The Prolite Girth needs to be sized and fitted correctly in order to ensure the maximum benefits.
Follow these guidelines:
1. Prolite® Girths are measured buckle end to buckle end.
2. ALWAYS fit the curved section facing forward.
3. It is important to get the right gauge – narrow or standard
NOTE: The Pony Girth is available in one gauge only which is narrower than thre standard
Measure girth buckle end to buckle end
Face front
4. Choose the narrow gauge if:
- The flat area between the horse’s elbows measures less than 20cm
- A sweat scraper won’t fit between the front legs
- Your horse has wrinkly skin behind the elbow (regardless of measurement)
- Your horse has a forward girth groove (regardless of measurement)
Measuring
Using a 20cm sweat scraper to measure between front legs
Narrow (left) / Standard (right)
Difference in elbow clearance on a narrow horse between a narrow gauge (top) and standard gauge (bottom)
Horses with a forward girth groove will benefit from the increased elbow clearance
If wrinkly skin behind his elbows, opt for the narrow gauge version
5. Short girth: When fully tightened, the top edge of the girth should be as close to the bottom edge of the saddlecloth as possible without interfering with it. This keeps the buckles away from the pressure-sensitive area behind the elbow
6. Long girth: buckles should fasten on the sweat flap, away from the horse's skin, just like any normal long girth.
On a dressage saddle, aim to have two billet holes remaining on both sides
On a long girth, the buckles should fasten on the sweat flap
7. DO NOT use the billet keeper on its own. ALWAYS pass the billet through the buckles before applying upward pressure. Pulling on the keeper will break the central stud. This damage is NOT covered by the guarantee.
Using the keeper strap alone will break the central rivet. It is designed solely to guide the billet strap, not to withstand the pressure of tightening
Always thread the billet strap through the buckle before applying any upward pressure to tighten the girth
8. Always girth up evenly on both sides.
9. Don’t pull the horse’s front leg forward after girthing up. This simply draws more skin forward into the sensitive area behind the elbow.
10. The gap at the front edge of the girth between the material and the horse’s sternum, particularly when standing is part of the design. It allows the muscles of the shoulder girdle to move, instead of being blocked. The floating edge does not indicate that pressure has transferred to the back edge of the girth.
How to find your Prolite Girth Size
On a short girth, the size is on a label, just inside the billet keeper.
On a long girth, the size is stamped on one of the near side leather girth straps.
If it is a narrow gauge there will be the letters N or NG before or after the numbers - eg 44NG or 24N
If there are only numbers eg 46 or 24 - it is a standard gauge girth.
