Girth Recommendations?

[LarkspurCO]

If you’re concerned about the texture and feel of the neoprene against the skin (ick) you might consider an EquiStretch Girth Sock. It’s stretchy enough to fit over the TSF girth, but may not work on the Fairfax/Prolite. I’m using it on my leather Albion with the foam padding in the center and it works just fine. Helps keep the girth clean too.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/equistretch-girth-sock/p/X1-01614/

[RedHorses]

Well really, if you think about it, it’s more like neoprene over a T-shirt than against the skin (since horses have hair, right? ).

And thinking about it, I don’t mind wearing a neoprene knee brace that sticks to me. It bugs me when it doesn’t stick, and slides out of place. I sweat under it, but I don’t notice it while I’m doing things.

[Lord_Helpus]

What about the TSF anatomical stretch tec girth? Does the elastic in the center really make a difference or is it just a gimmick?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGJ6T9A/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g200_i1_sh

[LarkspurCO]

I finally got my horse back to work after three months of foot issues, so last week I ordered the Total Saddle Fit StretchTec girth. I wanted to wait until I knew I could ride before trying it out, in case I needed to return it in 30 days.

So far I am very impressed with it. My horse seems really happy, moving forward more freely right from the start, and he’s not trying to bite me or buck me off. My saddle is staying secure without the girth being very tight at all.

I’m actually rather surprised. This girth doesn’t look or feel like it should work at all. It just fits together oddly and I can’t wrap my brain around how it works, and can’t understand why the two layers don’t work against each other, with the velcro attachment between them.

I was skeptical putting it on my horse the first time, but he says he likes it, and he has the final say.

If anyone is considering this girth, it is definitely worth a try.

[MelanieC]

I had a mohair endurance girth for my Arab, who takes a 22. It stabilizes the saddle very well, but with the (ahem) favorable exchange rates with the UK after Brexit I ordered a Prolite (synthetic version of Fairfax) and like it very much. It isn’t exactly neoprene - it’s kind of “drier” feeling and seems slightly more porous. It’s softer and not as rubbery. My gelding seems to like it and the narrow gauge fit him very well in the same size as his old girth. It does extend about 2" past the buckles so if your girth is very close to your flaps you may need to size down. I paid $60 less than I would have if I’d bought it domestically and that includes international shipping.