Kentucky Anatomical Dressage Girth - Sheepskin
Kentucky Anatomical Dressage Girth - Sheepskin
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Dressage girths at Emmers Equestrian
Shop dressage girths from top brands such as Passier, Prestige, Mattes, Kentucky Horsewear, Erreplus, Kentaur and LJ Leathers at Emmers Equestrian. Order online with worldwide shipping, or visit one of our stores in Belgium and the Netherlands to see the collection in person.
A dressage girth is a short girth made for saddles with long billets, such as dressage saddles. The buckles sit low on the horse’s side, below the saddle flap. This keeps the buckles away from your leg, so you can sit close to your horse and give clear, quiet aids.
Why choose a good dressage girth?
In dressage, your horse needs to move with a free shoulder and a swinging back. A well-shaped dressage girth helps with both. An anatomical shape leaves room behind the elbows, so the shoulder can move freely in extended gaits and lateral work. The girth spreads pressure evenly, which keeps the saddle stable and your horse comfortable during long training sessions and tests.
Top brands for dressage girths
- Passier: This German saddlery brand offers the Passierblu Wave dressage girth in leather, with a wave shape for elbow freedom.
- Prestige: The Italian Prestige A52 RP Dressage Girth is a premium leather girth, available in sizes up to 95 cm.
- Mattes: Mattes is known for its sheepskin. Choose the Mattes Dressage Anatomic Girth or the Mattes Crescent Girth for extra comfort.
- Kentucky Horsewear: Kentucky has anatomical dressage girths with or without sheepskin, a sheepskin short girth, and short stud girths for horses that need belly protection.
- Erreplus: Erreplus makes leather dressage girths in a classic, shaped or round design.
- Kentaur and Euroriding: The anatomical Kentaur Padova girth and the Euroriding girth designed by Eric Le Tixerant are made for a free shoulder and a stable saddle.
- LJ Leathers: The LJ Pro Selected Dressage Girth is a strong, classic leather girth at a good price.
- Lamicell, BR and Norton: These brands offer neoprene and synthetic dressage girths that are easy to clean and good for daily training.
How to find the right dressage girth
Pay attention to these points when you choose a girth:
- Size: Our dressage girths come in sizes from 45 to 95 cm. Measure from the middle hole of the billet on one side, under the belly, to the middle hole on the other side. This tells you which girth length you need.
- Shape: A straight girth suits many horses. An anatomical, crescent or wave-shaped girth is a good choice for horses with a forward girth groove or a large shoulder.
- Material: Leather is classic, strong and looks smart in the show ring. Neoprene and synthetic girths are lightweight and easy to wash.
- Lining: Sheepskin, for example from Mattes and Kentucky Horsewear, is extra soft and reduces the risk of rubbing on sensitive horses.
- Elastic: Elastic on one or both sides gives a little with your horse’s breathing and movement. Elastic on both sides helps you tighten the girth evenly.
Caring for your dressage girth
Remove sand and sweat after every ride so the material stays soft and the lining stays fresh. Treat leather regularly with a leather care product. Check the buckles, elastic and stitching often, because a girth has to be strong and reliable.
Frequently asked questions about dressage girths
What is the difference between a dressage girth and a normal girth?
A dressage girth is shorter. It is made for saddles with long billets, so the buckles sit below the saddle flap. Most jumping and general purpose saddles have short billets and need a long girth.
Can I use a dressage girth on a jumping saddle?
Usually not, because most jumping saddles have short billets. Some jumping saddles, such as many monoflap saddles, have long billets. These saddles need a stud girth, for example the Kentucky Short Stud Girth.
Which brands of dressage girths does Emmers Equestrian sell?
We sell dressage girths from Passier, Prestige, Mattes, Kentucky Horsewear, Erreplus, Kentaur, Euroriding, LJ Leathers, Lamicell, BR and Norton. This gives you a choice from affordable training girths to premium leather and sheepskin models.
How do I know if my dressage girth fits correctly?
When you have tightened the girth, the buckles on both sides should be at about the same height. The buckles should sit a few centimetres below the saddle flap, and there should still be holes left to tighten further. You should be able to slide a flat hand between the girth and your horse.
Should I choose elastic on one side or both sides?
Elastic on both sides makes it easier to tighten the girth evenly and keep the saddle centred. Elastic on one side gives a firmer feel. If you choose elastic on one side, tighten mainly on the side without elastic.
Is a sheepskin dressage girth a good choice?
Yes, sheepskin is soft, breathable and helps prevent rubbing. It is a good choice for horses with sensitive skin or a thin coat. Brush the sheepskin regularly to keep it soft and clean.
Why is my saddle slipping forward?
This can happen if the girth sits too far forward or if the saddle doesn’t fit well. An anatomical girth can help keep the saddle in place. If the problem continues, ask a saddle fitter to check your saddle.
How do I clean a dressage girth?
Brush or wipe off sweat and sand after every ride. Clean leather with a leather cleaner and treat it with a leather balm. Many neoprene girths can be rinsed with lukewarm water. For sheepskin, follow the care label.
What if the girth doesn’t fit?
You can exchange your girth within 14 days. Our team can also help you choose the right size online or in one of our stores.
Can I buy dressage girths online with worldwide delivery?
Yes, you can order all our dressage girths online with worldwide shipping. You can also visit our stores in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Browse our dressage girth collection and find the girth that fits your horse best.