The Ultimate Girth Buying Guide
Materials, shapes, use-cases, sizing & fit-so your horse stays comfy and your saddle stays put.
A well-chosen girth does three things:
- Keeps the saddle stable without cranking,
- Clears the elbow/soft tissue, and
- Spreads pressure across the sternum.The "best" girth depends on your horse's shape, your discipline, and where the girth sits naturally (the girth groove).
1) Quick fit rules (the non-negotiables)
- Buckles high: Aim for buckles well above the elbow bulge (long girths) or clear of the elbow (short/dressage girths).
- Elastic both ends: Spreads tension evenly and reduces twisting.
- Neat, not tight: You should slide fingers under at rest; recheck after 10 minutes (horses "inflate").
- Match the girth to the groove: Forward girth grooves usually need anatomic/crescent shapes; neutral grooves often go well in straight/contour girths.
2) Shapes & when to use them
Straight / Contour
What it is: Even width with gentle shaping.
Best for: Horses with a neutral girth groove and generous elbow clearance; everyday flatwork or jumping.
Watch out: Can crowd the elbow on big-shouldered or forward-girth horses.

Shop Straight/Contour Girths
Anatomic / Ergonomic (asymmetric, offset)
What it is: Cut-back behind the elbow with a wider sternum pad and offset buckles.
Best for: Forward girth groove, big shoulders, round barrels; helps keep the saddle from being dragged forward.
Watch out: Too-narrow cut-outs can still pinch if sized small.

Shop Anatomic Girths
Stud Guard / Belly Guard
What it is: Broad protective shield with a central clip/ring.
Best for: Show jumping/XC with studs; horses that tuck tightly and risk striking the belly.
Watch out: Must be long enough and flexible so the shield sits flat under the sternum (not jammed).

Shop Stud Guard Girths
Short / Dressage (for monoflap or dressage saddles)
What it is: Buckles sit lower on the billets; often anatomic to clear the elbow.
Best for: Dressage/monoflap setups needing close contact.
Watch out: If buckles sit level with the elbow = rub risk; adjust length.

Shop Dressage Girths
3) Materials that matter

Shop Sheepskin Girths • Leather Girths
4) Choose by horse shape & discipline (fast picker)
- Forward girth groove + big shoulders → Anatomic or crescent; elastic both ends; possibly grippy liner. Shop: Anatomic/Crescent
- Round cob / mutton wither → Crescent or generous anatomic; wide sternum pad; consider breastplate for jumping. Shop: Crescent / Wide-sternum
- Lean TB / high wither → Straight or mild anatomic with deeper sternum pad; ensure wither clearance and saddle balance. Shop: Straight/Contour
- Jumping/XC with studs → Stud guard; keep it light and flexible; buckles high. Shop: Stud Guards
- Dressage/monoflap → Short anatomic with soft edges and big buckle guards; length so buckles clear the elbow. Shop: Dressage Girths
5) Sizing: how long should my girth be?
Long girths (GP/Jump)
- Saddle on; billets hanging.
- Measure from the 2nd hole of the left billet, under the barrel, to the 2nd hole of the right billet.
- Choose the nearest size that places buckles mid-range and above the elbow.
Typical long-girth size guide (horse dependent)
- 115-120 cm: petite horses/large ponies
- 125-130 cm: average TB/WB types
- 135-145 cm: large/round barrels
Shop our Long Girths
Short girths (Dressage/Monoflap)
- Measure distance between the bottom holes of the billets on each side.
- Pick a girth that places buckles above the elbow but below the bottom of the sweat flap-usually in the upper third of the girth area.
Typical short-girth size guide
- 55-60 cm: small horses/large ponies
- 65-70 cm: average horses
- 75-85 cm: big warmbloods/round types

Find your Dressage Girth
Note: Different brands measure differently (end-to-end vs. buckle-to-buckle). Always check each product's size notes.
6) Fitting checklist (save/screenshot)
- Buckles clear the elbow (no wrinkled skin).
- Elastic at both ends; even holes each side.
- Centre sits flat on sternum; no hard ridges.
- Girth shape matches the girth groove (anatomic/crescent if forward).
- Pad lies flat; saddle balance level; recheck after 10 minutes.
7) Troubleshooting: problems → solutions

Shop Sheepskin Liners • Spacer-Mesh Pads • Both-Ended Elastic Girths
8) Care that extends lifespan
- Rinse sweat and grit after every ride.
- Wash sheepskin with sheepskin detergent; air-dry, then fluff.
- Check elastic for "elephant skin" or uneven stretch; replace early.
- Inspect stitching at buckle ends monthly.

Shop Care & Cleaners
9) FAQs
Do anatomic girths fit every horse?
No-if your horse has a neutral groove and open elbow, a straight/contour girth can be comfier and cheaper.
Elastic both ends or one?
Both ends for even tension and less torque-especially on round types.
Stud guards: necessary?
Only if you jump with studs or your horse tucks tight. Pick lighter, flexible shields; ensure it lies flat.
Best choice for sensitive skin?
Soft leather or sheepskin-lined (kept very clean). Consider spacer-mesh pads in summer.
My horse is girthy-hardware or fit?
Often both. Confirm buckle height and edge softness, then reassess saddle balance and rule out ulcers/skin issues.
Bottom line
Pick the simplest shape that matches your horse's girth groove, keep buckles high, choose both-ended elastic, and maintain clean, breathable contact. Your reward is a steady saddle, free shoulders, and a happier horse.