|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
A girth should first and foremost spread pressure evenly over the entire area. If it is too narrow, or if it has a narrow reinforcing strip down its center, it may cause discomfort. It is also best if it has some "give" to it, which makes it more comfortable for the horse. Many riders also choose a girth that allows for extra elbow room, so the horse is not restricted as his leg moves backward.
To measure for a girth, the saddle with a pad should be placed on the horse. A measuring tape is then used to measure from the middle hole of the billet on one side, under the horse's belly, to the middle billet on the other side. If a girth is slightly too small, a girth extender may be used. A girth extender attaches to the billets of the saddle and lengthens them, so that a shorter girth may be used.
|
|
Most jumping saddles have three billets. This not only allows the rider a spare should one break, but can also provide an adjustment option. For horses on which the saddle sits nicely, neither slipping forward or back, the first and third billets should be used. On horses where the saddle slips back, the first and second billets should be used.
The second and third should never be used together, as they are attached to a single piece of webbing to the saddle's tree. Since the first billet is attached to a separate piece of webbing, you can safely combine its use with either of the other two billets.
|
|
|
|
