Surcingle
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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.
[edit] Uses of the Surcingle
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.
[edit] Placement of the Surcingle
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.
