12 best equestrian girths

Equestrian girths, also known as cinches in Western riding, are essential pieces of tack used to secure the saddle to the horse's back. They play a critical role in ensuring the rider's safety and comfort, as well as the horse's well-being. Here's what you need to know about equestrian girths:

  1. Purpose:

    • The primary purpose of an equestrian girth is to keep the saddle in place on the horse's back while riding. It prevents the saddle from slipping or sliding, which could lead to accidents or discomfort for both the horse and rider.
  2. Types of Girths:

    • There are various types of girths available, each designed for specific riding disciplines and purposes.
    • English Girth: Used in English riding disciplines such as dressage, jumping, and eventing. It's usually made of leather or synthetic materials and can have a variety of shapes and styles, including contoured and straight.
    • Western Cinch: Employed in Western riding styles, such as rodeo and ranch riding. Western cinches are typically wider and often made of materials like leather, neoprene, or mohair.
    • Dressage Girth: Specifically designed for dressage saddles, these girths are typically shorter and wider to distribute pressure more evenly.
    • Roping Cinch: Used by rodeo and roping riders, these cinches are designed for the demands of roping cattle and are often wider and made of durable materials.
  3. Materials:

    • Equestrian girths can be made from various materials, including leather, synthetic materials, neoprene, fleece, mohair, and more.
    • Leather girths are known for their durability and traditional appearance, while synthetic girths are often easier to clean and maintain.
  4. Buckles and Fastenings:

    • Girths can have different types of buckles and fastenings, such as roller buckles, buckles with elastic ends, or even quick-release buckles in some Western cinches.
    • Elastic inserts or billets on girths can provide a bit of flexibility and allow the horse to breathe more comfortably.
  5. Proper Fitting:

    • It's crucial to select a girth that fits the horse properly to avoid discomfort or injury.Girths that are too tight can cause chafing and discomfort, while girths that are too loose can lead to saddle slippage.
    • Girths should be tightened snugly but not overly tight, with enough room to comfortably fit a couple of fingers between the girth and the horse's skin.
  6. Maintenance:

    • Regular cleaning and maintenance of the girth are essential to ensure its longevity and functionality.
    • Leather girths should be cleaned, conditioned, and occasionally oiled to keep them supple and prevent cracking.
    • Synthetic girths can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Equestrian girths are crucial components of horse tack, and selecting the right one for your riding style and ensuring a proper fit is essential for the safety and comfort of both horse and rider.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best equestrian girths on the market
  

Acerugs Straight Horse Western Girth Cinch Strap 22" 24" 26" 28" 30" 32" 34" 36"

Acerugs

Based on 60 reviews Check latest price
  • Neoprene Material
  • Non Slip
  • Buckles: 4"
  • Anti Rubbing
  • Hardware: Stainless Steel

Product features

Stainless Steel Hardware

The stainless steel hardware keeps the girth cinch durable and long lasting.

Neoprene Material

The neoprene material is breathable to keep your horse comfortable during long rides and helps to keep the girth from slipping when cinched up.

D-Rings

These girths feature a middle D-ring attachment. These D-ring attachments are designed for you to attach your breast collar and back cinch for extra stability.

Easy To Clean

These girth cinches are easy to clean! Just rub down with a little soap and rinse it off with the hose.

Professionals Choice Equine Ventech English Girth

Professional's Choice

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The SMx VenTECH™ Girths are the new standard for equine comfort and technology with all the premium features you expect from a Professional’s Choice product. The trade marked VenTECH™ technology features a ventilated limestone-based, non-slip neoprene liner that conforms to your horse, allows heat and moisture to escape and keeps your horse cool, comfortable and performing at its best. Detachable neoprene liner peels away from webbing for easy washing.

  • Non-slip neoprene liner
  • Allows heat and moisture to escape
  • Keeps your horse cool
  • Detachable neoprene liner

User questions & answers

Question: Is this abrown girth? Picture does not match
Answer: Even though, this is a very good product, it is the one with the quilt-vents. I am not sure that you can find the BAND-AID products without the vents. Sorry.
Question: Is this abrown girth? Picture does not match
Answer: The sizes are on the side of the box. They are: 25 pc of 1"x3" (2.5cm x 7.6cm); also, 35 pcs 3/4"x3" (1.9 cm x 7.6cm); and 40 pcs 5/8"x2-1/4" (1.5 cm x 5.7 cm. total of 100 pcs. Hope this helps you.
Question: Is this abrown girth? Picture does not match
Answer: 3 sizes: 25 of the 1in X 3in size, 35 of the 3/4in X 3in, and 40 of the 5/8in X 2.25in
Question: Does it have rollers on both ends
Answer: sure. the horse. its relatively hard. not soft, good snap, loud crack, and leaves some marks that go away relatively quickly depending on how hard you hit. sometimes you can bruise with it.

Intrepid International Fleece English Girth Cover

Intrepid International

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Girth Fleece Cover These are the soft fuzzy fleece kind. One size fits all. Cut to length. And the right price too. White Only English 4 x 36.

  • Protects Horse From Girth Gall
  • Immitation sheep skin (fleece)
  • Machine Washable

User questions & answers

Question: What size will fit a 52 inch girth
Answer: If it doesn’t clamp tight enough, you can add some rubber strips, like from an inner tube, to snug it up, but my guess is it’ll work w/o it. Over all, it’s a good bracket. Appears well made. I’d recommend it.
Question: does this go off and on with velcro closing
Answer: It is completely adjustable. 360 degrees. So yes, portrait and landscape both work.
Question: How wide is this girth cover
Answer: It does screw on to the top of the mic stand. I have the included clamp in my gear bag just in case...the best stand mount on the market.
Question: will it fit a size 44 girth
Answer: The clips adjust back and forth to the thickness of the book but the width of the clips is stationary.

OVSELLERIE Unisex-Adult Airform Chafeless Girth

Ovation

Based on 357 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OVATION AP AIRFORM CHAFELESS GIRTH: The award winning OvationAP Airform Chafeless Girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Double elastic on one side allow easy full adjustment and reduce pressure as your horse moves. OVATION GIRTHS: Ovation girths come in Dressage as well as English styles. Within the English all purpose styles choices can be made amongst elastic on both ends, on one end or neither, comfort gel girths, equalizer girths as well as girths with belly guards. The girth itself can be contoured or straight, made of leather, synthetic or even cord. Dressage girths are shorter because of the long dressage saddle billets. Ovation dressage girths come in comfort gel, web, equalizer as well as web girth styles.Ovation girths are part of the Ovation line of horse tack that offers quality at exceptionally good prices

  • Made in the USA or Imported
  • Cushioned and textured for air flow. Features elastic at both ends.
  • Stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets.
  • It can be sponged clean in seconds
  • Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands.
  • Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be washed in a washing machine
Answer: H there :) A baritone ukulele would be too big for it. Adam Hola! Music
Question: How much does the elastic stretch? I got a different brand and the elastic did not stretch at all and I could not get it fastened
Answer: Height 8". Width 7". Depth 9".
Question: Is it leather
Answer: Hello, I picked this Power to use with my Cable box. So I don't think you can get cable channels without the box. Thanks
Question: Is there elastic on both ends
Answer: Only if you alter the contact points for the shape of the case. Not difficult to do.

Tough 1 EquiRoyal Leather with Elastic Girth Extension, Brown

Tough 1

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Great for adding a few inches to an English girth that is a bit too small or for the horse that is larger than the standard girth size. Sold each.

  • Great for adding a few inches to an English girth that is a bit too small
  • Also for the horse that is larger than the standard girth size
  • Offer Sold each

User questions & answers

Question: How big is it
Answer: Yes it will as long as you shave the area around the injury. Used this tape for my horse who was injured at his leg. It stayed on very well.
Question: How much does it add to the girth
Answer: I never measured, but I could get our horses leg wrapped well with one roll and have a little left over.
Question: What is the buckle size
Answer: You cannot make it taller. For my concert size ukulele, it works fine at this height.
Question: How many inches long is this girth extender
Answer: This can adjust for all of my ukes except the baritone, besides it would be too tippy with the baritone. This is the best stand I've tried. Sorry not at home and can't measure for you.

Total Saddle Fit - Fleece Girth Cover for Shoulder Relief Girth

Total Saddle Fit

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

Product description

100% real wool cover, custom shaped for the Shoulder Relief Girth.  It is available in Black and White, for jump and dressage sizes.

  • 100% real wool
  • Custom fit for Shoulder Relief Girth & Synthetic Shoulder Relief Girth

User questions & answers

Question: Is the "v" supposed to face forwards or back
Answer: It would work for the short term, but it would start rubbing and probably fall off in a few days. Duct tape, electrical tape would be another short term solution, or make cloth covers with padding for long term.
Question: How do you wash this girth cover
Answer: Vet wrap is NOT waterproof. It is mildly water resistant.
Question: It shows both a black and white option. Which color do they ship
Answer: yes
Question: How can the ring for the breast collar be accessed with this girth cover
Answer: No, I would not wash and re-use. The wrap works wonderful, but after you unwrap the tape after bandaging, the tape is still sticky. You could not re-use.

Professional's Choice Contoured Jump Girth

Professional's Choice

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Professional's Choice Contoured Jump Girth Professional's Choice Contoured Girths are designed with the horse in mind. The contoured design allows your horse freedom of movement in the shoulder and reduces pressure points. The high quality TPU outer shell is durable, easy to clean, and ventilated to keep your horse cool and comfortable. The perforated neoprene liner prevents slipping, allows for airflow, and peels away from the outer shell for an easy clean. D-rings and center carabiner clip are compatible with training aids. Stainless steel hardware is durable and will not rust, and double elastic on each end provides a comfortable fit.

  • 40 Black

User questions & answers

Question: Why is this described as leather when it is actually a TPU outer shell
Answer: Choose the size you would like, the sizes are not mixed. Either choose 2", 3" or 4" wide. The smallest quantity package on this listing is a 6 pack. If you need individual rolls we also have a listing on Amazon where you can just order single rolls.

Total Saddle Fit - Shoulder Relief Girth - Dressage

Total Saddle Fit

Based on 111 reviews Check latest price
  • Unique design frees the horse's shoulders from saddle interference and pain
  • Cutaway for better elbow clearance and comfort
  • Padded calf skin inside, with durable English hide exterior for long life
  • Double elastic on both ends, for horse comfort
  • Stainless steel buckles and hardware

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have brown? Do you have a 26 in black or brown
Answer: The ones I received from BP Medical are 1"x3" & are quilt vented (waffle pad). I noted that there is some other vendors advertising as 1"x3" & sending 3/4"x3" from the reviews I saw. I've never had problems with BP Medical & that's why I order from them even if it costs a few cents more. (Mr."B")
Question: if my horse is size 52 what size shouldd I buy in this saddle to fit
Answer: Yes, it's LATEX FREE. I just bought a box today (April 2019) and I couldn't (at first) find any info on the box, but when I got home, I found it. It says clearly, but in the tiniest print, "not made with natural rubber latex). It's on the side of the box, on the bottom, below where it suggests you buy Neo Sporin. They should make the disclaimer easier to find and read.
Question: Does this come in larger than a
Answer: Now in 2018 it is 25 1"x3", 35 3/4"x3" and 40 5/8"x2.25" strips. Not clear in the writeup. Mine came crushed and scattered in the packing box. Lot number is mid-2018.
Question: Does this come in larger than a
Answer: The sizes are varied, but not 100 different. More than enough to meet most needs.

Product features

Saddle Fit & Simple Physics

It all comes down to simple physics.  When the offset design of the girth moves the billet line, it also changes the angle of the billets.  This prevents forward angling billets, thus prevents the saddle from causing forward presssure against the shoulders. 



The secondary benefit of the Shoulder Relief Girth is the perfectly placed cut-away sections that allows for elbow clearance while a horse is in motion.

Comfort, Performance & Quality

Not only is the Shoulder Relief Girth extremely comfortable and effective, it is also made of top quality English saddlery leather available in black or brown.  The outside is a saddle-grade English cow hide, while the 10mm EVA foam padded inside is made of soft calf leather.



For extra sensitive horses, the Shoulder Relief Girth is compatible with the custom shaped Total Saddle Fit 100% wool fleece cover (sold separately).  All Total Saddle Fit girths measure true to size buckle tip to buckle tip, and if you are in between sizes it is best to go up in size.

Professionals Choice Equine Smx Dressage Girth (Black)

Professionals Choice

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesn’t have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only.­

  • MATERIAL : Detachable Neoprene.
  • TYPE : Dressage.
  • COLOR : Black.
  • BASE : Non-Slip Neoprene.
  • FITTINGS : Stainless Steel.

OVSELLERIE

ENGLISH RIDING SUPPLY

Based on 181 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OVATION AIRFORM CHAFELESS DRESSAGE GIRTH: Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth is soft and cushioned for the ultimate in comfort for your horse. The girth is not only soft and padded, but also allows air flow to keep the skin cooler and allow sweat to evaporate quicker. This flexible dressage girth will stay soft even under heavy usage. It is suitable for the sensitive skin. The Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth can be quickly sponged off for easy maintenance and its stainless steel roller buckles make it a cinch to attach to your dressage saddle. OVATION GIRTHS: Ovation girths come in Dressage as well as English styles. Within the English all purpose styles choices can be made amongst elastic on both ends, on one end or neither, comfort gel girths, equalizer girths as well as girths with belly guards. The girth itself can be contoured or straight, made of leather, synthetic or even cord. Dressage girths are shorter because of the long dressage saddle billets. Ovation dressage girths come in comfort gel, web, equalizer as well as web girth styles.Ovation girths are part of the Ovation line of horse tack that offers quality at exceptionally good prices.

  • Cushioned and textured for air flow. Features elastic at both ends.
  • Stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets.
  • It can be sponged clean in seconds
  • Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands.
  • Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place.

User questions & answers

Question: Is it free returns
Answer: Assortment of colors
Question: How do the length of these girths translate to standard flat leather girths? i use a 48 inch on a large friesian with an english jumping saddle. thx
Answer: I'm not sure why you would want to tape your horse's legs unless he is injured or has weak joints, but really, I think this is a question for your vet, not Amazon customers. Any answers you get here are going to be speculation at best. At worst, following amateur advice could wind up hurting your horse. I bought this tape to use as a general bandage material for injuries and sprains in our pets and for ourselves, not horses.
Question: How wide are the buckles? (Inside
Answer: It doesn't say anywhere on the packaging!
Question: What is the difference between english and dressage girth
Answer: Each wrap roll is about 15 ft long and you can tear it easily off to shorten to whatever length you need. I absolutely love this product and it's much cheaper being vet tape rather than the same product labeled for sports use. The vet labeled tape is about half the cost of those sold as sports tape for the exact same product. I highly recommend this product. Hope this helps answer your question.

Horse Fare Products Fleece English Girth with Double Elastic: 30" to 58"

Horse Fare Products

Based on 57 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed for that rider looking for quality, comfort and durability for less.

  • Synthetic super comfy fleece lining provides chafless comfort for both schooling and showing
  • Reinforced with brown nylon webbing for extra durability
  • Heavy Duty elastic on both ends helps to equalize girth pressure
  • Steel roller buckles make it easy to tighten girth
  • Center D-ring for martingale or breastplate attachments

User questions & answers

Question: What is the best way to clean this girth
Answer: Hi, unfortunately this girth does not come any larger than a 34. Thanks for your interest.
Question: is the fleece removable
Answer: Yes, the girth is brown.

SIE 46" / 50" / 52" / 54" English Chafeless Girth Black Brown

SIE

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Triple elastic adjustable chafeless girth

  • Super soft cow softy leather make premium Chafeless girth.
  • Stainless steel heavy duty hardware. Triple layer elastic at one end.
  • Contoured design.
  • Black 52"

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