The best short dressage girths support your horse’s movement, reduce pressure and improve comfort under a dressage saddle. Nowadays, anatomical girth designs are far popular, with cutaways for elbow clearance and wide panels to spread pressure at the sternum. And picking the right girth to complement your horse and his dressage saddle can help prevent rubbing, pinching, and tension – all of which can affect performance and relaxation.
In this guide, I’ve highlighted the top-rated short girths for dressage horses on the market, from premium designs to budget-friendly basics – because let’s face it, dressage is expensive enough already. I’ve focused on comfort, fit and features that really make a difference in how your horse feels and moves.
Best short dressage girths H&H’s quick guide
Best budget dressage girth: Hy Equestrian Waffle
Best all-round girth under £120: LeMieux Gel-Tek Anatomic Curve
Best dressage girth for sensitive horses: Stübben Equi-Soft
Best high-performance short dressage girth: Fairfax Performance
Hy Equestrian Waffle Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 18–36 in
Reasons to buy
- Elasticated at both ends for improved flexibility and comfort during movement
- Textured material promotes airflow and helps reduce rubbing
- Easy‑clean finish makes it low‑maintenance and budget‑friendly
Reason to avoid
- Simpler build with fewer anatomical or pressure‑dispersing features than higher‑end specialist girths
A solid pick if you’re after a straightforward, good-value dressage girth for everyday use. The dual elastic ends help it move with your horse and keep pressure even, while the textured waffle material boosts airflow and gives a soft, cushioned feel against the skin.
I’ve used more expensive girths, but I keep coming back to this one because it just works. It’s comfortable, easy to clean, and low-maintenance – the kind of girth you don’t mind walking through puddles in on the way to the school. No fuss, no drama, just a reliable everyday option that does the job well.
LeMieux Gel-Tek Anatomic Curve Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 22–30in
Reasons to buy
- Gel and ultra‑soft leather absorb and distribute pressure evenly
- Good clearance for the elbow
- Suppleness from day one
Reason to avoid
- Occasionally runs a little short
If you’re after a girth that offers comfort, quality and a bit more freedom through the front end, this girth is a solid option. The soft leather and built-in gel pockets help reduce pressure, while the curved shape allows room behind the elbow. It’s supple straight out of the box, and holds up well with regular use.
Some riders online have found it runs slightly short, so it’s worth double-checking your measurements, especially if your horse is deep through the girth groove or particularly wide.
Stübben Equi-Soft Dressage Girth
Colours: Black, ebony or tobacco
Sizes: 40–85cm
Reasons to buy
- Elastic rings expand and contract with the horse’s ribcage
- Interchangeable girth pads (leather, neoprene or lambskin) let you tailor the feel and finish
- Excellent build quality and thoughtful design
Reason to avoid
- Premium price point
If your horse gets tense or tight when you girth up, this one’s definitely worth a look. The elastic ring system is a bit different to anything else out there – it’s designed to move with the horse’s ribcage as they breathe and work, which helps reduce pressure spikes and improves comfort through the chest. Several riders say they noticed a softer, more relaxed way of going from the very first ride.
It’s not the cheapest option, and it won’t be for everyone – you’ll want to check that the shape suits your horse’s build to really get the benefit. But for sensitive types or horses who’ve struggled with straight, stiff girths, it’s a bit of a game changer. You can also swap out the girth pad for leather, neoprene or lambskin, depending on what your horse prefers.
Fairfax Performance Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 22–34in standard or 20–32in narrow
Reasons to buy
- Scientifically shaped to reduce pressure and improve the range of movement
- Padded central panel softens pressure
- Smart, handmade finish suitable for competition
Reason to avoid
- Premium price point
If you’re after a girth that goes beyond basic comfort, this one brings serious design pedigree. Developed using pressure mapping and gait analysis, the Fairfax shape is carefully engineered to avoid peak pressure zones and allow your horses ribcage to move freely.
The Prolite-lined central panel acts as a buffer, giving the muscles space to work without restriction – ideal for sensitive types or horses that tighten when girthed. The narrow version is a smart choice for ponies or finer builds where space between the front legs is limited. Sleek, well-made and proven in testing with professionals from British Equestrian’s World Class programme, this is a top-tier pick for performance without compromise.
Collegiate Anatomic Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 20–36in
Reasons to buy
- Internal elastic allows for a flexible, secure fit
- Curved shape gives freedom behind the elbow
- Easy to clean and great value for money
Reason to avoid
- Synthetic material won’t appeal to leather purists
If you want a well-shaped, no-fuss short dressage girth that won’t break the bank, this one ticks all the boxes. The anatomical curve allows more elbow room than a standard straight girth, while the internal elastic helps spread pressure evenly.
For riders who want “fit first, finish second,” this covers all the bases. It’s low-maintenance, easy to clean and does everything you need a dressage girth to do. It won’t look out of place at lower-level competitions either, and the central carabiner is a nice touch.
Hy Equestrian Neoprene Dressage Girth
Colours: Black
Sizes: 18–34in
Reasons to buy
- Neoprene outer offers cushioned contact that’s kind to the horse’s skin
- Strong stainless steel roller buckles
- Excellent value – a budget‑friendly girth that covers the basics
Reason to avoid
- Simplified design means fewer premium features (cut‑away shape, anatomical panels) compared with higher‑end models
If you need a reliable short dressage girth for everyday use that offers comfort and support without breaking the bank, this Hy model ticks all the boxes. The neoprene outer gives the feel of a “soft sleeve” under the saddle, and many riders say it works well on girth‑sensitive horses. Unlike its leather counterparts, it also requires less maintenance and dries quickly after washing.
Just one thing: if your horse has a particularly deep girth groove, a wide chest, or you’re aiming to ride at the higher levels where anatomical shaping could really make a difference, you might eventually want to step up to a girth with more contouring.
Shires Arma Memory Foam Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 22–30 in (and larger sizes available)
Reasons to buy
- Heat-responsive memory foam moulds to your horse’s body for a more bespoke fit
- Anatomical contour shape gives extra space behind the elbows
- Stretch‑resistant nylon webbing makes for a durable build
Reason to avoid
- For flatter or straighter girth grooves, you might prefer a simpler design
The Arma range continues to deliver with this great-value option. If you’re after a girth that offers comfort across the sternum without stretching your budget, this one’s well worth a look. The memory foam padding helps reduce pressure points, which can really benefit horses who are sensitive when girthing up or tend to lose shape under load – it dries quickly too.
The contoured design is aimed at improving movement, but as always, it’s worth checking the fit on your individual horse – especially if they have a straighter girth groove or a flatter build. Still, for everyday comfort and better pressure distribution without stepping into premium prices, it’s a solid pick.
Rhinegold Softee Leather Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: 24–32in
Reasons to buy
- Soft, leather; feels comfortable from day one
- Elasticated ends have more give than other girths
- D‑rings included for training aids
Reason to avoid
- While well-priced, it lacks some of the high-end tech (e.g., specialised foam or gel)
If you’re after a leather short dressage girth that delivers on comfort without the premium price tag, the Rhinegold Softee is a strong pick. The soft, padded leather feels good straight out of the box, and the slight anatomical shape offers freedom of movement without being overly contoured – making it a nice fit for shorter-barreled types.
It’s a great option for everyday schooling or anyone after a dependable leather girth that doesn’t push into high-end territory.
Shires Performance SupaFleece Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 22–30in
Reasons to buy
- Plush lining gives sheep‑skin‑style comfort, and wicks moisture well
- Elastic inserts at both ends, plus roller buckles, make for a flexible fit
- Machine‑washable synthetic fleece makes it low‑maintenance
Reason to avoid
- Doesn’t have the anatomical premium shaping or high‑end materials
Need a leather or tech‑heavy fancy option? This isn’t that. But if you’re after a comfortable, value‑driven short dressage girth that your horse will appreciate, the SupaFleece ticks a lot of boxes. The synthetic fleece gives that cosy feel, the elastics help keep tension even, and it washes and dries very well.
Perhaps if you’re schooling at a high level where ultra‑precise fit counts, you might want to step up to something with deeper anatomical engineering. But for schooling, hacking or everyday use, this girth gives excellent value without compromising on the comfort stuff – it’s a great pick.
Albion Revelation Dressage Girth
Colours: Black
Sizes: 20–34in
Reasons to buy
- Cut‑away, pressure‑dispersing foam core helps reduce pinching around sensitive areas
- High‑quality padded calf‑leather outer delivers a premium, timeless finish
- Customisation options are available, making it a great fit for riders wanting a tailored feel and look
Reason to avoid
- Premium price point means this is likely more of an investment than a routine schooling girth
If you’re ready to move into the more premium options, the Albion Revelation is one of the favourites among professionals. The foam‑core construction and cut‑away section are designed to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. I’ve used them before, and, although it’s hard to tell sometimes when you’re in the saddle, I did think they made a difference in how horses feel – less cinched in, more relaxed.
That said, you’ll want to make sure the girth is fastened symmetrically, or it won’t do the job it’s intended to do, and you’ll need to look after that lovely, soft calf leather. I’d say it’s a good option for competitive riders who’re looking for that extra bit of polish and comfort.
Wow Saddles FreeSpace Dressage Girth
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 20–34in
Reasons to buy
- Patented sternum plate relieves pressure on key muscles for better freedom of movement
- Cushioned centrepiece keeps the girth away from the ribcage, reducing restriction
- Modular design with custom options for buckles, sleeves, and girth strap lengths
Reason to avoid
- The setup might be too expensive or complex for riders not looking for marginal gains
If you’ve got a horse that’s particularly sensitive under the girth or you’re chasing those marginal gains in performance, the FreeSpace is a clever, impressive bit of kit. The rigid sternum plate is held off the horse’s body by a padded cushion, letting the girth straps bridge the pectoral area rather than press into it. The result? Less restriction through the forelimbs and better use of the core – something riders say they can feel as improved lift and stride.
There’s plenty of flexibility in how it’s set up, too – from vegan leather or synthetic finishes to different strap lengths, fits, buckle guards and optional girth sleeves. Just be aware that it’s a technical girth with a premium feel (and price), so it’s likely to appeal most to competition riders or those with horses that need something beyond standard anatomical shaping.
Are anatomical girths better?
They can be – it really does depend on your horse. Anatomical girths are shaped to avoid pressure on sensitive areas, especially around the elbows and sternum, which can make a big difference for horses who get tight or uncomfortable when girthed.
Some horses show an immediate improvement in movement or softness; others feel no different at all. Like most tack, it’s about finding what works for your horse’s body shape and way of going. Not every anatomical girth will suit every horse.
How to choose a dressage girth?
Start with your horse’s shape. Think about how deep the girth groove (the narrowest part of a horse’s body, behind the elbows, where the girth sits) is, how wide or narrow the chest is, and whether there’s enough clearance behind the elbows.
Look for soft materials, even pressure distribution, and enough flexibility to move with the horse. If your horse is girthy, sensitive, or changes shape easily, it’s worth spending a bit more on something with anatomical shaping or specialist cushioning.
And always check the sizing charts – height and barrel shape matter just as much as the length.
Do short girths need to be tight?
They need to be snug – but not cranked right up. With monoflap saddles, especially, it can be tempting to overtighten to stop the saddle moving, but a properly shaped girth with good elasticity shouldn’t need to be done up to the last hole.
Aim for even tension on both sides and check that the buckles sit comfortably above the elbow. A girth that moves with your horse, rather than locking everything in place, is usually the better bet.
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8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability
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