The over-girth is used to provide additional security, usually when riding cross country, incase the main girth breaks or becomes undone. It is also worn to hold the saddle flaps in place, especially when jumping larger fences.
Fold the over-girth in half and place it on the centre of the saddle.
Go around to the offside of the horse and let the over-girth down (ensure you undo the leadrope from the headcollar as you go around the front of the horse).
Return to the nearside.
Adjust the over-girth so it sits in the centre of the saddle. Slide it underneath the stirrups and stirrup leathers.
Bring the buckle part of the over-girth under the horse’s belly, through the martingale loop, ensuring it is sitting on top of the girth.
Fasten at the same tension as the main girth.
To prevent it pinching the horse’s skin, it must be fitted on top of the main girth.
Slide the over-girth around until the buckle of the over-girth is sat under the belly, directly between the horse’s legs.
Check on the offside that the over-girth is fitted over the main girth.
