Girth Galls
The wither, back and girth area of a horse is highly sensitive, and if there is excessive movement or inadequate cushioning, the skin is quickly traumatized, abraded or devitalized.
Girth galls are open sores that form just behind a horse's elbow -- may look like minor wounds, but they can be enormously painful to a saddled horse..Galls are created when the girth pinches and rubs loose folds of skin. They typically occur under one or more of the following conditions:
The horse's conformation -- usually an upright shoulder, "mutton" withers and a wide torso -- causes the girth to stay very close behind the elbows no matter where the saddle is initially placed.
A recent tack change or a new saddle may position the girth differently, causing irritation.
The horse is not well conditioned for his current work, leaving the skin vulnerable to damage.
A dirty, stiff or ill-fitting girth concentrates friction on the sensitive, mobile skin behind the elbows.
Treat girth galls with careful cleaning and application of a thick, protective ointment. stop riding the horse (or ride bareback) until the sore heals completely, which can take as long as three weeks.
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