How to Measure Your Horse's Girth
How to measure your horse's girth
Are you wondering what size girth your horse needs? Most horses fall between a size 28inch – 34inch, but you can calculate for your horse. Figuring the girth size is a simple process with a tape measure and calculator. Asking someone to assist you makes it a bit easier and eliminates trying to wrangle around the horse.
If you don't have the saddle you will be using
Step 1
With your horse standing on a level surface and all treats fully digested, pass the tape measure around his/her body where the girth will rest. Make the two ends meet and pull it snugly. Take a look at the number. This is your horse’s heart girth.
Step 2
Use this formula to calculate your horse’s girth size:
HEART GIRTH MEASUREMENT DIVIDED BY 2, THEN SUBTRACT 3
Example: (70/2) - 3 = 32”
Step 3
You may need to round, as many girths only come in even sizes. This will give you a good estimate for ordering the correct size. You’ll want around 8-10 inches between your cinch and saddle.
If you already have the saddle you will be using
Step 1
When it comes to determining the size cinch your horse will need, you must accurately measure your horse. Use a tape measure to determine the space from one rigging ring to the other and then subtract 16” to account for the space that the latigos will stretch down.
Step 2
When fitting the actual cinch on your horse, place the middle of the cinch behind your horse’s front legs and allow the ends of the cinch to drop about 8 inches from the bottom of your saddle’s D-rings when fastened with the latigos.