In addition to what Angie says, I also use Desitin, and have switched back and forth from neoprene, to mohair, and finally have settled back to a "sheared" sheepskin girth. Fellow is very round, and so his girth only has so much room..and it is just behind the elbow. It seems to be working.
This girth is very short wool, so does not get very hot or collect many stickers. It is made by Toklat, and is a special order from Australian Connection or I suspect any Toklat dealer can order it. Mine is dressage length for a Bandos, but it likely comes in regular English billet lengths as well..not sure. I rinse it well with a high pressure hose after each use, and it seems to be holding up well after a year.
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. ~ John Wayne
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To: kashank2@xxxxxxxxxxx CC: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Date: Mon, 26 May 2008 08:41:42 -0400 Subject: Re: [RC] Girth sensitivity/soreness From: rides2far@xxxxxxxx
I'd try the usual stuff, make sure to stretch the leg forward after
tightening to pull the skin that needs to go forward for striding out forward.
I'm no fan of overtightening. Once mine is good and snug I'm done. Don't go for
TIGHT. Having someone hold the off stirrup while you get on helps reduce
twisting. I've gone to mohair and have made foam backed sheepskin pads to go
under the buckles. I think Karen Chaton mentioned instead of putting your girth
at "hole 2 on one side and 2 on the other, adjusting your girth high
on one side and low on the other, then shifting up or down during the ride to
put the buckle pressure at different areas. If the elbow is actually rubbing
back over the girth go for a flatter girth. Baby Powder has helped us with skin
soreness on backs. Might help if that's the problem. "Glide" is good for the
skin behind the elbows.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to address
girth soreness? Following the past two rides (both 50's) the vet
noted that my horse was sensitive in the girth area. No sore back,
just the girth. The saddle has English style drop billets & the
girth I am using currently is neoprene. I'm not sure what to try
(?) Perhaps too loose/too tight is also a factor (?)
-Kath.
Angie
McGhee http://www.lightersideofendurance.com Work it harder, Make it
better, Do it faster, Makes us stronger!
