Girths for forward girth groove?

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chestnut cob

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Took horse to have his saddle checked this week and fitter tells me because of his forward girth groove and rather barrel shaped body, it is causing the saddle to slip forwards. The saddle fits, but once we have a good canter around, it slips towards his shoulder. It only slips by a very small amount, but it is enough to make a difference and he is super sensitive to everything. She thinks he needs an anatomical girth to help keep it in place. Specifically, she wanted to sell me a Fairfax girth. I can't afford one, it is out of the question. So, fitter then tried him in one of those Avacallo grippy, sticky saddle pads (the ones with sticky stuff on both sides, to stick to horse and saddles) as a cheaper alternative. She really liked it on him and said it did the job. I really didn't like the feel of it, and can imagine it becoming quite uncomfortable for the horse. In particular, she said they do make them sweat more. Pony has super sensitive skin anyway, everything rubs him, so I can't imagine that being the ideal solution.

So... if I have to find the money for a Fairfax girth then so be it, but there seem to be so many on the market that there *must* be an alternative? What have others used successfully for horses with forward girth grooves?

It is for an Ideal AST jump saddle. I have seen plenty of threads on here about the Prestige girths as a good alternative to Fairfax, but can only find those in dressage style. Can anyone suggest something suitable for a jumping saddle?

Again, I repeat that the horse's saddle fits, it is just that his forward girth groove causes the saddle to slip slightly forwards so I need something to keep it in place. I am not trying to find a way to make something fit that doesn't fit, just need to secure it better.

Thanks :)
 
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Hi!

I have the same problem with my mare. I found a used County Logic girth at a tack swap, (haha, only way I could afford one), and it has made a great difference. I think any brand of anatomical girth should work.....do you know anyone that has one to try?

Before I found the county girth I was planning on buying a less expensive leather anatomical girth that had positive reviews online.

Good luck with your search :)
 
True curved girths, not just ones with a wiggle in them :

Heritage, sold on eBay, ninety pounds. Short only though Mat will probably make you a longer one if you ask.

Cair, leather or waffle. Currently in Robinson's clearance sixty . Short and long.

Norton, on eBay and in shops if you Google, twenty five, short only.

Before you buy anything else, check the buckles. It's an absolute must for some forward grooves that the buckles point away from the straight line. Most 'anatomical' girths , the buckles point straight out on either side of a wiggle in the middle.
 
chestnut cob said:
Took horse to have his saddle checked this week and fitter tells me because of his forward girth groove and rather barrel shaped body, it is causing the saddle to slip forwards. The saddle fits, but once we have a good canter around, it slips towards his shoulder. It only slips by a very small amount, but it is enough to make a difference and he is super sensitive to everything. She thinks he needs an anatomical girth to help keep it in place. Specifically, she wanted to sell me a Fairfax girth. I can't afford one, it is out of the question. So, fitter then tried him in one of those Avacallo grippy, sticky saddle pads (the ones with sticky stuff on both sides, to stick to horse and saddles) as a cheaper alternative. She really liked it on him and said it did the job. I really didn't like the feel of it, and can imagine it becoming quite uncomfortable for the horse. In particular, she said they do make them sweat more. Pony has super sensitive skin anyway, everything rubs him, so I can't imagine that being the ideal solution.

So... if I have to find the money for a Fairfax girth then so be it, but there seem to be so many on the market that there *must* be an alternative? What have others used successfully for horses with forward girth grooves?

It is for an Ideal AST jump saddle. I have seen plenty of threads on here about the Prestige girths as a good alternative to Fairfax, but can only find those in dressage style. Can anyone suggest something suitable for a jumping saddle?

Again, I repeat that the horse's saddle fits, it is just that his forward girth groove causes the saddle to slip slightly forwards so I need something to keep it in place. I am not trying to find a way to make something fit that doesn't fit, just need to secure it better.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...


Hi, I have the Ideal Affinity F2 long girth which is brilliant and cost around £90. It works a treat.
 
Thanks guys. I did look at the Ideal Affinity F2 but the Ideal catalogue says it is £190?! In which case I may as well spend an extra £50 on a Fairfax...

CPT - have you used the Cair ones? I currently have the next one down in the Wintec range which I love (the one with elastic throughout) and is shaped, but have always liked the look of the Cair ones. How do you find it? I have looked at the Heritage ones and liked the look of those, but have enquired with Heritage about making other things in the past and the answer has always been " no, too much trouble" so I am loathe to bother with them again...
 
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The Saddle Company make one, I needed one for my mare and as she is only small they were the only company that would make one to my specification. It's wonderful, saddle no longer goes forward, pony no longer bucks. Really good quality girth and it was only about £100
 
This is exactly the same problem Im having OP. I'm just waiting for a curved girth to arrive in the post - I went for this FSS one off Ebay for £60 (short one as I have a WOW):-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FSS-Germa...Horse_Wear_Equipment&var=&hash=item4160ff45ca

I really really hope it fits as Im desperate to back the horse but dont want to until I know the saddle isnt going to move about! Will let you know if it works...
 
MagicMelon said:
This is exactly the same problem Im having OP. I'm just waiting for a curved girth to arrive in the post - I went for this FSS one off Ebay for £60 (short one as I have a WOW):-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FSS-Germa...Horse_Wear_Equipment&var=&hash=item4160ff45ca

I really really hope it fits as Im desperate to back the horse but dont want to until I know the saddle isnt going to move about! Will let you know if it works...
Click to expand...

now that looks just the job MM! For £60 I reckon it's worth a try.

do they make a long version of it?
 
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It's literally just been delivered this second - it looks good, nicely made and soft leather, good curve on it. And even got a free mini pack of sweeties from the sender ;) I've already lunged my one today but will try it out tomorrow!
 
montanna said:
I know you are already sorted BUT I had this exact problem with my youngster.

I tried EVERYthing, the only one to work was the cheapest! The harry dabbs curved waffle girth. It's fab, I have two.

I use it in conjunction with a gel eze non slip pad.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-Cu...Horse_Wear_Equipment&var=&hash=item1c32dbeef0
Click to expand...

Thanks - the one I already have (wintec curved/ anatomic girth) is pretty much the same as that one though and not doing the job. I really like the look of the Wintec with Cair, and also the FSS one MM posted about, if I can get the latter as a long girth.
 
Really interested in this as had saddler out today for daughters pony to reflock saddle and she suggested one of these girths-said would be cheaper online ? Tekna girth? Must look at other suggestions here too as pony has forward girth groove too.
 
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