I have the TSF. The top leather is stiff and not really good quality IMO. The leather against the horse is softer and nicer. I have had mine for 2 years. It gets used 3-4 times a week. My horse loves to play in creeks when we trail ride which is on average once a week. I am not super consistent about how often or how well I clean my tack. I have had no cracking.
I will admit I think the synthetic would be nice since I do find the TSF in leather to be a very stiff girth.
I have the synthetic Fairfax (Prolite) I really like it and so does my horse. My only complaint is I find the upper keepers are a touch narrow for my billets and being synthetic, that won’t change. So its always a bit of a struggle to get the billets threaded.
Its a minor quibble, I wouldn’t trade it.
per my saddle fitter, be careful with anatomic girths… Be sure they are not putting uneven pressure on the horse’s under-line. I have tried a few with my mare and they all end up putting more pressure towards the front, where the “bump” is. With the girth tightened, I could get a finger or three under the back of the girth, and nothing under the front. I currently am riding her in a shaped Montana Cincha mohair girth, and she seems to like it.
I have a hunter TSF and dressage TSF girth. Love them both. Oil the outside and just clean the inside. Never had cracking or issues. Mine are both 3 years old now. Keeps my saddles in place perfectly.
