Dressage Girth question

[BeezerMom]

Is there a proper way to girth up a dressage horse. Like does the girth need to be tightened on a model evenly (like done up the same amount of holes on either side) is this a stupid question? (probably lol)

[DrSteggy]

Not a stupid question!

On a real horse, ideally you are approximately even, mostly to avoid added pressure to one side or the other. On a model horse, this is obviously less of a concern--I'd probably try to make it fairly even for asetheics, but honestly, most people make much larger and more basic errors with dressage that minor tack points rarely enter into the equation while judging...if you show me a model *correctly* set up with a test/movement at a level that is appropriate for the horse (and folks, when guessing, you are better to show at a lower level than a higher one most times...however, your piaffing Erbel won't win as a training level horse either!) what hole your girth is on won't matter a lot as about half the entries I see set up for dressage fail at those basic points.

I hope that did not make things more confusing...your local mileage may vary, but this is how it would work in the northeast/new england area.

Jackie

[BeezerMom]

Thanks Jackie! I am just trying to make sure I have all my bases covered. :hugg