About Girth Galls
Girth Galls are sores which develop due to friction between the girth, or harness and the horse or pony.
Causes of Girth Galls
Girth galls can develop when a horse has particularly soft skin or can develop due to a dirty or hard girth being used or the girth has been placed on a dirty horse. The hair and skin is rubbed by the girth and a swelling or small lump appears resulting in discomfort for the horse and if left untreated can develop into open sores.
Prevention of Girth Galls
Thoroughly grooming a horse or pony and using a soft, clean girth will prevent the formation of Girth Galls. Horses or ponies with soft skin or where the horse or pony is unfit will need short riding sessions at first to toughen up the skin in order to prevent the formation of Girth Galls.
Treatment of Girth Galls
Girth Galls should be treated as a minor wound and once healed the skin can be hardened by dissolving 2 heaped teaspoonfuls of salt in a pint of warm water and applying this to the skin. During treatment of Girth Galls the horse or pony should not be ridden as this will aggrevate the condition.
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