Girth galls are among the most preventable saddle-related injuries — and among the most frequently recurrent because the underlying cause is not addressed after the immediate sore heals.
Girth galls are skin lesions (from hair loss and redness to open sores) in the girth groove behind the elbow. Caused by friction between the girth and skin from a poorly fitted girth, wrong material, incorrect rigging position, overtightening, or riding with grit and sweat buildup on the girth.
A girth not conforming to the horse's girth groove creates edges that rub. Horses with a deep girth groove do better with a contoured or shaped girth than a straight barrel girth.
Hardened leather creates rough edges. Synthetic materials trap moisture and heat, softening skin and increasing friction damage.
Rigging that pulls the front cinch into the elbow area with forward movement creates constant friction with every stride. The front cinch should clear the elbow by at least two finger-widths in motion.
A cinch overtightened to compensate for poor saddle fit concentrates excessive pressure on the girth groove skin. A correctly fitted saddle should not require an extremely tight cinch.
Sweat salts and dirt on the girth surface act as an abrasive with every movement. Clean girths after every ride or at minimum every few rides during heavy work.
Some horses, particularly finer-coated Thoroughbred crosses, have more sensitive skin. These horses may develop galls from conditions that would not affect a thicker-skinned horse.
David Solum has been evaluating saddle fit problems for 40+ years. Call, text, or email him directly — he can advise on whether it's a fit issue, a tree problem, or a saddle you should replace.
See also: Free Saddle Tools · How to Fit a Western Saddle · Parts of a Western Saddle · How to Buy a Certified Used Saddle