Is your girth too tight?

If your saddle fits your horse there should be no excuse for over tightening your girth ✖️

If your saddle doesn't fit and it's moving around you shouldn't be riding your horse in it❗️

Over tightening the girth is not the answer 😬

▪️An over-tightened girth may pinch and bruise the muscles

The main muscles affected are:
🔸pectorals
🔸trapezius
🔸serratus ventralis muscles
🔸 latissimus dorsi
(see red areas in image)

▪️This muscle group is known as part of the thoracic sling (see my previous posts to learn more about the thoracic sling)

An over tightened girth may also cause:
🔸bruising of the ribs
🔸bruising to the intercostal muscles between the ribs
🔸an increase in the overall pressure of the saddle on the back muscles

✅ you should be checking your girth underneath the horse's chest, NOT on the side

😮You will be surprised the difference one hole can make, and quite literally give your horse some breathing room 😰

▪️Elasticated girths are great but take extra care as these can be easy to over tighten

If you think you may have been over girthing and your horse is sore in this area please do get in touch as massage therapy could help relieve discomfort for your horse 😌

Photo Credit: Cadence Therapy