A girth, sometimes called a cinch (Western riding), is a piece of equipment used to keep the saddle in place on a horse or other animal. It passes under the barrel of the equine, usually attached to the saddle on both sides by two or three leather straps called billets.
What does a breast girth do?
A breastplate (used interchangeably with breastcollar, breaststrap and breastgirth) is a piece of riding equipment used on horses. Its purpose is to keep the saddle or harness from sliding back. On riding horses, it is most helpful on horses with large shoulders and a flat ribcage.
Do I need a breastplate?
Most horses that use a breastplate do so because of their conformation, their job, or the need to help their rider stay put in the saddle. Large shoulders and narrow ribs can force a saddle to slip back no matter how tight the girth is. Your horse’s job often dictates the need for a breastplate.
What is a wither strap?
Wither straps are used to lift the breast collar above the point of the horse’s shoulder, for unrestricted movement. Snaps on either end and adjustable buckles make installation easy.
What is the difference between a cinch and girth?
What’s the difference between a girth and a cinch? A girth is used for English riding, whereas a cinch is used for Western. Structure-wise, they’re similar but not identical. A girth has two buckles on each end that fasten to the billets (i.e. girth straps) under the saddle flap.
How do I measure my girth?
Girth – Girth is the most important measurement when determining size! To measure girth, place a tape measure at the top of the shoulder where a leotard strap sits, then down through the crotch and back to the same shoulder. Measuring tape should be close to the body but not tight.
Should I use a breastplate?
It makes a horse look even more like a horse. So if fashion’s your thing, then using a breastplate is perfectly fine. It not only secures the saddle, but still allows a horse’s big shoulder’s to move and gives the rider something to hold onto. Sometimes horses need them specifically for a job they do.
