girth (redirected from girth (2) gall)

girth

1. the greatest circumference of the chest in horses and dogs, just behind the withers, shoulder and elbow.

2. the leather strap that completes the enclosure of the horse's girth by the saddle and keeps the saddle in place. There are a multitude of patterns all designed to prevent slipping and avoid causing girth galls.

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girth (2) gall

a skin abrasion on the chest just behind the elbow of a horse caused by pressure or movement of the girth while being ridden. Caused by sharp edges of the girth, girth adjusted too tightly or too loosely or a poor conformation of the horse.

girth (2) itch

dermatitis behind the elbow in the horse. Due usually to ringworm, the infection being transmitted by the girth strap.