Need girth for round cob

[Goofus]

I'm assuming you have had the saddle professionally fitted and checked every few months for any changes needed due to horse changing shape etc?

I'm sorry to say that my horse became very girthy because the saddle was not suitable for her. I decided to buy a new saddle rather than get the other adjusted, as I never found the darn thing comfortable.

Does your horse only show discomfort when saddled, how are they being rugged?

We've had the fitter out three times in the last year, and purchased the saddle and girth from her. Girthy behavior is generally attributed to sassy attitude or general sourness, so I find that a fitter is unlikely to suggest that their saddle is the problem. This horse has no issue being rugged or having the saddle set on his back. He only snaps when the girth is being done up.

 

[sbloom]

Girthy behaviour should never be attributed to saddiness or general sourness, it is always down to discomfort or, occasionally, something remembered. The girth pulls the saddle down onto the back, if she really doesn't snap with other girths then it must be the girth, if there is some reaction to all girths then it's more likely saddle and directly related issues to the saddle and tightness of girth, if to girth and rugging then more likely ulcers/other abdominal issues.

Horses commonly have elbow issues (a study of dissections found that every single ridden horse had them), diaphragm issues, hind gut etc etc. I think it's hard to find someone that can give you a truly holistic view, but you might want to get a second opinion on the saddle. If could have a very quick look by pm to advise if it might be saddle but obviously cannot be definitive.

 

[Miss_Millie]

We've had the fitter out three times in the last year, and purchased the saddle and girth from her. Girthy behavior is generally attributed to sassy attitude or general sourness, so I find that a fitter is unlikely to suggest that their saddle is the problem. This horse has no issue being rugged or having the saddle set on his back. He only snaps when the girth is being done up.

As sbloom said, it will be pain/discomfort or the memory of pain/discomfort. 'Sassy' is an anthropomorphism, every horse behaviour has a genuine reason behind it.

If the horse is okay with being rugged, groomed and touched then hopefully that means it isn't ulcers, as usually horses will show an aversion to touch in general when they have ulcers (that being said, it would still be in the back of my mind and I wouldn't rule it out).

My horse had a saddle professionally fitted, but was very girthy when tacked up. She was also very slow and ploddy. I tried a few different girths but it became obvious quite quickly that it was the saddle that was the issue. I now use a different saddle and the issue went away instantly - no longer girthy and a nice relaxed forward walk.

If my horse ever became girthy again I would assume that it was either 1. Something wrong with the tack or 2. A pain issue in some part of the body.

I'm going to assume that you have had a physio check for back pain too? (sorry if this has already been asked, hard to remember)

 

[Goofus]

I'm going to assume that you have had a physio check for back pain too? (sorry if this has already been asked, hard to remember)

He's had a full workup, including spine and hock X-rays. He was treated for ulcers a year ago, after we bought him and moved him to a new stable. What led us to suspect ulcers at that time was agitated behavior and not wanting to eat his balancer. The stress of the move after many years in his previous home made ulcers a distinct possibility. He was also being kept indoors for the first time in his life, so after the ulcer diagnosis, we moved him to a new setting where he lives out in a small herd 24/7. He is much happier now.

I am feeling like we may need a new saddle.