(Newswire.net — February 7, 2023) — If you are a novice rider, you may find it difficult to remember all the functions and names of the equestrian equipment. Well, if you fall under this category, fear not! You are in the right place and this read aims at elaborating Why do horses wear girths?
If you wish to truly become an expert horse rider, it’s important that you know all the horse equipment at the back of your palm. Understanding the need for saddling on equipment and its purpose is extremely useful as it guarantees a safe and comfortable ride for both you and your horse.
Although becoming an expert will require a lot of practice, this article will provide you with a base to start from – because the horse girth is among the most integral parts of an equestrian tack.
Usually, when equipment and tack are brought into focus, the saddle is the first thing that comes to mind. But what you may not be aware of is that recent research has uncovered interesting things when it comes to girth design and its affiliation with horse movement. Some of these discoveries can prove to be advantageous for trainers – in terms of horse health and performance.
It appears as though the girth has the possibility to be more influential and integral than ever. Thanks to the leaps and bounds that have occurred in the technological sector, we have become more and more aware of the biomechanical and physiological demands exerted on horses. This research-backed information is why there has been massive progress in the advancement of exercise and race tracks, enabling trainers to maximize on advantages brought about by the fit and design of girths and saddles.
Pressure Matters
The affiliation between back discomfort and saddle pressures is an area of concern within the equine spectrum. Research has indicated that a saddle pressure means of over 13kPa, or peak pressure of over 35kPa, has the likelihood of causing ischemia – compression resulting in follicle and soft tissue damage. This can lead to the appearance of muscle atrophy, white hairs, and skin ulcerations, which can cause some discomfort.
It has always been presumed that girth pressure is highest on the mid-section of the trunk, at the breastbone (sternum) where the girth goes over the bone. In a research study reviewing girth design and its impact on horse performance, scientists spotted repeatable high pressures below the girth, however, these exertions were really situated under the elbow, not the sternum. This has grounds since it’s the spot where girth pain and girth galls may show up.
Researchers used a 2-D motion capture system. The amalgamation of gait analysis and pressure mapping showed that a girth made to reduce pressure, especially in the parts behind the elbow, saw an enhancement in the horse’s movement symmetry and overall equine locomotion.
Space to Breathe
Girth pressures are also believed to have an impact on the capacity of the horse to breathe efficiently. One research study pointed to a connection between reduced run-to-fatigue time on a treadmill and girth tension, showing that girths can impact the breathing equipment of the galloping horse.
A recent study showed that girth pressure also showed a connection between peak pressures in a standard girth and breathing. Visual evidence from the pressure mat information highlighted peak pressure during inhalation. When the horse was fitted with a personalized girth, the pressure rises (guessed to be associated with inhalation) were no longer apparent.
Physical studies have indicated that the horse rib cage has a constrained range of expansion exactly where the girth is located. The fit and shape of the modified girth design decrease pressure exerted on the intercostal muscles and thus don’t constrict the rib cage’s natural expansion. The horse’s muscles need to contract and expand for them to be effective. If the girth is exerting pressure that negatively impacts muscle functionality, this can lead to limited functioning which will limit the entire range of motion in the limbs. Consequently, the muscles may need to do extra work and, if forced to work overtime, are likely to fatigue quickly.
Final Word
As with any piece of equipment, an improperly-fitted girth on a horse can have serious consequences and can result in some discomfort and serious injuries to both you and your horse. Girths are available in different materials, shapes, sizes, and lengths. Now that you have an understanding of why horses need to wear girths, it’s best to choose the right one perfectly suited for your horse. It’s also important that you know how to fit it properly.
The right way to fit a girth on a horse is to secure it to the saddle using girth straps. Often, saddles come with three girth straps on every side, while girth only comes with two buckles on every end. Don’t tighten the girth on the horse too much. Make sure it’s securely fastened and hop on for a fun ride.