Highlights of my Video Review:
1. I've been riding with my Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth for almost 10 years now. We do Endurance type riding, so we've put thousands of hard miles on over the years - absolutely love this girth. No issues with it whatsoever. When I saw the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth - I wasn't too impressed since my girth already gives me plenty of shoulder clearance. Their design does not give me any more clearance. In fact, if anything, I get a little less clearance since this girth is wider than the Wintec. It wasn't until I checked out their website, just to look at what else they offered that I saw this StretchTec Girth. Now I was intrigued.
2. They say - "In addition to shoulder freedom and elbow clearance, the StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth has a triangular center elastic that contours perfectly to a horse's barrel and allows for the 1.5 cm chest expansion that horses undergo go while breathing. This offers less respiratory restriction, and even girth contact on the horse's chest while in work." I am always skeptical - it certainly sounds gimmicky...but then...they might be onto something here. I was intrigued enough to order it.
3. When I first put it on. It shoulder relief feature was disappointing - as I had expected. This girth actually gives me a little less shoulder clearance because it's wider. But...I was still intrigued by the center - 3-piece design. It certainly contoured perfectly to Lasair's barrel and I did not have to have it on very tight at all for it to be perfectly secure. From the ground, looking at it - It was nice...still intriguing...but honestly, I was still thinking about returning it because it didn't seem worth the price tag.
4. Then I took Lasair out for a test run. We did 11 miles of hard riding. At walk, trot, canter - I didn't feel any significant difference. It did seem to give Lasair greater freedom to collect up though. It wasn't until we did an extremely fast extended trot and all out run that the girth's advantage finally showed itself. Lasair moved out incredibly. I've never felt him use so much of his body before...and that's saying a lot. This girth's shape allows for exceptional stability, while being crazy loose - allowing Lasair full range of motion throughout his entire body. I am finally sold on this girth.
5. Now the center thingie where you attach the breastcollar to is a bit weird, so take a look at it so see if it'll work for you. I'm just using a carabiner clip at the moment. I'll probably rig up something else...but right now the carabiner works fine.
6. You can choose between a Neoprene or Leather Liner - Hook and Loop keeps the liner attached to girth.
7. I really can't think of any complaints to this girth. It is a lot larger and bulkier than I'm used to. I do love the simplicity of the Wintec...but there is no denying how much better this one just fits and allows Lasair free movement...so I can't complain.
8. Is it worth the high price tag? To me...where we do high, hard miles - Yes. I need Lasair as comfortable as he can be. If you're current girth already fits great, gives enough shoulder clearance, does not rub/chafe, your horse is happy, you don't do a lot of miles or fast paces...then a purchase like this probably isn't the highest priority...but it'd still be nice! I think this will be the design of the future. A girth with a 3 piece design that allows free movement - moving and stretching with the horse to allow for great stability. Very nice. I'm very grateful these people thought of this new design. Most excellent!!
If there are any questions, please feel free to leave me comments below and I will do my best to answer them. Thank you!
