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The Common Girth Sizing Problem
Have you ever gone to saddle up your horse and realized your girth is either too short or too long? It can be frustrating when your girth doesn’t sit right, especially if the small rings in the middle—designed for the breast collar and back strap—aren’t centered on your horse. But before you rush out to buy a new girth, there’s a simple trick that can save you time and money!
The Key to Finding the Right Girth Fit
One of the easiest ways to determine if your girth is the right size is by checking the placement of the center rings. Ideally, they should be sitting in the middle of your horse’s belly. If your girth is too big, you’ll find yourself using the last hole on your billet straps with no room to adjust. If it’s too small, you’ll struggle to secure it properly.
A Budget-Friendly Girth Adjustment Trick
Instead of purchasing a new girth, here’s a simple adjustment trick you can use:
Step 1: Remove the Leather Keeper
Most girths come with a leather holder on the billet strap. This small leather piece is designed to keep the billet end in place, but in reality, your girth itself does that job. Removing this leather keeper gives you an extra hole for adjustment, allowing the same girth to fit a wider range of horses.
Step 2: Customize Your Girth Fit
If the pre-punched holes on your billet straps are either too far apart or don’t provide the perfect fit, you can create an in-between adjustment:
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Take the billet strap and pull one side slightly.
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Instead of using one hole that’s too tight or another that’s too loose, position the strap diagonally (caddy-corner) to create a snug fit.
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This small adjustment allows you to get a more precise and secure girth fit without changing equipment.
The Perfect Fit for Your Horse
By following these girth sizing tricks, you can make minor adjustments that ensure a proper fit every time. This method prevents unnecessary saddle shifting and increases comfort for your horse. Plus, it saves you money by making your current girth more versatile!
Ride Comfortably Without Changing Your Girth
With these simple tweaks, you don’t have to buy a new girth every time you ride a different horse. Instead, you can make quick adjustments that ensure a snug and balanced fit. Try these tips next time you saddle up and see the difference for yourself!
Looking for more horse training and tack adjustment tips? Stay tuned for more insights and tricks to improve your horsemanship!
