GIRTHS AND SADDLE ACCESORIES

RIDER IN BALANCE STEEL STIRRUPS help to improve a rider’s leg position and balance. They feature an adjustable angle on the foot plate which affords the rider maximum foot support and control, placing their leg softly around the horse, releasing the knees and allowing for effective leg use. The safety release arm is made of a soft PU-material, allowing the foot to slip free in case of an accident by bending out and releasing from the steel.

RRP: £300 | Thecentreline.co.uk

LEMIEUX GEL-TEK ANATOMIC DRESSAGE

GIRTH is an anatomic high-performance girth that maximises comfort with a combination of dynamic gel and ultra-soft oiled leather to absorb and spread pressure evenly across the surface area of the girth. Gel-impregnated pockets on the leading edge of the girth allow muscles to move freely without restriction or the sensation of blocking. A contoured shape allows maximum freedom and space behind the elbow with scalloped, shaped ends for even pressure under the buckles. A minute degree of elastication is built in to each buckle attachment – just enough for flexibility without affecting saddle fit or girth tension.

RRP: £129.95 | Lemieuxproducts.com

Equitex Airtech Saddle

PADS are an essential accessory for your summer tack locker.

The upper side takes its technology from premium sports footwear and gives maximum breathability. The underside is TechVelvet which lies flat against the coat and is highly wickable. The shock absorbing, reactive foam layers allow for total freedom of movement for the skin and muscles under the saddle. The Airtech is entirely ‘non-slip’ and proven to reduce the impact and concussion that a rider can impart through the saddle. There are no girth straps or fixing loops, the non-slip guarantee comes from the ‘sticky’ heat-sealed, graphic grips that secure the saddle firmly in place.

RRP: £239 | equitex.co

WOW FREESPACE GIRTH The truly innovative FreeSpace girth gives the horse full freedom to move, because, as pressure testing shows, it completely removes pressure on the pectoral muscles which lift the back and move the foreleg. The patented Active Cushion double sternum plate holds the girth straps away from the muscles while comfortably cushioning the girth against the sternum. This modular girth system has interchangeable components, including the choice of a standard or slim sternum plate designed for narrower horses. Available in premium quality synthetic or real leathers, it can be used with all saddles.

RRP: from £249 | freespacegirth.com

DRESSAGE GIRTH is designed to work with the horse’s muscle groups, providing independent support for each area and allowing freedom for the ribcage to move as the horse breathes. Manufactured in Europe to be strong and durable, with high-quality materials, the individual sections of the girth allow air to circulate and minimise the risk of any sweat rubs or sores. The girth buckles are designed to work alongside the saddle position rather than against it and the leather surround is soft and padded, made for comfort. Its design is extremely flexible making it easy to fold together, transport and store appropriately.

RRP: £275 | Thecentreline.co.uk

LEMIEUX SOFT SHELL ANTI SLIP DRESSAGE SQUARE combining style with the practicalities of the iconic LeMieux cut, a new grip silicone design and sporty soft shell outer, this pad ensures saddle stability, grip and comfort.

The LeMieux soft shell anti-slip saddle pads are made with an innovative softshell material outer that is lightweight and with a linear design that contours to the shape of the horse without restriction. Lined with signature bamboo fabric this pad is soft, friction-free and ensures the whole pad breathes and wicks.

The blast foam under the saddle area aids with comfort and shock absorbency whilst remaining breathable. Available in large, and in black, navy and burgundy.

RRP: £114.95 | Lemieuxproducts.com

FAIRFAX PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE GIRTH is scientifically proven to relieve pressure and improve freedom of movement. It is clearly demonstrated that this patented design removes girth pressure behind the elbows without transferring it to a different area. Flexion, extension and gait symmetry is improved. Available in standard and narrow, long and short design.

RRP: £240-£260 | fairfaxsaddles.com

THE ST Ü BBEN EQUI-SOFT GIRTH The sophisticated and exclusive system made of elastic strips allows a perfect girth-pressure-distribution. Its special design allows the horse to expand its chest when needed during exercise. The elastic rings expand and contract with the rib cage, maintaining a uniform tension. A comparative study of various girths certified that all horses maintained lower heart rates when using the Equi-Soft-girth. Available in black or brown with natural sheepskin lining.

RRP: £159 (excluding cover) £278 (including cover) | stuebben.co.uk

PRESTIGE RP DRESSAGE

GIRTH 3A152 was developed to fit both horses and ponies. It is a modified dressage girth that slides inside an innovative, resistant roundshaped panel. The benefits are that it eliminates almost all lateral movements because the girth slides inside the special panel and the pressure is evenly distributed over a larger surface. The special shape of the panel, characterised by a round contour on the outside and three oval inserts inside, all made in extremely soft material, creates an air cushion to further reduce the pressure. The loops for the girth straps also further improve its fitting properties.

RRP: £269 | Prestigeitalia.com

THE CHILDERIC ‘SOFT’ DRESSAGE GRITH is subtly shaped to avoid the elbows and prevent chafing, and encourage an increased range of movement. Extremely soft and comfortable for the horse. Features Velcro buckle guards for additional comfort. Available in either calf or buffalo, with wide or narrow ends.

RRP: £310 | childericsaddles.co.uk