Posted 2010-04-15 9:19 PM (#118904) Subject: girth problem
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Nebraska
Hi, I'm having a problem with my horse getting some swellings next to the girth area after long rides. One on each side a little lower than the elbow and I don't know if these are under or behind the cinch. I don't think they are in front of it. He is a narrow thoroughbred type and I use a breast collar. Is the saddle sliding too much? Girth too tight? I have a weaver smart cinch, neoprene type that is long enough. Opinions and solutions appreciated.
Posted 2010-04-16 9:50 AM (#118921 - in reply to #118904) Subject: RE: girth problem
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
You could have an issue with it being too tight.........altho, I had a warmblood mare that would do this with neoprene, but not with mohair.....too much heat under the neoprene...
Posted 2010-04-16 2:55 PM (#118941 - in reply to #118904) Subject: RE: girth problem
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
Can also be caused by the girth sitting to far foward. Ideally you should have a hand width from behind the back of the leg to the front of the girth. If your saddle has different rigging positions I would move the off billet and tie-strap back a little bit. And also not tighten to tight.
Some horses are also tender in the girth area and with frequent riding the area will become less sore and irrated.
Posted 2010-04-16 8:35 PM (#118950 - in reply to #118941) Subject: RE: girth problem
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I have a appy that has had problems with both galling and swelling in the girth area. Tried many different kinds. Some would work for a while and then the swelling would return. Right now I am using a mohair string girth and have had NO problems. Also had pretty good luck with the Classic Soft Touch girth. But I don't like using that one with my Bob Marshall treeless saddle. Good luck. Sure hope you find what works for you and your horse.
Posted 2010-04-17 6:16 PM (#118963 - in reply to #118904) Subject: RE: girth problem
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
I am having exactly the same problem with a pinto Mountain horse mare. She is white where the girth goes, and apparently very sensitive. She has been galled twice and the last time objected strenuously. I hope the mohair string Smart Cinch will help.
Posted 2010-05-02 4:00 PM (#119621 - in reply to #118904) Subject: RE: girth problem
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I second the "Classic Soft Cinch". It is well padded under the girth rings and is a smooth neoprene instead of the "dimpled" effect. I used to use the same neoprene girth that you speak of and it did the same to both my horses. Swelling and the galling.
girth problem
