Customizable Mattès short girth — choice of sheepskin and color
Taxes included.
Shipping costs calculated at checkout.
Why sheepskin?
The lambskin cover is not for the rider’s comfort: it works for the horse. Its fibres distribute the girth’s pressure instead of concentrating it along a ridge, and eliminate friction where the skin is thin and moves with every stride.
It can be removed, washed and replaced. That is why the cover can also be ordered separately: the girth lasts for years, while the cover wears out. You only repurchase the part that has been used.
Lambskin must not be cared for like a textile: ordinary detergent dries it out. The method can be summed up in three lines — see “How do you care for sheepskin?” below.
What shape for your horse?
The shape is chosen based on the horse’s conformation: the position of the girth groove and the line of the body.
- Anatomical — for a horse with a well-defined girth groove. Slightly contoured at the front and back, around the elbows.
- Asymmetrical — for a horse whose girth groove is close to the elbows or not very pronounced. The cutout provides ample clearance around the elbows. The horse gains greater freedom of movement.
- Half-moon — for a short-backed horse with rounded ribs or a narrow chest, where the girth tends to slide forward. The curve prevents this and frees the elbows.
- Athletico — for an athletically built horse that tapers toward the rear. The cut prevents the saddle and girth from sliding backward.
If you are unsure, our size guide explains how to measure and choose the shape—and we will confirm your configuration with you before production begins.
A girth designed for your horse, not for a standard size. You choose the shape suited to its build, the length to the nearest centimetre, and every colour: the preview updates with each click, so you can see your girth before ordering it.
The sheepskin cover is not intended for the rider’s comfort: it works for the horse. The fibres distribute pressure instead of concentrating it on a ridge, and eliminate rubbing where the skin is thin. It can be removed, washed and replaced — the girth lasts for years, and you only need to buy the part that has worn out.
What you can configure:
- 4 shapes — anatomical, asymmetrical, half-moon and athletico, depending on the position of the girth groove and the horse’s body line
- 15 lengths, from 50 to 120 cm
- 38 fabric colours, 33 sheepskin colours and 57 piping colours, freely combinable
- Removable or sewn-on sheepskin cover
- Optional: Silver Reflex reflective piping, buckle guards and girth elastics
The complete girth can also be ordered as separate pieces: the base girth alone, or the sheepskin cover alone to replace one that has reached the end of its life.
Each item is made to order in the Mattès workshop in Poland. We confirm your configuration with you before production begins: any uncertainty about the length can be resolved by sending us a message, rather than by returning the item. Allow approximately one month.
About Mattès ...
How do you care for sheepskin?
Everyday care — let the girth dry, then brush the sheepskin with a stiff brush to remove dried sweat. That is the essential care it needs.
From time to time, or as soon as it gets dirty, machine-wash it with a special sheepskin detergent. These detergents clean and recondition the sheepskin, just as you grease a saddle’s leather: this is what ensures the sheepskin’s longevity.
Never use ordinary detergent or fabric softener. Standard detergent dries out the sheepskin: it cracks, and the sheepskin eventually tears away. This is the only real way to damage a Mattès cover.
Your girth comes with a care booklet and a detergent sample. We also sell the appropriate detergent — feel free to order some with your girth.
