The Ultimate Guide to English Riding Girths

Loz
Nov 28
5 min read

How to Choose, Fit, and Use the Best Girth for Your Horse’s Comfort and Performance

When it comes to English riding, the girth can make all the difference to your horse’s comfort, movement, and overall performance. Whether you’re an avid competitor, a weekend trail rider, or a trainer seeking the best for every horse in your care, choosing the right girth isn’t just a matter of style—it’s a matter of well-being. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll unravel the types of English riding girths, explore how to match them to different horse shapes, and compare top products like the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth and Pessoa girths. Plus, you’ll get practical advice on testing fit, checking tightness, and why leather with elastic is often the top choice among equestrians.

Types of English Riding Girths

English girths come in a variety of shapes and styles, each designed to solve different fitting challenges:

Anatomical Girths: These are contoured to follow the horse’s natural shape, offering relief behind the elbows and accommodating horses with forward girth grooves.
Straight Girths: The classic design, ideal for horses with a standard girth groove and barrel shape. They offer even pressure distribution but can sometimes pinch if the horse’s conformation isn’t suited to them.
Contoured Girths: Similar to anatomical, but with added shaping at the ends to avoid rubbing and allow free movement. Great for horses with prominent shoulders.
Specialty Girths: Includes products like the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth, which are engineered to alleviate specific issues like shoulder restriction or girth slippage.

Matching Girths to Horse Shapes

Every horse’s body is unique, and matching girth style to conformation helps prevent discomfort and behavioural issues:

Forward Girth Groove: Horses whose girth groove sits well forward often benefit from anatomical or shoulder relief girths. These designs allow the girth to sit comfortably without pulling the saddle forward.
Round Barrelled Horses: For horses with a deep, barrel-shaped body, contoured or anatomical girths help prevent pinching and slipping, ensuring a secure fit without restricting movement.
High Withers: Horses with pronounced withers and a narrow chest often do well with straight girths, particularly if the saddle fits correctly. However, anatomical girths can also help distribute pressure evenly.
Flat Sided Horses: Straight girths generally suit these horses, provided there’s no interference with the elbows.

Examples of Girth Shapes

Here are some diagrams to help you identify the girths by their shape:

Anatomical

Asymmetric

Athletico

Crescent

Straight

How to Choose the Right Girth

Several factors determine which girth will work best for your horse:

Discipline: Jumping and dressage often require different girth designs to match saddle types and rider posture.
Horse Shape: Always start with an honest assessment of your horse’s conformation, as outlined above.
Saddle Type: Some saddles have shorter or longer billets, impacting the girth length and style you’ll need.
Material Preferences: Leather, synthetic, neoprene, and elastic all have their pros and cons—more on this below!

Ultimately, it’s about balancing comfort, security, and your horse’s individual needs. Don’t be afraid to try a few styles and see what works best.

Testing Girth Fit and Length

Ensuring the girth is the right length and fits properly is crucial for safety and comfort. Here’s how to test:

Measure the Girth Area: Use a soft tape measure around your horse where the girth will sit, allowing for a snug—not tight—fit.
Check Billet Position: When fitted, the girth buckles should sit near the middle holes of the saddle billets. Too high or too low can cause uneven pressure or instability.
Assess Movement: After saddling up, walk and trot your horse. Watch for signs of rubbing, slipping, or discomfort.
Look for Pinching: Examine the area behind the elbows after riding for any bald spots, swelling, or soreness.

Here's an excellent video on how to ensure the correct girth measurement and fit for your horse:

Checking Girth Tightness

Girth tightness is a delicate balance. Too loose, and the saddle slips; too tight, and your horse will be uncomfortable or even sore. Here’s how to check:

Two-Finger Test: With your horse standing relaxed, you should be able to fit two fingers between the girth and the horse’s side. If you can’t, loosen it a notch; if it’s much more, tighten gently.
Recheck After Mounting/In-Hand: Horses often “inflate” when being saddled. After a few minutes or a short walk, check and adjust the girth again for safety.
Monitor During Ride: Pay attention to how the saddle feels and whether your horse shows any resistance or discomfort.

Product Spotlights: Top English Girths

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular and effective girths on the market:

Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth: Designed specifically to address shoulder freedom and saddle stability, this girth’s unique shape is ideal for horses with forward girth grooves or those prone to saddle slippage. Many riders note a marked improvement in their horse’s movement and comfort.
Pessoa Girths: Renowned for their quality leather and thoughtful design, Pessoa girths offer both straight and anatomical options. Their elastic ends help with even pressure distribution and make tightening smoother and more comfortable for the horse.
Other Notable Brands: Fairfax, Prestige, WOW and Wintec also offer a range of girths to suit different horses and budgets. Fairfax’s anatomical girths, for example, are praised for their scientific approach to pressure relief, while Wintec’s synthetic girths are affordable and easy to clean.

My Pick

I choose and use the Total Saddle Fit StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth:

Girth Material Types: Pros and Cons

The material of your girth impacts not only comfort but also durability and maintenance:

Leather: Classic, durable, and often the top choice for show and competition. Quality leather moulds to the horse’s shape over time but needs regular cleaning and conditioning.
Synthetic: Low maintenance, lightweight, and often more affordable. Modern synthetics are breathable and easy to wash, but may not offer the same “give” as leather.
Neoprene: Known for grip and comfort, neoprene girths are popular for everyday use and sensitive horses. However, they can cause sweating and need frequent cleaning.
Elastic: Usually featured at the ends of girths, elastic helps with even pressure and makes tightening easier. Full elastic girths are not recommended, as they can overstretch and lose support.

Why Leather with Elastic is Often Best

Most riders and trainers agree that leather girths with elastic ends strike the best balance between comfort and performance. Here’s why:

Comfort: Leather is soft and moulds to your horse’s body, reducing chafing and pressure points as it “beds in”.
Security: Leather holds its shape and supports the saddle, while elastic ends allow just enough flex for the horse to breathe and move naturally.
Longevity: With proper care, leather girths can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment.
Show-Ready: Leather remains the gold standard for competition, offering a polished look and superior performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right girth for your English saddle isn’t just about brand or budget—it’s about understanding your horse’s needs and prioritising their comfort and safety. Whether you opt for an anatomical, contoured, or classic straight girth, always check fit and tightness, and consider investing in quality leather with elastic ends for the best results. Assess your horse’s shape, test different styles, and don’t hesitate to try top products like the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth or Pessoa girths. Your horse will thank you—with happier rides, improved movement, and greater performance. Happy riding!