Hi all–hoping for some feedback on girth types for the delicate flowers out there to avoid dropping a boatload on girth options.
I have a young TB who is reactive to some select things–he came from a hoarder situation 4+ years ago and has settled in quite a bit, but at this point it’s clear that he was underexposed to certain types of handling/stimulus at some key milestone ages and will probably always be a little quirky as a result. (Example…blanketing makes him nervous, still. Once it’s on he’s fine, but getting it up onto him can cue 10 seconds of panic.)
He’s not girthy in the way that I typically think of–no nipping or ear pinning or acting grumpy, but he gets very touchy at initial girth pressure around his ribs, just above and behind the elbows–so right where the buckles of a short girth will hit. He’ll flinch and twitch (like a fly is landing on him but a bit stronger of a reaction), and sometimes I can feel him tense up. I do think it may also be related to muscle soreness in the area. He reacts with a long girth too, but a little less strongly.
I’ve had him in an Ovation gel form girth, which was ok, but didn’t stop the reactivity. I didn’t love how much stretch it had, and it’s relatively narrow. Now he’s in a Nunn Finer Piaffe girth, which seemed to be a bit better, but I’ve now had a few explosive reactions (jumping up and trying to run like something has bitten him, basically) when I tighten the girth to where I’d like it before I get on. I’m starting to think the equalizer straps may create some uneven pressure for a moment or two and that’s making him react. Once he gets over his reaction he settles and acts normal under saddle. That said, I don’t like that the tightening process is making him uncomfortable in some way, even if that feeling seems to pass. I think he may like something that takes pressure off his ribs, but not sure which girth will accomplish this–something like the Stubben Equisoft maybe? I’m very open to suggestions.
And a note–I’ve had eyesight checked more than once, treated for ulcers, he gets monthly bodywork, has had chiro, saddle is professionally refitted by a good independent saddle fitter regularly, regular lameness exams to establish a baseline…and doesn’t show any other signs of discomfort once the rider is up, even just walking off from the block. He’s always been generally touchy about his sides and ribs. I haven’t fully ruled out that there could be some other physical cause that we’re not finding but…he’s also a bit of a quirky, sensitive soul in general so this may just be who he is.
