Table of Contents
How do you get rid of girth galls?
Treat girth galls with careful cleaning and application of a thick, protective ointment, such as Ichthammol or Desitin. Then, stop riding the horse (or ride him bareback) until the sore heals completely, which can take as long as three weeks.
What causes cinch sores?
Cinch sores or galls are often caused by a cinch or cinch buckle rubbing the wrinkled and sweaty skin right behind the elbow. These sores are painful to horses, just like a blister on your foot is during a hike. If not treated, the gall can become an open and bloody lesion that is slow to heal.
Are leather girths comfortable for horses?
Girth Sleeves If your horse is young, eldery, sensitive or has a skin ailment; a girth sleeve may be a good option! Designed to offer comfort and avoid chaffing, girth galls, soreness, pinching and rubbing.
How do you measure Mattes girth?
Both sides of the girth must be buckled evenly. Measure from the lower edge of the saddle flap on one side to the same point on the other side, then subtract 30cm. Always round up to the next length. Ensure that the buckles of the new girth are well away from the elbow to allow free movement!
Can I ride with girth gall?
Girth galls are very painful to a horse. Horses with galls should not be ridden; continued riding will cause the sores to open. Open sores on a horse are susceptible to scarring, bacteria, and to parasitic infections.
What do girth galls look like?
Saddle soars and girth galls may appear as slight rubs where just the hair is missing, or as very inflamed, open, blister-like wounds. The hair may not be rubbed off and the gall or sore may show as a swollen lump under the skin—somewhat like an unbroken blister on your foot. The lump can be tiny, or quite large.
What do cinch sores look like?
Cinch sores or galls are spots on the skin, usually right behind the elbow, where the cinch or cinch buckle has rubbed the wrinkled and sweaty skin in that area until a sore develops. These sores, also called galls, are painful to horses like a blister on your foot while you’re taking a hike.
How do you stop cinch sores?
Girth sores are best avoided by using materials that slide easily over the skin, such as smooth leather or neoprene; a fleece girth cover may provide a protective alternative. Check that the girth/cinch isn’t bunching up to cause a friction rub and that it hasn’t accumulated abrasive dirt or matted hair.
How long should my girth be?
Girth Sizing Chart
| Horse Height | Long Girth | Short Girth |
|---|---|---|
| 14H to 15H | 42 – 44 | 22 – 24 |
| 15H to 16H | 46 – 48 | 26 |
| 16H to 17H | 50 – 52 | 28 |
| 17H and over | 54 – 56 | 30 – 32 |
What girth should I use?
If you know your horse’s girth size and you need to switch between a long and a short girth, add or subtract 20 inches. For example, if you use a 48-inch girth with your jumping saddle, you should try a 28-inch girth with your dressage saddle.
How to prevent girth galls on horses?
Daily grooming of the horse is essential for his maintenance and to first-hand check on his skin and hair condition. Professional tack fitting will help your horse not to undergo girth galls again. Leather girths need to be cleaned and oiled, so they are soft and not hard against the skin.
Why do I have galls on my girth?
It’s critical that you use eyes and fingers to inspect the girth area and more when you are grooming, before and after a ride. I have seen galls that are inches away from the girth, they result from the wrinkles and sweat and sometimes even dirt, foxtails, or burrs rubbing in the elbow area.
How do you prevent saddle sores and girth galls?
A soft girth or cinch cover can prevent chaffing as well. Sometimes, despite all efforts to prevent girth galls and saddle sores, you may find you can’t seem to prevent them. This happens with horses that have particularly sensitive and thin skin.
What does a gall look like on a horse with saddle soars?
Saddle soars and girth galls may appear as slight rubs where just the hair is missing, or as very inflamed, open, blister-like wounds. The hair may not be rubbed off and the gall or sore may show as a swollen lump under the skin—somewhat like an unbroken blister on your foot.