What type of girth do you prefer?

Question

Just got a new western saddle and need a new girth for it. I will be purchasing 2 girths as a saddle was given to me also. Been looking around and got to wondering what kind most people prefer and why. Neoprene? String? Fleece?

Which do you prefer?

Answer 1

I find the strings really annoying. I really like the neoprene ones. I've had experience with the fleece and neoprene and I (and horse) liked the neoprene better.

Answer 2

I used to use neoprene, but when my oldest horse developed girth sores, I used a fleece.  He seemed to like it a lot better and his sores healed.  The other good thing about the fleece it that they are machiene washable and most of them have elastic on both sides which also make it easier.  It really is up to you.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Neoprene, hate the sting and the fleece isn't as nice for the horse.  My thoughts....

But I use this cause I do alot of Barrels, miles and miles on trails.

Answer 4

I have a sheep-skin lined cinch from Professional's Choice & I love it...of course my horse is allergic to neoprene...but I find it rubs & makes horrid squeaky noises if your horse sweats too much...thats my opinion...my girth is easy to clean to...I just hose it out after every couple rides & it looks almost new (ive had it for almost a year now)

Answer 5

Personally, I prefer the flat surface of a Neoprene girth. - I find that skin can get caught in a string girth and you need to double check and stretch legs to prevent this.

A fleece girth gathers sweat and the need to be washed after each ride, whereas a Neoprene type only needs a wipe over with a wet cloth to clean it.

Answer 6

Leather padded double end elastic.  For horses with really sensitive skin, the best I've found to avoid the chafing problem is string girths, but I only use them for those horses with chafing problems.  I tried Neoprene, because it sounded like a good idea, but it has chafed several horses, and I've since read that it causes heat buildup.  You can use fleece girth covers over the leather girths, which I do, for hygiene purposes, since I use the same girths for several different horses.

When buying a girth, purchase the best quality you can afford.  You don't want to scrimp on this important piece of tack.  Go for ones made in England, Germany, USA (if you can find) or France.  Stay away from leather from South America or India.  (and I would NEVER buy anything made in China, on ethical as well as practical grounds.  Still haven't forgiven them for slaughtering Ferdinand and buying elephant tusks and causing baby girls to be killed).

Oh.. Just realized you said "western saddle".  I was thrown off by your plan to purchase "girths".  Disregard above long-winded answer, as I don't purchase many cinches.  It seems most people I know who ride western use neoprene.

Answer 7

sea biscuit

Answer 8

I've used neoprene, string, and felt girths. I actually really liked my felt girth. I only bought it because it was the only one I could find to fit my little mare, but after I started using it, I liked it a lot. I didn't like neoprene as much as everyone else. They're alright, in my opinion, but not the sheizabeans like everyone else says. I also loved my string girth. It was great. You just have to watch for pinching before you get on.

Answer 9

I use the Professional's Choice barrel racing neoprene cinch and love it. Hate string and fleece, would highly recommend neoprene.

Answer 10

  I use dofferent girths for different reasons. I don't believe there is a girth that is good for every situation but if I had to pick one it would be the neoprene. It probably adapts better than the others.

  When doing reenactments I can't use neoprene because it didbn't exist in 1880.

  I like the fleece girth in cold weather.

Answer 11

I like string girths. The string gives to the strap and the neoprene doesn't. Plus the fleece is uncomfortable.