Taylor Adams' Young Riders Blog

Hello and welcome to the Young Riders' Blog. I am taking excerpts from my book and publishing them here for all to enjoy. I hope that you will also enjoy my photo albums and the excellent photography of my sister (links are listed to your left). Ride well...and ride safely.

- Taylor Paige Adams

Leather- Most girths used today are leather. Leather is durable and attractive, making it ideal for daily use or showing. Some girths have white stitched patterns to enhance their appearance. Leather will last for many years if properly cared for. Wipe your girth down after each ride to remove sweat and hair, and several times a year you should give it a thorough cleaning and oiling. Leather will stretch over time, which means that you may have to go up a hole to keep your girth as tight as it needs to be. Do not use the fit of your girth to keep track of your horse’s weight, because as leather stretches it could lead you to believe your horse is losing weight when he may actually be gaining weight.

Neoprene- Neoprene is lightweight, inexpensive, and low maintenance. Neoprene is soft and flexible and can be hosed off after each ride, making it ideal for sensitive horses that are prone to sores. Neoprene does not stretch as much as leather and will last for a long time if it is occasionally washed and wiped clean. Neoprene comes in many colors and is often seen in the show ring because it provides a cheaper alternative to leather without sacrificing appearance.

Fleece- Entire girths are not composed of fleece; instead fleece is used as a lining on some girths to help protect sensitive horses. Fleece can help to prevent chaffing and sores but needs frequent cleaning because it can harbor sweat and bacteria.

Mohair- Mohair is breathable and can help to prevent saddle slippage, sores, chaffing, and irritation. Although it is rarely seen at shows, many people school in girths made of Mohair and use a different material for shows. Mohair girths are also very popular with western riders.

Chafeless and contour- Designed to prevent sores and irritation, and are narrower behind the elbows to prevent chaffing.

String- Instead of being a solid piece, the girth is composed of several strings that can be made of any soft material but mohair or cotton is the most common. String girths are breathable and minimize slipping but they can harbor bacteria and sweat so they need cleaning more often than leather or Neoprene.

Stud guard girth- Has a large piece of leather in the middle of the underside to prevent studs from injuring a horse’s stomach. This is usually used in cross-country, stadium, or show jumping.