Piaffe's Guide to Mattes Girths

AuGUST 26, 2024

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When it comes to ensuring your horse's comfort and performance, selecting the right girth is just as crucial as a correctly fitted saddle. Mattes, renowned for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, offers a range of girths tailored to meet the unique needs of every horse. 

 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the different girth shapes available and provide tips on how to measure your horse correctly for the perfect fit.

Why Mattes?

Mattes girths are not just about fit; they’re about comfort, performance, and durability. Each girth is hand-crafted with the highest quality materials, including a washable sheepskin cover, which provides natural cushioning and breathability. The innovative design with four different shapes for varying horse conformation ensures that pressure is evenly distributed in a way appropriate to a horse's build, reducing the risk of soreness and enhancing your horse’s overall comfort.

 

Investing in a Mattes girth or cinch means investing in your horse’s well-being. Whether you’re competing at the highest levels or enjoying a leisurely trail ride, the right girth can make all the difference.

Understanding Mattes Girth Shapes

Mattes offers a variety of girth shapes, each designed to address specific conformational considerations and saddle fitting challenges:

Anatomical

For horses with a well-defined girth groove, far enough away from the elbow. The girth is contoured a little at the front and back around the elbow area. (Girth is reversible)

Commonly Used For: Modern sporthorses and warmbloods

ASYMMETRIC

Ideal for horses with a forward girth groove, this design positions the saddle more securely without pulling it forward onto the shoulder. This helps to maintain better balance and comfort during rides.

Commonly Used For: Uphill, high withered horses; large shoulders

ATHLETICO

Designed for wedge-shaped horses with a well-developed chest, the Athletico girth features a unique shape that allows for greater freedom of movement, particularly in the shoulders. It's perfect for horses that require additional room to perform at their best.

Commonly Used For: Thoroughbreds and thoroughbred crosses

CRESCENT

For horses with a broader ribcage and a tendency to have the girth slide forward, the crescent shape provides a secure fit without causing discomfort. This design ensures that the saddle stays in place, even on horses with a more rounded barrel.

Commonly Used For: Arabians, cobs, typey Baroque horses, stock breeds
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"My horse is so happy with his Mattes girth! Mallory assessed him at a show and fitted this girth for him. He has so much more room for movement and is much more comfortable!"

JULIA R.
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Interior Girth Types and Materials

In addition to the various shapes, Mattes also offers different girth types to suit specific preferences and needs. All Mattes girths feature double elasticized ends, as well as D-rings.

SLIMLINE

A sleek, low-profile design that reduces bulk with a leather interior while still providing the necessary support and comfort from sheepskin. The Slimline girth is ideal for riders looking for a girth that maintains close contact with their horse while ensuring maximum comfort.

COTTON

The practical choice for everyday riding. Made from high-quality cotton, these girths are durable and easy to maintain. They provide a comfortable fit and are perfect for riders who prefer a more traditional material that is both breathable and soft against the horse's skin.

Measuring + Fitting

To ensure the best fit for your horse, it is essential to not only find the correct shape, but to also make sure the girth is the appropriate length for your horse's conformation and your saddle. Too many riders use girths that are far too short, resulting in rubs, girth galls, and cranky horses; it is absolutely critical that the buckles sit well above the horse's elbow to prevent rubbing and saddle shifting, and to allow freedom of the shoulder and ribcage!

1. Before you start

Always measure girth length on a saddled and girthed horse. Both sides of the girth must be buckled evenly.

2. MEASURING

Measure from the lower edge of the saddle flap on one side to the same point on the other side. For a long girth, this is your length; round up to the nearest 5 or 10cm.

3. SHORT GIRTHS

For a dressage/short girth, subtract 30cm from the length you measured in Step 2. Use the same rounding rules.

MEASUREMENT EXAMPLE:

Flap-to-Flap Measurement: 101 cm

Final Long Girth Length: 105 cm
Subtract: 101 - 30 cm = 71 cm
Final Short Girth Length: 75 cm

Unsure about which shape and size to choose?
Contact us for a free consultation with our in-house saddle fitter!

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right girth is a critical component of your horse's comfort and performance. With a variety of shapes and types available, it's important to select a girth that aligns with your horse's conformation. By understanding the different Mattes girth shapes and types, and knowing how to measure your horse correctly, you can make an informed decision that benefits both you and your horse.

 

At Piaffe, we know that finding the perfect girth can be challenging, especially with so many options available! That's why we offer personalized assistance to help you determine the right size and fit for your horse -- Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just beginning your riding journey, we're here to ensure that your horse is comfortable, secure, and ready to perform at their best. Click the button above to contact us at any time with fit and size questions!

Shop Mattes Girths
Mattes Girth Covers

Mattes Girth Covers

$175.95
Mattes Athletico Girth

Mattes Athletico Girth

$223.95
Mattes Crescent Girth

Mattes Crescent Girth

$223.95
Mattes Asymmetrical Girth

Mattes Asymmetrical Girth

$223.95
Mattes Anatomical Girth

Mattes Anatomical Girth

$223.95
Custom Mattes Long Slimline Girth

Custom Mattes Long Slimline Girth

$199.95
Custom Mattes Short Slimline Girth

Custom Mattes Short Slimline Girth

$175.95
Custom Mattes Long Cotton Girth

Custom Mattes Long Cotton Girth

$183.95
Custom Mattes Short Cotton Girth

Custom Mattes Short Cotton Girth

$159.95