5 replies to this topic

[LovingKeywee]

I ride horses weekly, and I was wondering how when I watch people tighten their girth, they usually have it on the right hole. But I am afraid when I tighten the girth, I will tighten it too much. How do I know if it’s on the right hole?

[♥~kitkat7♥]

So, when putting the girth on-

Put it through the top hole thingy on the silver part.

You want to make it tight, but not so loose you can fit a few fingers in it.

 

It will adjust itself as you ride.

 

 

Hope I could help

-nibbles

[LovingKeywee]

So, when putting the girth on-
Put it through the top hole thingy on the silver part.
You want to make it tight, but not so loose you can fit a few fingers in it.

It will adjust itself as you ride.


Hope I could help
-nibbles

How many fingers should I be able to fit?

[♥~kitkat7♥]

How many fingers should I be able to fit?

2-3?

You shouldn't be able to pull down to much.

[IsAnyoneThere]

I ride horses weekly, and I was wondering how when I watch people tighten their girth, they usually have it on the right hole. But I am afraid when I tighten the girth, I will tighten it too much. How do I know if it’s on the right hole?

 

Does your riding instructor not tell you this and/or check it? It should literally be one of the first things they teach you, and they will be better placed (ie. actually there with you) to show you rather than some randomers on a hamster forum.

 

For info though, it's going to be very difficult for you to over-tighten it. The horse usually puffs out their ribcage when they feel it being tightened so that it's looser than it should be (clever beasties) so don't worry about that. It's easier to just go for as tight as you can, then the horse breathes out and you'll find you can fit some fingers in the gap. I was always taught to put my four fingers flat through the gap and no more - so I should be able to put my hand flat and slide the fingers through, but not have any wiggle room. Also a good tug on the saddle to see if it slips will help.

[LovingKeywee]

Does your riding instructor not tell you this and/or check it? It should literally be one of the first things they teach you, and they will be better placed (ie. actually there with you) to show you rather than some randomers on a hamster forum.

For info though, it's going to be very difficult for you to over-tighten it. The horse usually puffs out their ribcage when they feel it being tightened so that it's looser than it should be (clever beasties) so don't worry about that. It's easier to just go for as tight as you can, then the horse breathes out and you'll find you can fit some fingers in the gap. I was always taught to put my four fingers flat through the gap and no more - so I should be able to put my hand flat and slide the fingers through, but not have any wiggle room. Also a good tug on the saddle to see if it slips will help.

well no- I meant to word it as when I get my own horse, I’m afraid I will tighten it too much. My barn doesn’t teach you how to tack up, or groom since there are only 2 lesson horses and usually there are lessons before me that are already riding