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.

Horse Charities Calling for Your Help.

Posted by rji | Filed under Equestrian News, Worth Mentioning

Redwings horse rescue and horse welfare The three charities currently homing the horses rescued from Spindles Farm in Amersham have expressed their gratitude on the public's generosity. Redwings, the ILPH and the Horst Trust all rely on donations to fund their work, and now need different things to help the horses, ponies and donkeys that are staying with them.

Nicola Markwell from Redwings said: "Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated. We would be extremely grateful to anyone else who wishes to donate - especially in the form of feed, rugs and financial aid. The response has been absolutely amazing so far but more is needed."

Hannah Rowley from the ILPH : "We have received financial donations as well as hay and food – it really has been a heart-warming response. What we really need help with now is for people to re-home the equines on our loan scheme to free up space, resources and man power for our new rescues."

Spokesman from the Horse Trust Susan Lewis said: "The horses are getting on really well, although the veterinary care and tests are very expensive so any donations will be very gratefully received."

If you feel you can help or would like to donate visit :

Redwings; www.redwings.org.uk;

The Horst Trust: www.homeofrestforhorses.co.uk;

ILPH: www.ilph.org