Hello all,
So I need a new leather girth to show in. I am currently schooling in a stretched out 52 fleece girth. I am not exactly sure what the stretched out measurements are though. Should I buy a 52 leather girth or get the next size up? If neither of these seems good and you have an alternative idea or thought let me know also!
Thanks soooo much!!!
Well, you could always measure the stretched out fleece girth with a tape measure to see what size it is now. Then you’d have a better idea of what size would work best.
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It all depends!
How much is your current one stretched out?
Are you getting elastic ends? both sides? one side?
How many holes up on your billets are you currently doing your stretched out 52 on?
Bear in mind your horse may lose and gain weight. Get a size that you can tighten and loosen as needed.
You can also get one from a place with free returns. Then you can just exchange if it’s a problem!
I’d take the stretched-out girth to the tack shop and measure it against some new girths so you can buy the correct size.
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When comparing the old girth, be sure that you allow for the new one to stretch a bit, especially if it has elastic. If you buy the new one the same length as the stretched-out old one, it might end up too long once it stretches.
IMHO the leather ones stretch more than the fabric ones.
I always recommending measuring both the girth you have, and the one you are buying. I never go by the “size” as stated, although synthetics are more reliable in my experience than leather in being accurate. I have found differences of several inches in stated/actual measurement. Double/triple elastic and quality thereof can make a difference too in how much a new girth with stretch out.
When you measure a girth, do you measure to the end of the buckles, middle of buckles, or ends of elastic where it meets the buckle? For when you have to buy another online and can’t just hold up at tack shop.
Regardless of type of (standard) English girth, you typically measure buckle to buckle. I’ve found over the years that some brands are a little different in how they must measure - some seem to be bottom of buckle (where the buckle meets the elastic or canvas or nylon) and some seem to be the very top of the buckle (so the entire length of the whole girth end to end).
For that reason, I measure from middle of buckle to middle of buckle - it splits the difference so the girth shouldn’t be too long or too short.
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I would say a size 52 or 54 of the girth you have now. If the 52 is stretched out because of time then get a 52 if it is stretched out because of weight gain then get a 54.
