Understanding Girth Galls in Horses
Girth galls are a common health issue in horses that manifest as swellings or areas of soreness around the region where the girth, a strap attaches the saddle to the horse, is fastened.
Causes of Girth Galls
There are several factors contributing to the development of girth galls. The most common are:
- Overly Tight Girthing: Over-tightening of the girth can create pressure points and lead to swellings.
- Loose Girthing / Soft Condition: Conversely, a girth that is too loose or in a worn-out state can lead to friction against the horse’s skin, resulting in sores.
- Hard Girth Material: Girths made from rigid, non-breathable material can irritate the horse’s skin, leading to girth galls.
Treatment for Girth Galls
For any swellings, one should provide a gentle massage to reduce inflammation. An effective dressing can be concocted with lead acetate and zinc sulphate; two teaspoons of each dissolved in approximately one third of a litre (or one and a half pints) of water can create a soothing lotion. On the other hand, rubs or sores should be treated like any typical wound to promote healing. Take note, it’s crucial to not saddle the horse until the skin has returned to its normal state.
Preventing Girth Galls
The best tactic in managing girth galls is prevention. This is especially important for horses with body shapes that are predisposed to gall easily. An effective safeguard can be a girth sleeve made from sheepskin or another suitable synthetic material, which can be wrapped around the girth at the part that tends to rub against the horse. For instances where the saddle consistently slides forward, a crupper— a strap attached to the cantle of the saddle that forms a loop for the tail—can provide stabilization.
Furthermore, bear in mind that many horses tend to “blow themselves out” during girthing or inflate their belly, which may lead to a loose girth once the horse exhales later. Therefore, it’s advised to tighten the girth soon after mounting, as well as check and adjust it as needed when routine exercise lasts for more than two hours.
Addressing Saddle Galls in Horses
Saddle galls are a common occurence in horses, characterized by swellings or abrasions on the regions in contact with the saddle. The primary cause of these are incorrect saddle fit, loose girthing, and improper riding techniques.
What Causes Saddle Galls?
There are a multitude of factors causing saddle galls, including:
- Poorly-Fitting Saddles: Saddles that do not align well with the horse’s back contour can cause rubbing and pressure points, leading to saddle galls.
- Slack Girthing: Similar to girth galls, a loose girth allows the saddle to move and rub against the horse’s skin causing discomfort and possibly, abrasions.
- Unbalanced Riding: An unstable riding style can also lead to uneven pressure distribution, resulting in saddle galls.
Treating Saddle Galls
Once detected, saddle galls need proper attention for recovery. The horse should be rested and the saddle should be removed until the back is completely healed in order to avoid recurrence. During this recovery period:
- Start Abrasions Treatment: Treating abrasions using topical wound treatments (such as Gall Lotion) help in expedited healing.
- Soothing Swellings: A simple and effective home remedy for soothing swellings involves bathing the area with a mild saltwater solution (a teaspoon of salt diluted in half a litre or a pint of water).
Prevention of Saddle Galls
In certain horses, especially those with thin skin, are more susceptible to developing pressure sores. To prevent this,
- Skin Thickening:
With regular application of Witch Hazel or Surgical Spirit to the parts of the skin in contact with the saddle (like withers and back), it can gradually thicken, reducing the risk of saddle galls.
However, it’s to be strictly noted that these products should not be applied if a pressure sore is already present, as they are likely to cause stinging and further irritation.
By understanding the causes, treating effectively and focusing on prevention, saddle galls can be adequately managed or even avoided.
