What is an Overgirth?

What is an Overgirth?

The overgirth is essential when racing or going cross country. It is a safety tool to keep the saddle in place in case the girth or girth straps break. It fits over the saddle and the buckle secures under the horse’s belly. Made by Shepherds of 2″ nylon webbing with a single buckle with one elasticated end.

How do you use an Overgirth?

Position the buckle on the overgirth on the left side at approximately halfway down the side of the horse, usually equal with the bottom of the blanket. Adjust the overgirth so that it fits snug over the main girth by pulling the strap tightly through the buckle in an upward motion. Secure the buckle.

How do you measure an Australian girth?

To find your size measure your girth buckle end to buckle end. The longer girth, the All purpose or Jump girth, this is designed to fit saddles with the girth straps buckling up under the saddle flap. The spacing suggestion does not apply to any saddle that uses a long (AP/Jump) girth.

What are Australian saddles used for?

The saddle is suitable for cattle work, starting young horses, everyday pleasure riding, trail riding, endurance riding, polocrosse and is also used in Australian campdrafting competitions and stockman challenges.

How should an Australian saddle fit?

The wider the saddletree, the lower the front of the saddle will sit. Ideal Fit – The front and back of this saddle is level, distributing the rider’s weight evenly over the horse’s back. Don’t just consider the front and back of the saddle, also look at the seat itself.

Can you use an English girth with an Australian saddle?

Not easily. The billets on most of the Australian saddles I’ve seen are 1.25″, and the norm for English billets is 1″ – so the English girth won’t fit on to the strap.

Are Aussie saddles good?

The Australian saddle combines features of both for an extremely comfortable ride that can easily take you through rough terrain. It has a low seat with knee pads for added security, and the stirrup is a bit farther up than that of a Western saddle. This gives you a deep, comfortable way to sit for an extended period.

Do you post in an Australian saddle?

If you normally ride in a 17″ english saddle, then you need a 17″ Australian saddle. Having a larger seat size will allow you to post in your saddle if you tend to post or stand in your stirrups. Some riders like the poleys right against their thigh, and will choose a snug fit.

What is the difference between a western saddle and an Australian saddle?

The position of the rigging dees on a Western saddle tend to place the saddle further down the horses back when compared to the position an Australian stock saddle takes on a horses back. This means that when girthed up the saddle is in a more forward position and the rider weight is more over the horses shoulders.