How to tighten a girth on a 'girthy" horse or pony

"Girthy" horses and ponies can try your patience and be dangerous to work around, but usually with patience and trial and error you can find a girth that they will not object to. Once you have made the horse comfortable they generally go on to be a trustworthy companion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Horses and ponies are "girthy" for two reasons: They are in pain, or they are afraid. Sometimes both. Inspect the skin in the girth area, especially behind the elbow to make sure there are no abrasions that would cause pain when girthed. Start each session with a different type of girth until you find one that your horse can tolerate. Examples include a neoprene girth, a string girth and a sheepskin-lined girth. The type with elastic on both sides allows a more even adjustment.

2. Try to make the session as calm and peaceful as possible. Sometimes it is helpful to have one person holding the horse's head while the other person is attaching the girth. Have the person holding the horse talking soothingly to him while patting him on the neck. Attach the girth loosely so that it is barely touching the horse. If he tolerates it, both you and the holder should praise him.

3. Walk him a few steps forward so he gets a feel for the saddle and girth. If he reacts appropriately, praise him again. Tighten the girth up a hole on each side. Praise him again if he tolerates it.

4. Walk him forward again. Tighten the girth another hole on each side if there is still room. The girth should be snug but not so tight that you can not slide your fingers underneath. If there appears to be skin bunched up in front or behind the girth you can lift his forelegs one at a time and stretch them towards his head to smooth the skin out.

5. Walk him around the arena for a couple of minutes and recheck that the saddle is still snug. Some horses hold their breath or blow out their belly, then when they let the breath out, the girth is loose. If need be, tighten it up some more and recheck to see if there is skin bunched up in front or behind the girth. Stretch out his forelegs toward his head one at a time if need be.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hesitate to try a string girth if you have been unable to find a girth that he tolerates well. Many horses seem to like that the best even though to humans it seems like it would be the most uncomfortable type.
• Watch for heat buildup underneath the neoprene girths. Some horses become girthy because the girth has irritated their skin.
• Make sure you have a spare girth so you always a clean one available. Dirt is very irritating and can cause a horse to become girthy as well.