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Surcingle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A surcingle is a leather, nylon, or neoprene strap that fastens around a horse's girth area. It has many rings attached, running from the ribcage up to the withers area.
The surcingle is most commonly used for longeing, mainly to attach training equipment such as side reins, lauffer reins (sliding side reins), and chambons. A surcingle is also important in long reining, as it provides rings for the long reins to run through. Double longeing, using two longe lines, requires the use of a surcingle to thread the longe lines through the rings. Many trainers first teach a young horse to accept girth pressure by strapping on a surcingle before a saddle and girth.
Compared to a saddle, a surcingle provides better adjustment to the adjustment of side reins due to the placement of rings around it. While a saddle only provides one height to attach the rings (the billets), a surcingle allows the side reins to be attached all up and down the sides of the horse.
A surcingle may be used with or without a saddle.
When used with a saddle, the surcingle wraps around over the seat area near the pommel. The stirrups are usually removed to allow the surcingle to lie flat.
When used without a saddle, a surcingle sits just behind the withers. A surcingle should be used with a pad, and fit to the horse's back as carefully as a saddle would be.