A properly fitting girth is essential as it keeps the saddle securely in place. It is also important for the comfort of your horse. Girths are made out of a variety of materials and are available in many sizes, shapes, colors, and styles, each offering unique benefits. The right girth for your horse will depend on how your horse moves, skin sensitivity, allergies, and how much he sweats during work. To browse our selection of English girths, click here.

If you have the correct girth length, you’ll be able to adjust it on the same billet holes on each side of your horse—regardless of whether you’re using a long girth or a short (dressage) girth.

Ideally, for a long girth, the buckles will not be located high under your thigh where they can feel bulky. When this happens, the girth is too long for the horse. Always be sure that you have at least two billet holes above and at least one below the buckles.

When looking at a short girth length for a dressage saddle, be sure you have at least three to four fingers’ width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and flap. If the girth comes too close, the skin can feel pinched. Some riders use longer dressage girths so the top rests on the saddle pad to avoid pinching, but this can defeat the purpose of reducing bulk under the leg.

How to Estimate Girth Length

Place your saddle and pad on your horse. Have a helper hold a fabric tape measure with inch increments on the middle billet hole on one side of the saddle, while you stretch the tape under the horse—one hand’s width from the back of the elbow—to the corresponding billet hole on the other side. The inch measurement translates to the girth size you need.

Remember that different saddles have different billet lengths, so you may need to change your girth size when you change saddles. Also, a used girth may have stretched.

Converting Between Long and Dressage Girth Lengths

If you know your horse’s girth size and need to switch between long and short, add or subtract 20 inches. For example, a 48-inch long girth equals about a 28-inch short girth.

Styles and Types of Girths

Girth materials offer unique benefits, affect price, and can solve problems. Styles include straight, belt-like versions or anatomical shapes that provide room for elbows. Some relieve sternum pressure. The most important aspect is that the girth works with your horse’s conformation, movement, and skin, distributing pressure evenly.

Some long girths have belly guards to protect against studs when jumping. Others have rings for training aids. Elastic ends are common for comfort and easier fastening, though some dressage girths use elastic panels instead.

Leather Girths

Traditional and available in many shades of brown and in black for dressage. Leather girths can be simple or feature stitching and overlays. They soften with conditioning and may have elastic on one or both ends. Available in straight or contoured shapes.

Neoprene Girths

Popular for affordability and easy care. They often help with slippage issues and are easy to clean. Typically wide with elastic ends. Some horses are allergic to neoprene.

Synthetic Girths

Affordable, durable, and easy to care for. Long styles come in black and brown; short styles are black (brown available by special order). Offered in straight and contoured designs.

String Girths

Made of mohair, wool, cotton, or nylon string. Popular for reducing slippage and skin irritation. The independent strings provide flexibility. Cotton versions should be hand-washed in cold; nylon can be machine-washed.

Wool or Synthetic Fleece-Lined Girths

Fleece helps horses who need a soft surface and genuine wool wicks sweat. Synthetic fleece is easy to wash. Many leather fleece models have removable liners.

Webbing or Fabric

Often selected for softness or price. Can be hand or machine-washed in cool water and hung to dry.

Girth Accessories

A selection of accessories exist to solve girthing challenges that may arise.

Girth Extender

A temporary solution when a girth is too short. Because of bulk, replacing it with a longer girth is ideal.

Girth Buckle Guard

A leather piece with holes for billets that protects the underside of your saddle flap from buckle wear.

Girth Rings / Girth Aids

Leather accessories added to a girth to attach training reins and devices.

Types of Girth Covers

Girth covers provide cushioning, absorb sweat, and help sensitive horses. They must fit snugly and stay clean to avoid rubbing.

Girth Socks

Slide over a girth like a sock. Made of knitted fabric or terry cloth. Affordable and machine washable.

Genuine Fleece Girth Cover

Helps wick away moisture and relieve pressure points. Some styles adjust with hook-and-loop closures; others slip on like socks. Brush clean after use and wash with products designed for fleece. See Caring for Genuine Fleece Products for details.

Synthetic Fleece Girth Cover

Provides softness and pressure relief like genuine fleece. Machine washable and economical.