Prolite | Size Guides | Houghton Country
What is a Prolite Girth?
Manufactured under license from Fairfax Saddles Ltd intellectual property rights, the Prolite Girth is an economical version of the Fairfax Performance Girth scientifically proven to increase the horse's freedom of movement.
The Fairfax Saddles Performance Girth was developed by Vanessa Fairfax who used Pliance testing usually used on saddles to show pressure points to analyse girths and found that there were unexpected pressure points behind the elbows. Upon seeing the results she created the girth to avoid the band of peak pressure behind the point of the elbow where the buck muscle can become trapped between the girth and the legs, which is why the girth shapes away from the elbow to create more room. The patented "floating edge" where the girth does not lie completely flat to allow the muscles back under the girth rather than blocking them. The Fairfax performance girth applies up to 82% less pressure in key pressure areas, this was further tested by the use of gait analyses which showed horses using the girth were more symmetrical in stride and longer in stride length.
The Fairfax Saddle Ltd Performance girth is lined with Prolite material and was launched after the 2012 Olympics where the British Equestrian teams used the girths to gain great results.
Prolite offers an economical version of the girth design in short, pony and long lengths.
Measuring a Prolite Girth
Prolite girths are measured in the standard buckle end-to-buckle end way. It is a non-elasticated design.
If you are considering changing girths - measure the girth your horse currently wears as girths stretch over time especially those that are elasticated at one or both ends.
These girths due to their shape so tend to come up shorter than expected when on the horse, they are a neat fit, if you are between sizes size up.
Our returns team report that if they get a Prolite long girth back for an exchange it is usually to go up one size.
The Short Girth Standard is available in Black or Brown in sizes 22" - 34" (55cm - 85cm)
The Short Girth Narrow is available in Black or Brown in sizes 20" - 30" (50cm - 75cm)
The Pony Girth is available in Black or Brown in sizes 38" - 42" (95cm - 105cm)
The Long Girth Standard is available in Black or Brown in sizes 44" - 58" (110cm - 145cm)
The Long Girth Narrow is available in Black or Brown in sizes 44" - 52" (110 - 130cm)
Narrow Gauge or Standard Gauge?
Prolite girths come in two different versions - narrow gauge or standard gauge.
The Narrow Gauge is a finer design with a more pronounced curve behind the elbow. This is designed to specifically fit horses (and ponies) with narrower rib cages or has wrinkly skin behind his elbows. The narrow gauge can also be beneficial for horses with a forward girth groove or if the have a big action.
The Standard Gauge maintains its width and gives less elbow clearance than the narrow gauge, designed for horses with a wider rib cage.
Your horse will likely need a narrow gauge girth if the area between the elbows, measures less than 20cm. An easy and quick way to see if this is to see if a standard sweat scraper will fit between the front legs if it won't then the narrow gauge is likely the correct fit.
If your palm lies flat between the front legs, then your horse is likely a standard fit.
If you are in any doubt and not sure about how the Prolite girth looks when paired with your saddle it is best to have a saddle fitter check the fit.
The shape of the Prolite Girth can be somewhat counterintuitive - it can look like it should go the other way around - it is important that the central "point" faces forward.
Fitting a Short Prolite Girth
The Short Prolite Girth is designed for dressage or mono-flap saddles.
Prolite recommends that you select the longest possible length so that the buckles fasten away from the pressure-sensitive area behind the area. When tightened the top edge of the girth should be as close to the bottom edge of the saddlecloth as possible. The girth should be tightened evenly.
On a dressage saddle, the aim is to have two billet holes remaining on both sides.
With the short girths, it is recommended that you do not use the billet keeper on its own, pass the billet through the buckles as well before applying upward pressure. Failure to do so may break the keeper and the central stud, this is not classed as a manufacturer's fault and is not covered by the guarantee.
Fitting a Prolite Long Girth or Pony Girth
The Long Prolite Girth and Pony Girth are designed for GP saddles and non-mono flap jump saddles.
Prolite recommends that the buckles should fasten on the sweat flap, away from the horse's skin, just like any normal long girth and that the girth should be evenly tightened.
On the Long Girth there is a loop with a buckle closure to allow you to connect a martingales or breastplate however on the pony girth there is no loop.
Prolite has found that stretching the horse's front legs like this simply draws more skin forward into the sensitive area behind the elbow. It can cause rubbing and irritation.
Floating Edge
The Floating edge is a signature of the design of these girths. It is normal for there to be a gap at the front edge of the girth between the material and the horse's sternum, especially when standing still. It is part of the design to allow the muscles of the shoulder girdle to move.
The gap at the front does not mean that the pressure has transferred to the back of the girth.
Use Regularly
Prolite recommends that you use your Prolite® Girth for schooling, hacking and competition to allow your horse to get used to the change in girth. Prolite has found that the best results are achieved with regular use.
Cleaning and Caring For Your Prolite Girth
The build-up of sweat on or in the girth will interfere with the girths breathability. If the girth is not cleaned it may become stiff and crack.
Prolite recommends cleaning your girth with a soft brush and water to remove any grease and here that may accumulate during use. A mild detergent can be added to the water if the girth is very dirty.
The synthetic material doesn't need specialist care products but Prolite do suggest that you remove as much water as possible with a towel then leave your girth to dry flat and that it dries naturally.
