Girths with elastic on one side...

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spotty_pony

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Which is the correct side for the elastic to be on? I was always taught that it should be on the offside to prevent the girth from being over tightened. However, in my NVQ lesson at work the other day I was asked to change my girth round because apparently the elastic is meant to be on the nearside.
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Who is right? Or does it not matter?
 
at my riding school we were told to put it on the offside if they had them.. not sure why though, i assume it was because of lots of riders (often inexperienced) were fiddling with the girths, thats what me and my friend assumed anyways.. xx
 
My old share horse had the elastic bit on the offside. Not sure if it actually matters but both his owner and myself always put the girth on so it was on the offside.
 
It's meant to be on the offside to be 'correct', I always was under the impression it was because something to do with mounting or something about that? Can't remember for the life of me what though!! :S

I can't stand it on the offside tho and always put it on the near side...mainly because it's easier to do up with it on that side for me anyway!
 
If possible avoid using them as they can have a tendancy to pull the saddle over slightly to the side that is elasticated.

If using an elasticated girth use one which has elastic both ends or none at all.

No help for you there, sorry
 
I don't think it really matters unless you can only pull it up on a certain side, which ever side its on it gives at one side, do you horse a favour and buy a girth that is elasticated at both sides or just in the middle, otherwise you end up with your saddle giving at one side which after time is not good for the backs, the saddle or if you horse tends to throw in the odd buck, you may have problems!
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I bought one at HOYS because my mare is tetchy about girth being done up, so I got a no chaff one with elastic, and was told by the salesperson to put it on the off side as if you put it on the nearside, you can have the tendency to do the girth too tight because the elastic will give. My riding instructor confirmed this too. So its off side IMHO
 
In theory the elastic is supposed to be on the near side but in practise there is less chance of overgirthing if it is on the off side. Double elastic is best as it stays even but any elastic is easier to pull too tight.
 
I don't get the bit about pulling it up too tight if it's on the nearside. Like most right handed people when I tighten my girth in the saddle after riding for a while, I use my right hand - therefore tightening it on the offside.

A physio once told me not to use a one-sided girth at all because they are bad for the horse, and if I had to, to alternate which side it was on.
 
Thats what my saddler/chiro and physio said as well cptrayes, they said at the very least elastic should be on both sides and preferably dont use them at all!
Said the wintec "elastic" girths (elastic throughout whole girth rather than two bits on one side) are best or stubben string girths.
 
From days of doing BHS exams, the elastic is always on the nearside to assist in doing up the girth. If you are worried you will overtighten an elasticated girth, don't use one!
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