How to Measure an English Girth

A girth is the part of a saddle used to keep it in place. The girth goes under the horse from one side of the saddle to another. It's attached by two or three straps called billets; according to Jeanie Whited, a writer for Equisearch. Nearly every English saddle has three billets. One extra strap is usually attached to the three billets for balance. It's vital for the comfort and safety of your horse to measure the girth correctly. According to Jessica Jahiel, author of Horse Sense newsletter, the easiest way to measure an English saddle for the right girth is to enlist the help of a friend.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Helper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on your horse.

    • 2

      Get someonend on the opposite side of the horse to you. You should each hold one end of the measuring tape. That's according to Jahiel, who states that your friend should hold the beginning of the tape next to the second hole from the billet's bottom.

    • 3

      Pull the tape taut, ensuring the tape is stretched over the correct girth placement.

    • 4

      Take the measurement on your side at the second or third hole from the end of the billet. Jahiel mentions that this measurement should be between 42 inches and 54 inches.