How tight should an english girth be?

Question

I had this guy come out so I can try his horse out. Well the guy was use to western and I am use to english... When I tightend the girth, he said that it was too tight. I was always taught to tighten it as much as possible... Am I wrong? How tight should it be?

Answer 1

You shouldn't tighten it as much as possible. When you have got on and tightened it you should be able to fit your four fingers underneath with them flat against the horses side.

Answer 2

When you feel the girth after you have tightened it for the last time before you get on it should be very snug. I would say you should be able to fit your pinkie finger under the girth and that's it. That way the horse can breathe, but your saddle won't slip.