Why you should try the Stübben Equi-Soft Girth!
The Equi-Soft girth is widely praised for its exceptional comfort and clever engineering. The unique elastic ring system allows the girth to expand and contract naturally with the horse’s breathing and movement, preventing the pressure spikes which can be caused by traditional girths. This results in greater freedom through the ribcage, reduced muscular tension, and fewer signs of discomfort such as pinning ears, ‘girthiness’, or a restricted stride. Riders often notice horses working more confidently and relaxed through their top line. Paired with interchangeable pads to suit every skin type, the Equi-Soft girth is a brilliant choice for horses who deserve maximum comfort and performance support. Don’t forget we offer a hire on the Equi-Soft Girth, the link and details are at the bottom of this blog!
How do I measure correctly for any Stübben girth, including Equi-Soft?
Firstly, place the saddle pad and the saddle on your horse. With another person stood at your horse’s side, drop a soft tailors tape measure from the bottom of one billet strap, under the barrel of your horse and you then take it to the bottom of the billet on your side. This gives you an approximate girth length.
For the Equi-Soft, we recommend that when it is fitted, the buckles sit roughly a hand to a hand and a half above the elbow. This allows the elastic segments to freely function. The Equi-Soft is measured from buckle to buckle and in centimetres. They are also size stamped on the actual girth.
Typical size ranges:
- Short girths: 40–85 cm
- Long girths: 100–150 cm
Both are generally available in 5 cm increments, whilst we hold a good stock, we are always happy to order in sizes which are on the end scale of the sizes.
Remember to tighten the girth evenly on both sides.
Do I need to size the Equi-Soft® girth differently than a normal girth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, as the correct length depends on the horse and saddle setup. Generally riders find that their normal girth length works well. Just remember if your current girth has elastic ends, it is likely to have stretched over time! Often worth measuring the actual girth than going off the stamped size on it.
Is a stud girth necessary for jumping?
This is a common question we get asked. We recommend that if you jump with studs or your horse risks catching a hoof against the girth area, then we would strongly advise going for the Stud Girth model. For lower fences, pole work etc, where it is highly unlikely that your horse is going to ‘stud’ itself, the standard Equi-Soft Girth can be used without any issue.
How tight should the Equi-Soft® girth be?
The girth needs to be snug enough to keep the saddle stable, while still allowing the elastic to move naturally with the horse’s breathing. Over-tightening removes the pressure-relieving benefit and effectively turns it into a regular girth, so aim for a secure but elastic fit. We recommend that you should be able to slide your fingers in between the girth straps on your Equi-Soft and the leather that your insert will fix on to.
Which padding material should I choose?
The Stubben Equi-Soft Inserts are available in leather, neoprene and lambskin. All are soft, washable, and friendly to the horse’s skin. For particularly sensitive horses, lambskin is the preferred option. The neoprene is a great option if you have problems with your saddle moving. Please note, it will not make a badly fitted saddle fit your horse!
How should I care for my Equi-Soft® girth?
Clean the leather components as you would a saddle — use leather soap followed by conditioner.
Lift the rubber rings gently to clean beneath, and wipe suede parts with a damp cloth.
Avoid machine-washing the girth itself, as overly dry leather may rub and create sores.
Stubben Equi-Soft Insert Care:
Neoprene:
- Machine wash at 30°C on gentle
- Use a wash bag
- Keep away from Velcro items
- Air dry (no tumble dryer, no direct sun)
Leather:
- Treat with leather care products
- Never machine wash
- Air dry naturally (avoid heat and sunlight)
Lambskin:
- Hand wash with wood-safe soap
- Air dry naturally (avoid heat and sunlight)
- Do not tumble dry
- Brush with a wool card if it needs fluffing up
How do I ensure the tension is evenly distributed?
Position the girth so the middle lies over the horse’s natural girth line. Tighten up equally on both sides to spread pressure properly. This might be easier if there are two people to start with. Once you know which holes you use on your horse, it will be easier and easier every time you tack up.
Why we think you should try the Equi-Soft Girth.
The Equi-Soft® girth is a fantastic investment for any horse owner looking to improve comfort, freedom of movement, and overall performance. Its revolutionary elastic design helps prevent pressure points, allowing the horse to breathe and move naturally, which often results in happier, more relaxed work under saddle. Ideal for sensitive horses or riders seeking the best in fit and comfort, it’s a piece of tack that truly makes a difference. And if you’re unsure whether it’s the right choice for your horse, we offer a convenient HIRE SERVICE so you can try the Equi-Soft® girth before committing—giving you complete confidence in your purchase.
