Sizing a girth for a Haflinger

[Ceffyl_Dwr]

I’m trying to size my Haflinger for a girth and I’m getting two wildly different numbers. For reference, he’s 15.2 and not overweight.

When I measured him 3rd billet from the bottom on each side. he measured at 42". I cinched him with a friend’s 50" girth, let him sit, and went back to tighten after a few minutes. That girth seemed like it could work, but I thought he could be blowing his stomach out, even after walking. I’m confused as these are two very different measurements.

Any recommendations?

[Scribbler]

Are you measuring buckle to buckle or total length of girth?

[Ceffyl_Dwr]

@Scribbler

Are you measuring buckle to buckle or total length of girth?

Buckle to buckle.

[JenEM]

I don’t know that I’ve ever bothered actually measuring anything I’ve ever put a girth on. Just try one, and figure out whether I need to move up or down from there. There’s also not generally ONE right answer–my old mare was a 50", but could have made a 48" or a 52" work if needed.

If you tried a 50 (and you know it was a 50), and it was on the side of being able to be tightened more, maybe try a 48. Usually people are pretty generous about loaning things briefly for sizing purposes.

[Ceffyl_Dwr]

@JenEM

I don’t know that I’ve ever bothered actually measuring anything I’ve ever put a girth on. Just try one, and figure out whether I need to move up or down from there. There’s also not generally ONE right answer–my old mare was a 50", but could have made a 48" or a 52" work if needed.

If you tried a 50 (and you know it was a 50), and it was on the side of being able to be tightened more, maybe try a 48. Usually people are pretty generous about loaning things briefly for sizing purposes.

Thanks. I’ve always wondered if an ill sized girth could cause girthiness, which is what I’m trying to avoid. But it sounds like as long as I’m within a range, I should be good.