Why is my Horse Becoming a Bit Girthy?

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Why is my Horse Becoming a Bit Girthy?

Geoffrey Pannell · Well Schooled

Hi Barbara, I sure you would be cleaning the girth and all that stuff , so thats not the reasone. I'd be getting the saddler back for another look. I've had to get saddles packed and repacked quite often before, so horses can be very sensitive to the fit, bit like the princess and the pea,lol

Queenrider · Advanced

Your horse will be the first to tell you if the saddle doesn't fit. It is very good of you to notice this change in behaviour. You should get the saddle fitter out again. The most painful time for the horse is when the girth is being done up. The second most painful time is when the rider is mounting. The third most painful time is when the horse moves off stiff and short strided which most riders will say the horse needs to be warmed up. There should be no reaction from the horse.
Studies have be done in England regarding saddle fit. It takes approximately 15 minutes for the muscles to go dead from the pressure points. Most riders will say it takes 15-20 minutes to get their horse going.
Mary Wanless has a good chapter on saddle fit in her book "For the Good of the Horse".
Many behaviour problems in horses are caused by poorly fitting saddles but are unrecognized as such.

Christine-C · Well Schooled

Is this still happening? My horse had the same problem right after we shaved him, his skin was super sensitive, and we started having to use a fleece girth on him. Sometimes you just have to be aware when putting on the girth that it isn't pinching any of the skin

prospect · Advanced

I had that problem with my 4 yr old - he had a very very small girth gall - the size of a pea in front of the girth - so got fuzzy girth covers - actually had to make them using ones from the tack shop and customizing them - and I make sure I stretch out his front legs before tightening the girth and walk him into the arena before the final tighten

By the way, I found out just before a show and he told me by bucking. also make sure the back of your saddle is not sitting on the edge - you probably don't have to watch this but my sons do as their dressage saddles are 19" and just fit the pads.

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Thanks everyone! I had the saddle fitter fill in a tiny dip in the panel stuffing and problem solved!