Girths elastic or non?

[xTrooperx]

I always assumed elastic girths were nicer due to the extra give, I was recently advised by my saddler to use a girth that is non elastic due to the risk of stretching and snapping, and the non were better. Again was also told no idea by who, if using elastic it should be both sides not one as otherwise it’s unequal. There is no issue of saddle slipping etc.. just was a general comment.
I need to buy a new girth due to general wear and tear, was second hand and used on previous horse so well used but it’s one of those perfect sizes and just fitted everything, so what is best elastic or non? who knew there was so much to conside.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I prefer non elastic, i have a few thorowgood with elastic just on one side but I just prefer non elastic. What size do you need I probably have 1 or 10 ???

 

[rextherobber]

My saddle fitter says if you use elastic, it must be both ends, but they are easily overtightened...

 

[ycbm]

I had a horse once who hated elasticated girths. Apart from that one horse, I'm happy with really firm elastic but only if on both sides, but I would prefer none.
.

 

[maya2008]

Non - as they age, the elastic can go without warning (not the stitching but the actual elastic).

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

A no from me; don't like elastic at all, wouldn't have an elastic girth as a gift. Way too easy to over-tighten it IMO.

The girth I really find works for mine is a Kentaur neoprene girth - it seems to hold the saddle in place really well and doesn't slip! Not even with faster work, it'll still hold everything steady even though it actually isn't done up that tightly.

Dunno what I'll do if mine wears out.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Do note if you get the Thorogood, Hy and Dever type whether they have elastic both ends or not, the plastic is prone to cracking over time, often either side of the centre, can cause nasty pinching or rubbing, so do check very regularly by running a finger along each edge. They crack well before the elastic goes....

I have a mix of elastic both ends and non elastic too, in leather and synthetic. Tbh, B Fuzzy is equally happy in both and I'm v aware of not over tightening either type.
I'd not ever have single sided elastic ones tho.

 

[ponynutz]

I've always used elastic because my girl changes shape so often and doesn't like the tightness of a non-elasticated girth.

 

[Widgeon]

Similar to others, I like really stiff elastic on both ends - my horse blows his tummy out on having the girth done up so it makes it a little bit easier to get it onto that first hole. Wouldn't have elastic on one end only though, that just seems illogical when a girth is supposed to achieve even, or at least symmetrical, pressure.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve got an elastic both sides girth and a prolite (not actually sure from my sofa if that’s elastic or not)

Q about over tightening, do people just hoik them up as far as they go maybe?
I only tighten if it’s look when I slide a hand under by the elbow. Surely it’s not a problem using elastic if the rider actually checks before tightening

 

[ponynutz]

I only tighten if it’s look when I slide a hand under by the elbow. Surely it’s not a problem using elastic if the rider actually checks before tightening

What I was always taught!

 

[little_critter]

I used to use elasticised ( both ends) but had issues with my horse pushing the back of the saddle over skew-whiff. Saddler suggested a non elastic girth and problem solved.

 

[ycbm]

I only tighten if it’s loose when I slide a hand under by the elbow.

On many horses you can get a hand in there if the girth is so tight it's strangling them, because of the shape of the horse. I check higher up below the saddle flap.

 

[poiuytrewq]

On many horses you can get a hand in there if the girth is so tight it's strangling them, because of the shape of the horse. I check higher up below the saddle flap.

I guess. I usually have mine too loose.
A correctly fitted/tightened elastic girth has to be more comfortable than non though surely?

 

[poiuytrewq]

On many horses you can get a hand in there if the girth is so tight it's strangling them, because of the shape of the horse. I check higher up below the saddle flap.

@ycbm, totally off topic but did you correct my typo in your quote! Really confused ?

 

[Nasicus]

All depends on the horse, their shape and their preferences. I had one that needed a non-elasticated and two that called for elasticated. I tried a lot of different style, types etc, and they both did best in this one (both being the kind not to suffer in silence if they didn't agree with it):
https://www.oldmillsaddlery.com/en/Bridleway-Multi-Purpose-Girth/m-50494.aspx

However, if your saddlers concern is wear and tear due to age, and the model you have works for your horse, then just get a new one and be diligent about checking for wear and tear before every ride

 

[little_critter]

All depends on the horse, their shape and their preferences. I had one that needed a non-elasticated and two that called for elasticated. I tried a lot of different style, types etc, and they both did best in this one (both being the kind not to suffer in silence if they didn't agree with it):
https://www.oldmillsaddlery.com/en/Bridleway-Multi-Purpose-Girth/m-50494.aspx

However, if your saddlers concern is wear and tear due to age, and the model you have works for your horse, then just get a new one and be diligent about checking for wear and tear before every ride

I have that one (now swapped out for a Stubben string girth). I didn’t like it. I felt the neoprene liner could pull at the hair, and the fleecy liner felt bulky under my leg.