Collection: Girths

The correct girth should secure the saddle comfortably without restricting your horse's movement. Choosing the right style depends on your saddle, your riding discipline and your horse's conformation.

Long Girths

Long girths are designed for jumping, all purpose and many close-contact saddles. They attach to shorter saddle billets, positioning the buckles higher on the saddle flap and away from the horse's elbow to improve comfort.

Short Girths

Short girths are used with dressage saddles fitted with long billets. Positioning the buckles lower beneath the saddle flap creates a neat profile beneath the rider's leg while reducing bulk.

Ascot Expert Tip: The length of the girth is determined by the billet length on your saddle—not by the size of your horse. Two horses of similar size can require completely different girth lengths depending on the saddle they're wearing.

Girth Materials

Different materials offer different benefits depending on your horse, riding discipline and maintenance preferences.

Leather

Leather girths remain the traditional choice for competition and everyday riding. They mould to the horse over time, offer excellent durability and develop an attractive appearance with proper care.

Neoprene and Synthetic Materials

Synthetic girths are easy to clean, quick drying and popular for everyday riding. Many incorporate elastic inserts to allow even pressure and improved comfort.

Cotton String Girths

String girths remain popular with many racing, endurance and stock horse riders. Their open construction encourages airflow and helps disperse heat during work.

Anatomical Girths

Anatomical girths are shaped to follow the horse's natural contours, helping provide greater freedom around the elbow and encouraging unrestricted shoulder movement. Many riders choose this style for horses prone to rubbing or those requiring additional comfort.

Choosing the Correct Size

The correct girth length depends on the design of your saddle and the length of its billets rather than the size or breed of your horse.

If you're replacing an existing girth, measuring your current girth is usually the easiest starting point. If you're fitting a new saddle or changing girth styles, our experienced team can help you determine the correct size before you purchase.

Ascot Expert Tip

If your saddle consistently slips forward or backwards, don't assume the girth is the problem. Saddle fit, tree shape and balance are usually the first things to check. The right girth can improve stability, but it can't compensate for a saddle that doesn't fit correctly.