The girth keeps your saddle in place, so it needs to fit properly and be in good condition. Buying second-hand is a smart move here, as girths are straightforward to inspect and you can save a fair bit of money if you know what size you need.
Traditional and hardwearing. Leather girths are popular for showing and everyday use. They need regular cleaning and conditioning to stay supple, but a well-maintained leather girth will last for years. Look for Atherstone or Balding styles, which are shaped to avoid pinching behind the elbow.
Easy to wash, lightweight, and usually more affordable. Synthetic girths come in padded neoprene, cotton, and various technical fabrics. They're a solid everyday option and particularly popular for horses that are prone to girth galls, as the softer materials reduce rubbing.
Shaped to follow the horse's natural body contours, giving more freedom through the shoulder and reducing pressure on the sternum. Brands like Fairfax and Prolite have led the way with these designs. They cost more new, but the savings are significant second-hand.
Shorter than standard girths because dressage saddles have longer flaps with the girth straps lower down. If you ride in a dressage saddle, you will need a specific dressage girth, typically between 20" and 30". They are not interchangeable with standard girths.
These have a wide, protective belly flap that shields the horse from studs during jumping. Essential if you use studs regularly for show jumping or cross-country. The guard section should be checked for cracks or stiffness in used examples.
A girth failure is a serious safety issue, so be thorough with your inspection:
Getting the right size is essential. A girth that is too short will not fasten properly, and one that is too long will hang below the elbow and interfere with movement.
To measure, place your saddle on the horse and run a tape measure from one girth strap buckle, down around the belly, and up to the buckle on the other side. That measurement is your girth size. When done up, the buckles should sit roughly halfway up the girth straps on each side, giving you room to tighten or loosen as needed.
Standard girths typically range from 40" to 56" for horses. Dressage girths are shorter, usually between 20" and 30". If you are between sizes, it is generally better to go slightly longer.
These brands are well-regarded in Ireland and hold their value on the second-hand market:
Premium anatomic girths designed in partnership with equine researchers. Excellent for horses with sensitive girth areas. Expensive new, but a great second-hand find.
High-quality leather girths that last exceptionally well. The Stubben Equi-Soft girth is a popular choice for competition riders in Ireland.
Known for their lightweight, shock-absorbing designs. Prolite girths use memory foam that moulds to the horse's shape. Very popular as an upgrade from basic girths.
Affordable, practical, and widely available. Wintec girths are a solid everyday option and pair naturally with Wintec saddles. Plenty of these on the used market.
Girths vary widely in price depending on the material and brand. Here is a rough guide for the Irish market:
| Type | New | Second-Hand |
|---|---|---|
| Basic synthetic girth | €40-€60 | €15-€30 |
| Leather girth (mid-range) | €80-€140 | €30-€60 |
| Anatomic / contoured girth | €100-€200 | €40-€80 |
| Dressage girth | €60-€180 | €25-€70 |
Prices are estimates based on typical Irish market values. Actual prices vary by brand, condition, and size.
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