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[RC] Girth Rubbing - Lisa Jordan

There are many things to consider when girth rubbing occurs.  Especially when it occurs on one side.  Possibilities include:

- (as you said) girth might be dirty, or worn in some areas and not others
- Horse allergic to, or sensitive to girth material (won't be one side only)
- Horse may have an asymmetry in movement that lends itself to saddle and/or rider shifting to match the movement putting more
  friction on one side.  An example would be tracking diagonally - trotting like a husky.
- Horse may have asymmetry in body that affects the saddle shift in motion (again rider is involved simply by being there). An example
  would be one shoulder "bulgier" than the other.  Can be related to above....
- Saddle may have asymmetry (tree, girth attachment, stirrup bars, etc) that causes it to shift differently on one side than the other in
  motion
- Rider asymmetry affecting the saddle/horse in motion (doesn't affect all horses in the same way)
- Combination of any or all of the above

Although any or all of these things could be involved (list isn't complete I'm sure), the first step is to try to eliminate as many as possible to isolate the culprit(s), then work on the root cause - which may take time and an open mind to find - so horse and rider can be in harmony happily ever after.;-))

Good luck!

Lisa

--
Lisa Jordan

The ReactorPanel Saddle Company
414 Lesser Street - Oakland, CA - 94601
1-888-771-4402 (toll free in the U.S.)
http://www.reactorpanel.com

1-510-816-6451 (Lisa direct)

Manufacturer of the ReactorPanel Saddling System and distributor for fine products including:
RP Centrelastic Girths and matching stirrup leathers
Custom saddle pads for the RP Saddles
Fine sheepskin products and leather halters
Protective gear and grooming and First Aid products