Schockemöhle Pittsburgh Stretch Girth

Always tighten the girth on both sides, one hole at a time, so the elastic is stretched roughly the same amount on the left and right. That keeps the saddle nicely centred. Check the girth again after a few minutes of walking: leather and elastic settle a little at first.

A new leather girth feels a bit stiff to begin with. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner regularly during the first few weeks and it will soften sooner. If you often ride in the rain or on sand, clean the girth after every ride.

The Pittsburgh Stretch suits riders with a dressage saddle, or another saddle with long billets, who want an anatomical leather short girth with elastic on both sides. It is made for everyday use, all year round.

Prefer no elastic? Take a look at the Schockemöhle Pittsburgh dressage girth without elastic. Looking for a girth you can simply rinse with water? Then the Stübben neoprene Coolmax short girth with elastic is a logical alternative. If your saddle has short billets, as most jumping saddles do, you need a long girth, such as the Schockemöhle Portland anatomical girth.

Fasten the girth to the long billets with the roller buckles and tuck the ends through the loops. Tighten gradually on both sides and check again after a few minutes of walking. Schockemöhle gives no care instructions. After riding, remove sweat and sand with a damp cloth, let the leather dry at room temperature and then apply a standard leather conditioner.

Is the Pittsburgh Stretch a dressage girth?
Yes. It is a short girth for saddles with long billets, which mainly means dressage saddles.

What is the difference from the Pittsburgh without elastic?
Both are anatomical short girths in cow leather with roller buckles and a wider centre. The Stretch has elastic on both sides; the other version has none.

Which size do I need?
Schockemöhle does not state how the size is measured. Measure your current girth from buckle to buckle and choose the closest size, or ask for advice in store.

Does the girth have a lining?
The brand does not mention a separate lining. The girth is made of soft grained leather and the buckles are softly padded.

Can I use this girth with a jumping saddle?
Only if your saddle has long billets. With short billets you need a long girth.

How do I look after this leather girth?
Schockemöhle gives no care instructions. Wipe off sweat and sand with a damp cloth after riding, let it dry at room temperature and treat the leather with a standard leather conditioner.

• The Schockemöhle Pittsburgh Stretch is an anatomical short girth (dressage girth) in soft grained cowhide.
• It is designed for saddles with long billets, such as dressage saddles.
• It is cut back at the elbows, and the wider centre spreads pressure across the chest.
• Elastic on both sides allows gradual tightening.
• The solid roller buckles are softly padded; loops keep the billets in place.
• Available at Maddelin in Black, in 50 cm, 60 cm and 70 cm.