05/23/2026
I wanted to share a few thoughts on the actual girthing process.
I see so many people come for lessons, or even just tack up, and they tighten the girth straight away. Then they check the tightness by pulling at the elastic.
Let’s break that down.
The girth is not just a strap we tighten so we can get on. It is pressure around the horse’s ribs, sternum, muscles, skin, and soft tissue. The horse deserves time to understand and adjust to that pressure.
I have two mares that, if you over-tighten the girth too quickly, they would just lay down. That is not them being naughty. That is them saying, “This is too much.”
A few things I like to do:
• Tighten from both sides so the pressure feels even
• Go slowly — one hole at a time is enough
• Let the horse move during the process
• Don’t over-tighten
• Check the girth from the sternum area, not just by pulling at the elastic
I really like the horse to move at least once before the final tighten, and then again before mounting. Even just a short walk can help the body settle, the skin adjust, and the horse feel less trapped by sudden pressure.
When people say a horse is “blowing up,” I don’t believe they are just being difficult. Most of the time, they are bracing. They are preparing for pressure, discomfort, or something they have learned to worry about.
And when a horse is “girthy,” I think we owe it to them to listen.
Sometimes there is pain involved — ulcers, saddle fit, back soreness, body discomfort — and that should always be checked properly. But sometimes it is also learned from being rushed, over-tightened, or not heard over time.
Small changes matter.
Slow down.
Let them move.
Tighten kindly.
Watch what they are telling you.
It may only take us an extra 60 seconds, but to the horse, that 60 seconds can mean, “I hear you. I am not just throwing tack on you. I am paying attention.”
That matters.
