Kentucky Anatomical Stud Girth - Sheepskin
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Saddle Equipment: Finish the Fit with the Right Girth, Stirrups, Belly Band & Cover | Emmers Equestrian
A beautiful saddle is only as good as what holds it in place. The girth (singel in Dutch, Sattelgurt in German) sits right behind your horse's elbow, and research suggests this is exactly where pressure builds up: in a small pressure-mapping study of ten horses, standard girths peaked over the muscle behind the elbow, where pressure sores tend to develop. In a trial of 20 elite horses, a girth designed to avoid those spots was linked to longer, freer strides. The studies were small, so they prove nothing about any single design, but they are a strong reason to choose your girth for shape and fit, not just price.
The rest of this range completes the picture. The right stirrups and leathers give you a secure, balanced base. A belly band adds a soft, wide layer of protection against rubbing from spurs or your legs. And a good saddle cover keeps your pride and joy clean and protected, in the tack room, on the road, or even in the rain.
The right saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement and performance, and its fit can change as your horse’s shape and fitness develop. Whether you’re choosing a new saddle or checking your current one, discover the Emmers Equestrian Saddle Fitting Service for expert advice tailored to both horse and rider.
Tips for Choosing
- Get the girth length right first. With the saddle and pad on, run a tape from the middle billet hole on one side, under the horse about a hand's width behind the elbow, to the matching hole on the other side. Billets differ between saddles, so re-measure whenever you change a saddle.
- Choose shape and lining to suit your horse. Anatomical shapes leave room for the elbows, soft or fleece linings are kind to sensitive skin, and neoprene is easy to wipe clean but not right for every horse. A long girth should sit with at least two billet holes above the buckles, and a short girth with three to four finger-widths between its top edge and the saddle flap.
- Pick stirrups about an inch (2.5 cm) wider than the widest part of your boot, so your foot sits securely and still comes free easily, and check that your leathers suit them.
- Add a belly band if your horse is prone to rubs from spurs or leg contact. It is a smart extra for sensitive skin or a busy competition season, though it works best alongside good fit and riding. Sizes are cut for pony, cob, and full horses, so check the chart.
- Match your cover to the job. Go for breathable fabric for storage, a waterproof ride-on cover for wet weather, and a cut that suits your saddle type with room for the leathers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size girth I need?
Measure billet to billet under the horse with the saddle and pad in place, and use that as your starting point. Used girths may have stretched, so allow for it.
Does an anatomical girth really make a difference?
It may. The research is limited and based on small groups, but it points to peak pressure behind the elbow, so a shape that relieves that area is a sensible choice, especially for sensitive horses.
What is the difference between a long and a short girth?
A long girth is the standard length for general-purpose and jumping saddles. A short girth is made for dressage saddles with shorter billets and sits higher to reduce bulk under your leg. They are not interchangeable.
What does a belly band do?
It is a wide, soft elastic band that covers the girth area to help protect against rubs from spurs or leg contact. That protection is the manufacturer's claim, so it is still worth checking fit and technique.
Do I need a saddle cover?
It is not essential, but it protects your saddle from dust, damp, and scuffs in storage and transport. A waterproof ride-on cover is a separate item that keeps the saddle dry while you ride.
How wide should my stirrups be?
About 2.5 cm wider than your boot at its widest point. Too tight can trap the foot, and too wide can let it slide through.
Complete your saddle with girths, stirrups, belly bands, and saddle covers at Emmers Equestrian.