The Equestrian Blog

Saddle Girth – How tight is too tight?

Are you guilty of doing up your horse’s girth as tight as you can in the belief it gives your saddle and you the best security? Well Australian researchers have found that a girth done up too tightly can have a negative effect on your horse’s performance.

The usual tension applied to a saddle girth to keep a saddle on a Thoroughbred racehorse is around 13kg but researchers found anything over 10kg could alter the horses performance.

Although they still have to work out why, it’s thought that it may force the horse to adopt different breathing patterns involving a greater use of the diaphragm which in turn affects performance. Alternatively, the soft tissue and fluid in the thoracic wall (the part between the neck and abdomen, enclosed by the ribs) could be displaced during exercise.

As yet, no-one knows for sure. Some horses don’t seem particularly affected by girth tightness but others do. Saddle placement also played a part, so more research is needed. Whatever the effects of your saddle girth just make sure you don’t leave your girth too loose.

The Equestrian Oscars

Posted by debbie | Filed under Equestrian News, Featured

FEI - The International Federation of Equestrian Sport has launched The Equestrian Oscars.

The FEI has said the awards will... "celebrate the equestrian community and pay tribute to heroes in the sport."

FEI President HRH Princess Haya, said:

"These awards will not only recognise the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and tomorrow but they will also bring together all those involved in the sport around the world."

An international judging panel chaired by Princess Haya will select the winners.

The Equestrian Oscars will be presented to the winners at the FEI gala dinner in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 November 2009.

The five categories are:

Athlete of the Year — to a rider, driver or vaulter who has shown exceptional sportsmanship and prowess
Rising Star — to a promising rider between the ages of 14-21. Sponsored by HSBC
Development — for a development project, individual or organisation that has contributed most to the sport. Sponsored by Alltech.
Against All Odds — to celebrate an outstanding disabled rider of any age
Groom of the Year — the unsung hero behind the scenes

Enter your nomination at www.feiawards.org. The Deadline for entries is 17th October 2009.