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Choosing the Perfect Horse Girth or Horse Cinch
Horse girths and horse cinches keep your saddle on while you ride. Both attach to the saddle on either side and go under your horse's ribs and along the girth area to secure your saddle. Horse girths are made of many different materials like fleece, leather, neoprene, wool, or cotton. The material you select will depend on what style of riding you are doing, how your horse moves, and how sensitive he is. On the market today, you can find English girths, Dressage girths, and Western Cinches. Here is more information about the different styles of horse girths to help you select the perfect girth for your horse.
Neoprene Girths: Neoprene girths are known for being affordable, easy to care for and slip resistant. These are great girths for horses whose girths frequently slip. These horse girths are made of neoprene material and are relatively wide. Neoprene horse cinches are also available and offer the same benefits. Before buying a Neoprene girth, ensure your horse isn’t allergic as some horses are sensitive to the neoprene material.
Synthetic Horse Girths: Synthetic girths are also popular because they are affordable and easy to care for. There are many different synthetic materials, but commonly synthetic girths look similar to leather girths. These horse girths come in both contoured and straight styles and there are also synthetic horse cinches available.
Leather Horse Girths: The leather horse girth is one of the simplest and most traditional styles. This girth usually comes in a shade of brown and it often has fancy stitching or padding. These girths commonly don’t have any lining and they are often contoured to improve how they fit the horse. There are also leather cinches available.
String Horse Girths: String horse girths are typically made from cotton, nylon, or mohair and they are not as commonly used in the English disciplines. String horse cinches are much more popular in western disciplines. Many riders feel that string girths are great for warmer weather as they are more breathable. They are also a great non-slip option and they can also help horses who are sensitive in their girth area.
Wool or Fleece Lined Horse Girths: Wool or fleece horse girths are leather or fabric girths with wool or fleece lining. The lining helps make the girth more comfortable and wicks moisture away from the horse's skin while they work. These are great girths for horses who aren’t comfortable with leather or synthetic style girths.
Now that you know the most common styles of girths, here are some commonly asked questions and answers to further help you in your search for a horse girth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Girths
How to measure horse girths and cinches?
To measure your horse for a girth, take a measuring tape and measure from the center hole of your first billet, under his girth area, and behind his elbows to the same hole on the other side. Girth sizes are in inches and are measured from buckle to buckle. This method of measurement will work for both long and short English girths.
What size girth fits most horses?
The average size for English horse girths:
- 15-16 hand horses range from 46-48 for long girths and about 26 for short girths
- 16-17 hand horses range from 50-52 for long girths and about 28 for short girths
- 17 + hand horses range from 54-56 for long girths and about 30-32 for short girths
What's the average size cinch for a horse?
The average size for horse cinches is about 24 to 26 inches. This size cinch will usually fit most horses regardless of height.
How do you pick a cinch?
Pick your horse’s cinch based on their length and how sensitive your horse is. Sensitive horses may need more comfortable cinch options, while others may not mind the material the cinch is made of.