I've experienced that, too. Also, some
horses of particular color have more sensitive skin. My chestnut is much more
sensitive than any of our bays or grays. When I used a string girth on the
chestnut, his skin was pinched between the cords and rubbed raw. I now use a
Wintec waffle girth and set it on the middle and rear billets, rather than the
front and middle ones. I don't have any more problems.
Speaking of horse colors, if anyone wants to
read a fascinating book on that subject, read Ben Green's "The Color of Horses."
Green was a vet, and a horseman, who did extensive research on the correlation
between the color of the horse's hair and the density of his hooves and
toughness of his skin. Both scientific and interesting. Illustrated with
beautiful paintings.
Every one is just considering the girth as the cause for irritation. In
past experience I have found that sore "arm pits" on the horse are less likely
to be a girth problem and more of a "long hair" getting damp and rubbing
problem. In particular when the horse starts to shed (soon now) the loose hair
will tend to mat and rub sores.
So,
a judicious trimming of the hair in the affected area might
help.
Bob
Bob Morris Morris Endurance Enterprises Boise, ID
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Ed Kilpatrick Sent: Wednesday, January 19,
2005 11:21 AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC]
girth sores
i havent had problems with girth sores on my horses. i use
several different types of saddles and several different types of
girths.
my guess is that your girth is too loose, and that is what is causing
the problem. kind of like when you are wearing a shoe that is too
loose and it rubs a blister on your
heel.
ed
