Mohair string. It’s the only thing other than an old school Balding girth that fits my chunky morgan/haflinger without pinching or rubbing. His girth groove is under his elbows, so anything too thick or stiff rubs and pinches. He HATES fuzzy girths, neoprene makes him raw, not a fan of any of the shaped girths I’ve tried either. Tried a lovely mohair string girth and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. I just make sure to hang it to dry and then stretch it by hand periodically throughout the drying process so it doesn’t shrink, and wash in a pillowcase or mesh bag on delicate in cold water with baby shampoo.
I’ve tried other string materials and neither I, nor pony, like them. Mohair is soft, easy to wash, breathable, and has slight natural elasticity. I have shown in it (his is brown to match our saddles and his coat, but you can find them in black and white too) but I do keep two Balding girths on hand (one in “fluffy” size and one in “regular” size, since this style of girth has no elastic or stretch whatsoever) for if we do any showing above schooling or “discovery” (our province’s step below bronze shows but about schooling shows and fairs), or if I’m schooling any sort of water obstacles because the mohair does take some time to dry properly, and nobody likes to use a wet girth!
My western cinch is a “roper” style, mohair cinch as well, and the wider middle really helps hold the saddle steadier than a regular straight cinch too.
