Dressage girth / sheepskin conundrum

[Circe2]

Questions for all you wise people:
What dressage girth do you currently use, and is it integrated with sheepskin, or do you have a separate pad you use with it? Would you recommend using it?

Thinking of replacing mine (integrated) as it’s aged rather badly, and the boy’s rather sensitive in that area. Currently I’m at the lower end price-wise, but was looking to spend a bit on a really nice girth, say £100-£300.

Generally looking for your opinions on the following..
- is it durable/does it wear well, especially after repeated washes (with the appropriate cleaner/conditioner)?
- easy to clean?
- part elasticated?
- allow ample space for movement?
- comfortable for sensitive/thin-skinned horses?

Girths/brands that have caught my eye include Christ (integrated), Schockemohle Pandora + pad, Stubben Equi Soft + pad, Amerigo Protector + pad, BR (integrated), and potentially something by Equipe or Albion, though I’m not sure if there are pads to match with these (as I couldn’t find any integrated options).

Thanks a million in advance!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I love my Mattes asymmetrical dressage girth. The quality and fit has been great. I've had it for years. I wash it in Melp then give it a brush out with a dog brush (slicker) and it is good as new.

You just remove the sheepskin portion, there is a "girth" portion, and throw it in the wash/hand wash. Quite simple.

I got mine new off of eBay for a good price as someone bought it, but never used it.

I do have a LeMieux integrated girth as an extra girth but I don't like the integrated feature, actually. It's not a bad girth, and I got it on sale, but not my first choice.

 

[Circe2]

I love my Mattes asymmetrical dressage girth. The quality and fit has been great. I've had it for years. I wash it in Melp then give it a brush out with a dog brush (slicker) and it is good as new.

You just remove the sheepskin portion, there is a "girth" portion, and throw it in the wash/hand wash. Quite simple.

I got mine new off of eBay for a good price as someone bought it, but never used it.

I do have a LeMieux integrated girth as an extra girth but I don't like the integrated feature, actually. It's not a bad girth, and I got it on sale, but not my first choice.

Thank you for this - I’ve just had a look and they look brilliant (the style I had envisaged)! I knew Mattes did good girth pads, but didn’t realise they also made girths. Also seems to be really reasonably priced, which is a bonus..!

 

[saddlesore]

Pro choice with lambs wool ? it detaches for washing

 

[criso]

I've got a christ integrated one, don't use the dressage one atm as don't have a dressage saddle but in terms of how they wear, my gp one is i think 9 years old, gets used as an everyday girth, washed regularly and still going strong. Also mine is black so a bit more subtle than natural on a dark horse.

 

[Circe2]

I've got a christ integrated one, don't use the dressage one atm as don't have a dressage saddle but in terms of how they wear, my gp one is i think 9 years old, gets used as an everyday girth, washed regularly and still going strong. Also mine is black so a bit more subtle than natural on a dark horse.

I’ve always thought the Christ girths look extremely comfortable (like I could curl up and sleep on them), so I’m glad to hear a good review, and that they’re durable despite being integrated!

Considering that they’re also very well priced next to Amerigo, Equipe et al (and the boy doesn’t have any issues re shape), I’m definitely interested..

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I'd buy either Christ or Mattes. I have sheepskin products from both and have been very pleased. I don't think you can really go wrong with either. I just stumbled upon the Mattes girth first. Mine is Anthracite as I don't like bright sheepskin.

 

[criso]

Don't know what size you are looking for but there's a couple on ebay atm.