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.

New Equine Extravaganza !!

Posted by rji | Filed under Equestrian News, General Info

Definitely one for the diary..........

RIDING CLUBS IN SCOTLAND are hosting a weekend Extravaganza at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, Oatridge College, West Lothian on 15th/16th March 2008.

British Riding Clubs (BRC) in Scotland are organising the two-day Equine Extravaganza. Although BRC hold an annual conference in England it was thought a good idea to organise something in Scotland for all the Scottish members. However, since its conception, plans have snowballed and the event is now covering a two-day extravaganza aimed at all levels of riders, who neither have to be a member of a riding club nor own a horse.

Horseball competition There will be something for everyone and the free admission means significant numbers are expected to the new Scottish National Equestrian Centre at Oatridge. Free demonstrations already confirmed include Show Jumping (with international rider Andrew Hamilton), Dressage to Music (with national champion Jo Barry), Vaulting, Arena Eventing (with Les Smith) and the exciting new sport of Horse Ball. There will be an opportunity to learn about horse dentistry, saddle fitting, farriery as well as alternative therapies such as Reiki. There will also be plenty of opportunity for retail therapy with a wide variety of trade stands.

In addition to the free demonstrations, there will be a number of chargeable workshops running over the two days. An excellent opportunity to gain qualifications in first aid and safeguarding and protecting children certificates, many of which are legal equestrian requirements these days.

For further information visit: www.brcarea22.co.uk