The Girth

[random2]

When I try to put the girth on a horse that I ride, I always put to the 2nd notch the first time. The horse shakes and twitches her head at this, but I am being very gentle. Am I doing anything Wrong?

[*Anna*]

Some horses are sensitive round the girth area - try doing it up on the first hole then come back and do it on the second hole so the horse can get used to it slowly - what does she do when you groom her in that area does she twitch and shake? If it does then its just a case of the horse being sensitive and you are doing the right thing in being as gentle as poss... hope that helped!

[Allie]

My horse sometimes gets real ****y when I am doing up the girth. It is an old habit from a saddle that didn't fit (you might check to make sure your horse's saddle fits). She even gets unhappy with a bareback pad. I just do it really slowly and gently. I tighten it a little, then do the breastcollar, then tighten a little more, and do the back cinch, tighten some more, then brush her mane, tighten some more, etc. You can always just tighten it a hole or two, then walk her around and tighten another hole, etc. The most important thing is that you go slowly and try to be as gentle as possible.

Allie

[Daventry]

I would check and make sure your saddle is fitting your horses back properly.
With a cinchy horse, make sure you do not do up the girth too tight at the beginning.