Tensions used on girths on thoroughbred racehorses

OBJECTIVE: To determine commonly used girth tensions in Thoroughbred racehorses in the Melbourne metropolitan area. DESIGN: A prospective industry survey. METHODS: Strappers were instructed to tension girths, using the same saddle, under-saddle packing and girth, sufficiently to hold the saddle for racing. These tensions were continuously recorded by an in-line load cell in the girth. Seventeen strappers from five stables participated in the study, which was conducted on 91 horses. RESULTS: Resting girth tensions varied considerably. The mean tension on inhalation was 13 +/- 0.4 kg. Male strappers recorded higher tensions than females for all indices measured. Age and girth size of the horse did not significantly influence results. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that there is no standard for application of a girth and saddle in the Thoroughbred racing industry and the range of tensions applied was large. Strappers were unable to reliably apply the same tensions between horses. Values recorded at the extremes of the range seem inappropriate for racing conditions as low values would result in slippage of the saddle and higher values may result in girth galls and possible reduction in athletic performance. Further work is necessary to determine the point at which girth tension affects performance.