubbing her elbows. Its more just that it doesn't sit flush and ive notice one side digs in more than the other when tightened. Im thinking maybe a humane girth??

Can someone tell me how on earth I post pics on here please? Being thick!
 
Theanks for the info about the Prolite version, was about to purchase one for a new horse and he will grow so it will save in the long run, plus it has a martingale attachment. Have been trying to get an event girth in a large size with no luck so that will do for now.
 
A Stubben cord girth might be worth a try, no elastic, lovely and soft and wide. Easy to keep clean too.

I also have a professional choice ventech girth which is brilliant but elastic.
 
If you are looking for a dressage girth I have one of these for my girl who has a forward girth groove, she isn't a fan of having her girth done up tightly and will turn around and poke the girth with her nose if she isn't a fan of her girth. She really seems to like this girth and I can leave the girth slightly looser as the wider area seems to keep it more stable. I have a treeless saddle and can mount from the ground if I need to.
http://www.horsedream.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=6664/62&cat=14

They also do these curved ones as well
http://www.horsedream.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=6668/62

I also bought one of these for one of my other horses, very similar to the Christ one, not quite as nice sheepskin but a lot cheaper
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Caldene-Sheepskin-Lined-Dressage/dp/B00NVMGZD0
 
The Harry dabbs girth has really l, really stiff elastic.on either end. It might still be suitable for your horse JillA .. it is a nicely made girth. FWIW my horse didn't like the fairfax - she only wore it for a short time and it rubbed her. I'm glad I only had it on trial from my saddler trailer than forking out on it from a website.
 
I feel your pain. I have a Saddle Company forward girth which was about £100 and was the only one I could get in my size (fat pony, not a fancy horse).

Saddle was still moving forwards so my saddle fitter has put a point girth strap on and adjusted the width of the saddle, I also use a Limpet pad under the saddle and I've just changed my girth to a Dever competition girth: http://www.deversaddlery.co.uk/competition-girth-i603385.html and this seems to have finally done the trick today!
 
It was too wide for franks girth groove and rubbed his elbows. Re the Harry dabbs I would agree about the elastic- also because it doesn't have a flap of the waffle material under the elastic straps I am going to try the size up as I'm not convinced the joint won't rub him when he is moulting so want it on the saddle. The one I have was a second hand bargain and figured I'd hang on to it and try it before getting better size if it worked.
 
Blimey it's a minefield - my horse is the most sensitive soul in the universe and not only that but he is uber wide and saddle rolls if the girth doesn't help with its stability (yes, after it has been adjusted as well, neither he nor I are very symmetrical :) ). Where do you get them to try out, that sounds like the best plan for us.
 
ester said:
this is his normal aerborn that is the best one I've had for not rubbing his elbows, elastic both ends

11427221_10155841104840438_4178540888938277735_n.jpg


11391131_10155841104835438_339803455870345922_n.jpg


I really would try it before forking out for a fairfax. It amuses me that the one on the yard still requires a fleece cover apparently :rolleyes3:
Click to expand...


I have one of these for our tb, his has a wide section as he has a long girth area and the girth slips back. It's brilliant on him. Only wish they do one in a dressage.
 
Argh I really hate the term "forward girth groove", there is no such thing, horses just have different shape ribcages which will affect which girth styles suit them. In your case I would recommend trying a curved girth as your horse has a broad ribcage that is pulling the girth forward of where it should be. This is probably contributing to your saddle instability issues. Look for one with elastic at both ends as this will allow some stretch in and out as he moves, if it is fitted correctly it won't affect saddle balance. Personally i prefer neoprene or sheepskin as that is what has worked best for me after lots of trial and error with my sensitive barrell of a cob. Having no elastic at all could work too but be careful of over tightening. Don't use anything with elastic on one side, they cause uneven pressure and are flipping pointless!
 
JillA said:
Arghhh - it has elastic ends!! Why does everyone insist on elastic - my saddle fitter reckons I need one without any elastic at all?
Click to expand...

As a fitter who specialises in wide flat backs I disagree with your fitter and recommend elastic all the time, both ends, and strong elastic though. I know you've had success with the Trevira and that does have some give in it, so much kinder than a fixed girth.

kez81 said:
Argh I really hate the term "forward girth groove", there is no such thing, horses just have different shape ribcages which will affect which girth styles suit them.
Click to expand...

There is such a thing, it might be non-permanent and affected by the ribcage, sure, but it's a very useful short hand. When horses have put on weight, or are fat when I first see them, it's seldom the shape across the top that causes a problem as I fit wide saddles, but that wide and dropped rear ribcage will make a forward girth groove even more pronounced. I have one particular lovely customer who had me out to check her saddle after I fitted it as it started moving forwards, the pony had put on a few kgs. The next time it happened she panicked, then texted me later to say she realised he'd put on weight, got it off him and the saddle was perfect again (and he was a much healthier weight!).

Personally I'd say to the OP that I'd look forst to saddle fit, and consider having a second opinion. Generally I find trees aren't flat enough, especially on wide horses, then fitters avoid using a point strap as it pulls the front of the saddle down, and you can't align the girth with the girth groove. A flat tree, with appropriately shaped and flocked panel, will help with stability and keep the saddle back even on croup high shapes, and those with "no" shoulders. I only have maybe two customers who need to use curved girths because the saddles are fitted to be stable in motion and therefore to stay off the shoulder. Girthing discomfort is nearly always a saddle fit issue which I know you're acknowledging, so many people think they simply have to change the girth. I know you want a better girth to correct the saddle, but I don't think that's the issue, the saddle needs correcting.
 
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