Girth sores

S.robinson

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4 October 2021
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Hiya my 27year old welsh pony keeps getting girth sores however they are on the very top of his legs (almost under his armpits?) I wonder if any one has any advise, I stretch his legs out before riding and have recently had a saddle fitter out who recommended we get a back riser which we have bought but don’t seem to be making much difference.
 

Birker2020

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Try putting some talc on the area which rubs. Rubs are caused by friction so if you eliminate the friction by applying some kind of shield then you solve the problem. You could try the Keratex Mud Shield talc, its very good as it leaves a satin/silk feel and that would prevent rubs.

Or buy a girth sleeve but this on its own might not be enough as you will still have an element of friction.
 

sbloom

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How much space is between the elbow and the ribcage? People forget this as being a determinant in girth rubs, if the elbow swings back and forwards really close to the ribcage then you need a very low profile girth. There are many factors in getting the right girth, I like the Stubben cord girth in these cases but it needs a flattish girth groove, on anything "pouchy" it creases up and that causes its own issues.

A girth sleeve may work but not in the above scenario where it can make it worse, making the girth bulkier. Is the saddle staying in place, ie properly back behind the shoulder (front edge of tree points 4-5cm behind the back edge of the shoulder blade, no matter whether GP, dressage ect)?
 

S.robinson

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4 October 2021
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Try putting some talc on the area which rubs. Rubs are caused by friction so if you eliminate the friction by applying some kind of shield then you solve the problem. You could try the Keratex Mud Shield talc, its very good as it leaves a satin/silk feel and that would prevent rubs.

Or buy a girth sleeve but this on its own might not be enough.
Thanks will try this, he does have girth sleeve however I find that it makes it worse as it slides forward when I ride
 

NOISYGIRL2

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Use a long lambswool girth sleeve, one that goes from buckle to buckle on the girth so nothing touches the skin except the lambswool, worked wonders on mine
 
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