Okay, so I recently purchased my first mono flap jump saddle! Not because I’m going to Rolex or anything, we’re plodding around Tadpole right now because we’re both super green, but because the Stubben Zaria Optimum was the only saddle I could find that actually fit him and my leg. Who knew that when the stirrup bar wasn’t at the horse’s ears you don’t have a chair seat? (jk. I knew that.) So now that I am finally not fighting my saddle to constantly not be in a chair seat, and not be making my horse’s back sore, I am temporarily borrowing a mono flap girth from my sister. The problem is, the girth is too short (22", would probably fit my boy better if it were 24-26"), and it is going to be sold with the saddle that it belongs to, which is on payment plan. So, now to start my hunt for a monoflap girth. I really like the Equisoft girths from Stubben, but their price tag is just tremendous. When I sell my old saddle, I may buy one, because I would love to see if it helps my boy, and the interchangeable pads are a big bonus for me since I do Pony Club as an HB. The interchangeable pads would make my life so much easier with cleaning! So, I’m looking for opinions on what to do for a girth. Should I just splurge and buy the Equisoft? Is there another short girth that has interchangeable pads? Do you buy into the Equisoft’s promises? What do you use? Thank you!!
Have you looked at the Shoulder Relief Girths? They have different models and options. My mare was getting girth galls last year, for the first time since I have owned her (3 yrs.) . I was using the Ovation gel girth. I sprung for the basic SRG model and have been very pleased. I do not have a link, but they are on Facebook, as well as have a website. Mine is a 24" to go with my mono-flap jumping saddle.
I bought the nunn finer passage girth in brown and love it! I’ve since updated to a county monoflap and so have their logic girth which I probably like a bit better since it’s more of the shoulder relief style, but the passage girth was really soft and cushy but really nice quality leather. I think for the price it’s a really good option.
I found this girth, which my husband uses on his monoflap Stubben: https://www.horsetackco.com/pvc-dressage-girth.html#.VOYd78Zj_-Y, the horse loves it (round with big shoulders), and, when I had our independent saddle fitter check it out after purchase, she told me this girth would solve a lot of problems for some of her clientele and she was going to recommend it.
The price sure doesn’t hurt, either, and it’s super-easy to keep clean.
I use the short wintec girths. They can be ordered in brown or black. I’ve been riding in a monoflap for 20+ years with these girths.
I personally like this one: http://www.ovationriding.com/ovation-airform-monoflap-girth-469374
I foxhunt (and event) and you can just hose it off afterwards. It’s so short and under the horse that no one can really tell if it’s synthetic, or leather, or whatever.
I also suggest the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief girth.
the girth is wider for extra comfort and wears well over time in my opinion.
I don’t use my monoflap or girth anymore, but the girth took a real beating in the year and a half I used it. It would always look brand new as soon as I wiped it off!
and the price tag is pretty reasonable in my opinion.
Another vote for TSF - it’s soft, has well rounded edges, is nice leather and holds up well. I’ve never seen one of those stubben girths in person but no WAY I’d be keen on cleaning it. Too many nooks and crannies! I also think it’s ugly as sin but hey, I’m not buying it. I do know someone who swears it made a big difference for her princess mare.
http://www.ovationriding.com/ovation-airform-monoflap-girth-469374
Loved it for my monoflap./
I absolutely love the VenTech girths from Professional’s Choice. I’ve used mine for years until recently discovering my L’Apogee needed to sit further back so I bought the synthetic TSR girth. I love that the Pro Choice girths are soft and flexible. I used their western girths for years too and never had a horse get a single mark. The TSR isn’t nearly as soft, but my horse doesn’t hate it and it works for us.
