Dressage Girths for your Horse

YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING A DRESSAGE GIRTH

Dressage girths are designed to keep the long billeted dressage saddle in place during the wide variety of movements that we require of our dressage horses.  You can find dressage girths at prices from $25 to $300 and above. Prices are dictated by the type and quality of the materials used and the features that they deliver for the comfort of your horse.  Make your choices to suite the level of riding that you do, show or schooling use, and the budget that you have for this item.

FEATURES

Here are some of these features that you might consider in making your choice of dressage girth:

1. Distribution of even pressure
2. Comfort
3. Natural fabrics
4. Ability to conform to the horse
5. Ease of adjustment while mounted
6. Sweat absorbency
7. Washable
8. Breathabiity
9. Hypoallergenic
10. Odor-Free
11. Durability

MATERIALS AND DESIGN

Dressage Girths come in a variety of materials.  Leather is the most traditional and the quality of the leather and stitching will affect the price point.  English harness leather will trump Indian leather, for instance.  You can also find dressage girths in polyester, cotton, vinyl, Neoprene and latex rubber. There are dressage girths that are made from a combination of these materials, chosen to deliver some of the features outlined above.

Look for stainless steel roller buckles and good quality elastic if you prefer a dressage girth with elastic at one or both ends.  Contouring will add cost, but might deliver more comfort to your particular horse than a straight cut girth.