Girth suddenly causing a rub, what to do??

Nickles1973

Nickles1973

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 April 2009
Messages
540
Visit site
As title really. I had the fit of my saddle checked recently as it was lifting a little at the back. Saddler said that there was nothing wrong with the fit of my saddle but I had got into a bad habit of sliding it too far back. So on her instructions I am now putting saddle just where she showed me and hey presto no lifting....but my girth is now rubbing and making my lad sore. The rub is happening on the side that doesn't have elastic. (Off side) and its high up just below the point where it splits for the saddle attachment. It's a thorowgood gp girth and the same type I have owned for 2 1/2 years without problem. So all suggestions will be gratefully recieved. I have phoned the saddler to see if she can offer any advice but she is yet to call me back.
 
Change your girth to either elasticated at BOTH ends or not at all. My saddler and my backman both hate the one-sided girths because the pressure is uneven which is probably why your girth is rubbing. I really don't know why companies insist on elasticating them at one end only, when the evidence is that they are, at the least, unsuitable!
 
Swap the girth around so that the elastic is on the off side which is where it should be to avoid you overtightening it.

Bathe the sore area with salt water.

Keep the girth really clean and use a girth sleeve until the area has healed.
 
Thanks for your replies :-) I will wait to hear from the saddler tomorrow, but I think I will be most likely looking for a girth with elastic at both ends as mentioned. Any recommendations??
 
I wouldn't use that girth until I had sorted the problem at least . TBH I wouldn't be happy with a saddle that shifted that much ,so it may not be totally the fault of the girth.

Apply Sudocreme .
A saddler can put elastics at the other end of a leather girth if its just one sided and it won't cost much , can't remember what it cost me around €10 I think.
Tubigrip ( the white tubular bandage you get on injured ankles and wrists in A+E ) makes a good makeshift girthsleeve and is very easily washed or can be thrown out if you aren't thrifty.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top