Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

My Free and Easy saddle came with instructions not to overtighten the girth.  I can often see daylight, use a breastcollar and crupper and it fits excellently! My QH friend freaks out though!  They practically use a winch to tighten up those western saddles of theirs, maybe because their saddle pads are over 2 inches thick!!!   :)

 

heidi

 

rdcarrie@xxxxxxx wrote:

Ummm, I didn't "advocate" riding with a loose girth.  I said that I often do.  Others can do what they choose.  I start out with it snug, and as my saddle pad (with foam inserts) compresses, etc. it ends up being loose.  My saddle fits the horse, I can mount fine with it loose, *and* I use a breast collar to keep it from ending up under the horse's belly should something happen.  If I were not using a breast collar, I'd likely use a tigher girth.  Again, personal preference.  Hope AERC doesn't hire the "Girth Gestapo" for rides.  "Sorry ma'am...your girth is too loose...you are DQ."  <TIC>

I recall seeing the results of a study several years ago where they excercised horses on a treadmill, I believe it was, with very tight girths, and looser ones (doubt that they were showing daylight, however <G>).  The horses with tight girths tired sooner.  I don't recall all the details about the study (might have been in Equus??), but do recall the take home message that cranking that girth down extra tight is not good for our equine partners.  Just something to think about.

 

Dawn in East Texas

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Kilpatrick <whytrotfarms@xxxxxxxxx>
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, 16 May 2005 20:45:06 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [RC] prineville-injured riders and horses

hmmmm, interesting comments about tack, etc.  it is odd to me that some of you advocate riding with a loose cinch. loose enough to see daylight between the horse and the cinch?  that just doesnt make any sense to me.  looks like you are asking for trouble, i.e.  saddle under the belly.  you wont catch me riding with a loose cinch!    cowboy ed

Heidi-aerc#M20935  /\_/\~    http://www.synjinarts.com
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