How do you measure a horse for a girth?

To measure a horse for a girth, place your saddle and saddle pad on your horse, then run a soft measuring tape from the middle billet hole on one side, under the horse's barrel about one hand's width behind the elbow, up to the middle billet hole on the opposite side. This measurement in inches or centimeters determines your horse's girth size.

The Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Getting an accurate measurement requires your horse to be standing squarely on level ground. Always measure with the saddle and pad you intend to use, as the thickness of the panels and padding directly affects how the girth will sit. If you are measuring for a standard long girth used with jumping or general-purpose saddles, follow these steps:

• Locate the billets: Find the billet straps hanging from under the saddle flap. Locate the middle hole on the center billet on one side.
• Run the tape: Hold the end of a flexible fabric tape measure at that middle hole. Pass the tape under the horse's belly, keeping it about four inches (one hand's width) behind the back of the horse's elbow.
• Read the measurement: Pull the tape snug against the horse's skin up to the corresponding middle billet hole on the opposite side. The number where the tape meets the hole is your girth size.

If you are measuring for a dressage saddle or a mono-flap saddle that uses short billets, the process is slightly different. You will measure from a few inches below the bottom of the saddle flap on one side, under the belly, to the same point on the other side. You want to ensure the buckles of a short girth clear the elbow movement but do not sit too high under your leg.

Choosing the Right Girth Style

Once you have your measurement, consider your horse's conformation and sensitivity. For standard jump or all-purpose saddles, the Shires ARMA Airflow Breathable Elastic Horse Girth - Brown - Multiple Sizes is an excellent choice that offers airflow and flexibility. If your horse has a forward girth groove or sensitive skin behind the elbow, an anatomical shape like the Shires Arma Performance Anatomic Girth - Contoured Synthetic Horse Girth for Freedom of Movement can help prevent the saddle from slipping forward while giving the shoulders room to move.

For dressage riders, a shorter profile is required. The Shires Arma Performance Dressage Girth - Contoured Breathable Horse Girth - Black - Multiple Sizes provides contoured clearance around the elbows, offering a stable fit that prevents rubbing during lateral work.

Checking the Fit on Your Horse

When you try on your new girth, check that you can fasten it on both sides with at least two empty billet holes remaining above the buckles and at least one below. The buckles should sit evenly on both sides of the horse to distribute pressure symmetrically. Always check for skin pinching or rubbing in the elbow pocket. If your horse shows signs of severe discomfort, swelling, or persistent skin irritation in the girth area, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues or severe pressure sores.