Anatomic girths

[egontoast]

Which one do you like best that is not too expensive? Anyone have the Ovation Gel girth? Do you like it or is it a case of 'you get what you pay for?'

Looking for recommendations for best value for cost.

PS I did a search but did not find this specific question.

[dressagediosa]

I like the Albion girth. The curve fits horses well - much better than the goofy County one - and there's elastic on both sides.

[nhwr]

I just purchased this girth about a week ago
http://www.nunnfiner.com/The-Piaffe-Dressage-Girth-p/41piaffe.htm

I found it at my local tack store for about $85. I really like it a lot. Beautiful leather with lots of padding. My horse seems quite happy with it it too :)

The other girth I really like is the Kiefer Wallstreet. Had one for years but someone "borrowed" it and it never came back. I think they are on close out at Dressage Extensions, but they are still pretty pricey.

[angel]

Of all the so-called contoured girths, the one that fits the best on any horse is a plain, string girth.

[pintopiaffe]

When I was using treeless, my stupid wide, round, flat ayerab with the very forward girth groove and withers that go on for months needed an anatomic girth. It made a significant difference, with just a normal sheepskin pad I had NO slipping--forward/back OR side-to-side-- and even my slothlike self could mount from the ground in an emergency. :yes:

I found one from the UK, advertised on Ebay for treeless saddles. No brand mark on it at all. I LOFF it. It is the coated neoprene, (think the inside of SMB boots, or the old fashioned splint boots with the sort of fine 'knit' material outer) with pockets for the billets and double elastic. Not *cheap* at around $60 including shipping, but not 3 or 4x that either for the Logic. It came in limited sizes, like I think only 20, 24 & 28". I can dig up the lady's email if you think you might be interested. I don't think it's going to be terribly different than the Ovation. (which I've had a hard time finding lately--linkety link?)

In Canada y'all have the Ronja. I covet me one, though haven't actually tried. Nunn Finer's new ones look good too, and middle range priced. I've NEVER had a product of theirs I didn't like.

The thing is, I want the anatomic, with humane ends, and *elastic in the middle.* I want it all! I seriously don't get why someone hasn't done that yet.

[neVar]

yup we have the ronja which is great. There is also the Skyline equine now up here. though i personally preger the ronja (though i haven't got one in stock they hav ebeen back ordered :( ) quality is right on i'd say the sky line is a bit nicer- but i like the shape of the ronja better at this time (I think the sky line may change a bit in the future)

[egontoast]

I don't want a string girth. It's a matter of conformation. With the horse in question , if you put the saddle where it should go in relation to the shoulder, the billets end up angled forward and eventually the saddle ends up pulled forward. I have to reposition the saddle when this happens.

The anatomic girth *appears* to address this issue so I thought I would try one. The ovation which is sold at VTO is very inexpensive ( around 40 bucks) so I was interested. OK? Anyone have a link to the ronja?

Anyone else tried those or any other girth that addresses this issue?:)

[nhwr]

eggmeister;

One of the things I really like about the Nunn finer girth is the way the straps for buckles work. You can see it better here http://www.nunnfiner.com/v/vspfiles/photos/41PIAFFE-2.jpg (http://http//www.nunnfiner.com/v/vspfiles/photos/41PIAFFE-2.jpg)

This might be useful in addressing your issue.

[RidesAHaflinger]

I like the Prestige anatomic girth a lot. I've been using mine for more than a year now. I had problems with my saddle slipping forward on my flat-backed, witherless Haflingers and the Prestige girth completely solved the problem for me. I was able to dispense with the tail crupper and breastplate that I had been using to help stabilize the saddle. My saddle does not budge with this girth. The excellent quality of the leather and construction make them well worth the $$$ for me. VTO has about the best price on them; they're around $169 now.

[friesian4me]

I have 2 Ovation Alpha Gels. The ones that are contoured forward. LOVE THEM. I have a 24 and 26. The 26 is about 3 mos. old and I need to buy a 28, so I will be selling it soon.

[neVar]

as far as i know i'm one of the only 'online' shops who carry the ronja... which like i mentioned is totally out of stock so not on my website right now.. you'l find posts on them however on here and the Ultimate dressage if you do a search.

[lstevenson]

I love the Prestige anatomic girth. It's extremely soft and padded.

[Mallard]

I assume you all use a 'short' dressage girth.
Now, what about we folk who have short billets and use a long girth?
Guess I'm not really a DQ....

Nevar...is this 'ronja' available in anatomically correct girths that are long (42" - he's a pony) and also in brown? With elastic both ends? Price?

[lexhex]

I just bought the Collegiate anatomic girth from Dressage Extensions; So far i love it.... and more importantly my horse does too. I found the synthetic girths stretch a little too much and I ride a young horse...:eek:

[atr]

I've been using a County Logic for a couple of years and it has served it's purpose well. However, horsie has a) a new saddle and b) a new waistline now he's developing some sensible abs, rather than his beer belly, and my Logic is now a bit too long. So I bought an Anky on closeout at an amazing but non-returnable price, got it home to find it has no elastic. But horsie seems to really prefer it that way--much happier to be girthed up. Makes me wonder whether the elastic was making his saddle "boing" a bit on his sensitive little flower back, and now we can get everything snugged up so it doesn't move, without actually overtightening.

I'm going to try out a Trilogy (before I shell out for one) before I make my mind up finally on this premise.

I looked at the collegiate, it seemed kinda bulky and stiff to me.

[cheekyhorse]

County Logic here too. Love it! ( but they are around $300)

[Ambrey]

I have the Schleese anatomic girth. Hugely expensive, but Jochen Schleese said I needed it, so who am I to argue? (<---- excuse number 785 to buy an expensive toy).

It's a beautiful girth. Between that and the custom fitted saddle things are much better.

[pintopiaffe]

For long anatomic girths, Dover and SmartPak both have lots of options. SmartPak has one in the just-over $100 range I'm deeply considering, but don't actually have the cash to get.

Any *fancy* H/J catalogue has them.

I have short billets for the leetle-wide guy too. It's a VSD even. I'm so NOT eligible for DQ status. :uhoh:

[jesterjigger]

I just took pictures of my new girth from Albion, you can see them here...

Full length shot
http://www.jesterjigger.com/pictures/sophie/2008/saddlefitting/albioncustom/girthwhole.jpg

Buckles
http://www.jesterjigger.com/pictures/sophie/2008/saddlefitting/albioncustom/girthbuckles.jpg

Side that goes against the horse (it is very soft and feels padded)
http://www.jesterjigger.com/pictures/sophie/2008/saddlefitting/albioncustom/girthsoft.jpg

Center part of the girth...
http://www.jesterjigger.com/pictures/sophie/2008/saddlefitting/albioncustom/girthlogo.jpg

My horse really likes it, so far, I've only ridden with it once.

[neVar]

Most anatomic girths come in 'long' versions as well. (yes we do have long brown in stock- check the website)

[retrofit]

Another vote for Prestige. The quality is incredible.

I used to use County but the leather quality is poor and they crack, despite good care.

I tried a Ronja but they are rather narrow & looked silly on my big guy. Plus I'd rather have a wider weight-distributing area.

I saw the Ovation girth in person (after I bought the Prestige) and I'm glad they are making an anatomic girth in a cheaper material. If memory serves, it's the sticky neoprene like that 'soft touch' girth. Some people love them, some people have problems with girth galls. I have no personal experience with them.

[egontoast]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm going to try the Ovation. I like the neoprene?/waffle type girths. My favourite girth is the same type of material. .

[Ambrey]

Oh, I completely forgot. I have one of the ovation- it's a bit too long for my pony (who requires a 20") but it's a lovely girth. Way nicer than the old Soft Touch girth I have. I think it's a good choice.

[SerenaGinger]

I have two Thorowgood girths and one Ovation. I bought the Thorowgood girths about 5 years ago. I like them a lot and they are holding up well.

Thorowgood girth at Dover's (http://www.doversaddlery.com/thorowgood-airoform-dressage-girth/p/X1-02077/cn/100/)

I just recently bought the Ovation girth, but it isn't the Alfa Gel on Dover. It looks exactly like the Thorowgood. The first billet keeper/guide unstitched itself on the first use and the second billet keeper runs on top of the buckle and gets in the way. It just isn't made as well, but this could be a declining quality control that so many products are suffering from...

[egontoast]

This is the one I'm going to try. It's the shape that interests me to address the issue I mentioned earlier.

I have no idea if it will work well or not.

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=OGDG&Category_Code=G

[Valentina_32926]

Eggy -
My mare's saddle kept moving forward so saddler moved rear girth back and that resolved the problem. Pricey but works. Just wanted to present an alternative. :D

[SerenaGinger]

This is the one I'm going to try.

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=OGDG&Category_Code=G

That one is different than the one that is falling apart on me. :)

Also, if the new girth doesn't help, you can try a Barnsby saddle pad. We had a very sprung-ribbed mare, no withers, with the same issue. This pad helped a lot (didn't try an anatomical girth):
Barnsby saddle pad (http://www.barnsby.com/accessories/barnsby_dressage_grip_pad/?RangeID=)

[Ambrey]

Yeah, between the point billets and anatomic girth, my saddle doesn't slide forward at all anymore! My old saddle used to slide terribly.

[PennyChrome]

I think I must buy a new girth - got a great new saddle, but sits real far back, so I was thinking my mare would appreciate an anatomical girth. How did that Ovation Gel one work? The curve seems a bit off (does it rub elbows?), but the price is definitely right! Other suggestions for under $100? I see Ovation has a more County Logic knockoff one that's leather for about $100, anyone have that? The Nunn Finer looks really nice!

[egontoast]

I was sure I replied to this thread in the last couple days but don't see it. :eek:

The Ovation did not work for us (made no real difference) so I went back to the regular girth but changed the way I attached the girth.

[Velvet]

The girth all my horses love is the Throrowgood Airoform girth. Horses adore the soft feel, and appreciate the elastic on both sides. I love the fact that it's inexpensive and simple to clean (just use water and a brush).

[lovemyrobin]

This is the one I'm going to try. It's the shape that interests me to address the issue I mentioned earlier.

I have no idea if it will work well or not.

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=OGDG&Category_Code=G

I saw you posted that this girth did not work for you. I got this girth last month and it works well for me. My mare has a large barrel but a narrow girth groove and the saddle kept slipping forward--especially after canter work. I was using the Cashel soft Touch, and prior to that a fabric girth. The Ovation girth is working, and the saddle is staying in place. One thing that I do is lightly girth in the stall, then adjust one side in the arena, walk her halfway around the arena and adjust the other side. It seems to help and I get the girth fairly tight without stressing my mare.

[egontoast]

Eqtrainer, my favourite girth continues to be the wintec which is similar to the Thorowgood. Soft,washable, inexpensive and has some stretch to it.:)

[Adelatus]

Do you have the Equiprene Prezzure-Eze girth available like we do here in Australia?

I recently purchased one for the same problem, saddle gets pulled forward due to girth sitting forward of a big ribcage/belly. It's a very wide girth designed for girthy horses.

I'm actually using mine back to front on my horse so that it has a rearward curve. So far it seems to be doing a great job and my saddle does not slip as much, both forward and side to side.

There are plenty of photos on the net if you google the name. It's a neoprene style girth worth about $120 Australian, which would be much cheaper in the states.

I liked the Prestige but no shops here had any in stock and it was outrageously expensive (about $300 Australian). I like the look of that Ovation Gel girth. I will have to keep an eye out to see if they become available over here, as that is exactly the style I need.

[PennyChrome]

I SPLURGED and got the Nunn Finer Piaffe girth at a local shop for $89 and it's fantastic. Though it was expensive for me, it is definitely of the quality of similar more expensive ones, and my horse loves it. Goodbye Wintec!

[Auburn]

I second the Nunn Finer girth. A couple of months ago, I purchased one for my very girthy mare. She no longer makes faces at me. Her elbow has plenty of room to move, now. I loff it! :)

[Invite]

I am so happy to hear the good things about the Nunn Finer anatomic girths. They really piqued my interest, but I wasn't sure how they would be in terms of quality. It's nice to know a relatively reasonably priced girth is actually nice!

[Alibhai's Alibar]

I just purchased this girth about a week ago
http://www.nunnfiner.com/The-Piaffe-Dressage-Girth-p/41piaffe.htm

I found it at my local tack store for about $85. I really like it a lot. Beautiful leather with lots of padding. My horse seems quite happy with it it too :)

Bumping this thread up to give another good review of this girth. It's well-made, it sits nicely during a ride, and horses seem to appreciate it.

[Dressage.For.Life.]

I tied the Prestige girth but didn't like it (the quality was amazing, like my saddle by them, but the girth wasn't what I had in mind). I then tried this one (http://www.doversaddlery.com/cadence-contour-dressage-girth/p/X1-021214/cn/1627/) and it's a sure favorite of mine! Sure the leather isn't the same quality as what Prestige uses, but it's a durable girth and the price is great. It's nicely padded too which was important to me, and it really is anatomically shaped (not just a little curved like some of Prestige's short girths and the large majority of other short girths out there).

[buck22]

The thing is, I want the anatomic, with humane ends, and *elastic in the middle.* I want it all! I seriously don't get why someone hasn't done that yet.
me neither... I got this experimental girth from a now defunct saddler, its got humane ends AND elastic (and its very well made english leather and padded calfskin), but its shaped, not boomerang anatomic: http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c54/buck1173/misc%20tack%20photos/0c81_1.jpg

I only paid $60 for mine, but it was because the company was just getting ramped up.

frank baines makes something similar:
http://www.trumbullmtn.com/Other_Pages/Fittings_pages/girth_pages/drsg_grth.htm

not cheap though.


eta: oh my, just saw how old this thread is lol!