Help me with freds girth please

Devonshire dumpling

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I've just ordered Fred a Thorowgood cob girth in a size 50"...it looks like it won't do up by loads, then you can gradually clip it on the first hole and you can probably get it up to 2-3 hole each side! Thorowgood saddle is a bit perched before it's done up. Question is, i think I need to send it back so shall I get it in a 52 or a 54? He still has growing to do! Does 4 inches make much difference or do you think the 54 would be too big? help please
 
If u can get the 50 done up I would go for 52. Better to have good fit now and replace later, unless you expect him to definitely get fatter in next few months.
 
He's just rising 3.... only really playing around, had the saddle fitter out on Monday, so bought him a new girth,won't be playing with him until the Spring, and then not doing much, so hard to know, I was thinking 52" x
 
Get a 54". It'll initially be on the top holes but he'll def outgrow it. The saddle will bed down too, plus a numnah (esp sheepskin) will add 2" more. Also bear in mind the one-sided elastic is also very soft so depending on what side you do up, it's easy to over stretch. It should be tightened on the non-elastic side.
 
I always recommend the shortest girth you can get done up, having a girth buckled higher up is not only uncomfortable for the rider in many cases but it doesn't help with stability. Mind you, if you have lateral instability, then a fixed girth can be a very harsh way to stop it (and often doesn't stop it) - much better strong elastic at both ends. If you have no instability issues then double ended elastic is still much better as it is kinder to the horse.
 
I always recommend the shortest girth you can get done up, having a girth buckled higher up is not only uncomfortable for the rider in many cases but it doesn't help with stability. Mind you, if you have lateral instability, then a fixed girth can be a very harsh way to stop it (and often doesn't stop it) - much better strong elastic at both ends. If you have no instability issues then double ended elastic is still much better as it is kinder to the horse.

Not keen on elasticated girths, very easy to overtighten, would much prefer a well fitted saddle for stability, but that's another story, thanks for your replies everyone! Don't want to go off track
 
Girths can be a nightmare can't they!?

I have, like most folk on here, several girths in several sizes and all have been or are used. I guess you'll have to join our club. ;)
 
Girths can be a nightmare can't they!?

I have, like most folk on here, several girths in several sizes and all have been or are used. I guess you'll have to join our club. ;)

I've got my old horse :-( girth, which is a 50" so will change this one for a 52"......... yep now have 2! I am not a hoarder, although my old girth is from 18 yrs ago lol X
 
I would stuck with the 50" if u can get it done up 2 holes on each side as the saddle will bed in & horse will most likely lose some weight when he starts work.

Also agree with sbloom that having girth done up on super high holes is not a good idea from a saddle fitting point of view.

I too have a huge collection of girths, from 38" up to 52", can I join the girth horders club? :D
 
Overtightening is user error and easy to avoid - check girth before and after tightening, every time. I fit wide horses and they really are the type of girth that suits more horses than any, and can solve stability issues. Nosebands are easy to overtighten, especially cranks, but we still use them.
 
I would stuck with the 50" if u can get it done up 2 holes on each side as the saddle will bed in & horse will most likely lose some weight when he starts work.

Also agree with sbloom that having girth done up on super high holes is not a good idea from a saddle fitting point of view.

I too have a huge collection of girths, from 38" up to 52", can I join the girth horders club? :D

pah ha!

I still have a 50" so all will be good, and if he grows loads he can have his 52" girth x
 
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