This exciting new Free Space Girth from WOW will get your horse moving more freely or you can send it back. We are that confident that your horse will be so much more comfortable.
This new innovative patented design has a Active Cushion Sternum Plate that has two parts. The outer is a reinforced plate that will not give under girth tension. This is spaced away from the horse by the Active Cushion which holds the Sternum Plate away from the horse's rib cage. The Sternum Plate makes the girth straps bridge the pectoral muscles and it is this lack of pressure that is the key to allowing the horse to engage by the use of an unimpeded Rectus Abdominus and better leg retraction due to the Ascending Pectoral muscles not being squashed!
The girth is made from a synthetic leather that you will have to look hard to notice the difference. The reason we use synthetic material is because of its' superior qualities of keeping clean and looking great even after years of use.
The girth straps can be the same or different length dependant on your horses and your requirements. They can be changed at any time in the future very easily. The buckle ends can be separate like our H Girth or they can be joined using a double buckle guard. Like all WOW products modularity is key and these different buckle guards and strap can be purchased separately.
FreeSpace FAQ
WHAT LENGTH SHOULD I ORDER?
We have designed the FreeSpace girth to allow for the extra space already, therefore you should order your usual girth length. You should ensure that the front girth strap buckles are higher than the elbow so they do not restrict the elbow when the horse moves.
WHICH STERNUM PLATE SHOULD I PICK?
You should measure between the area between the front legs at the point where the elbows are parallel as the girth sits just behind the front legs but extends to the point where the elbows are.
The Standard Sternum Plate measured at the point it lies just between the back of the elbows of the horse, is 7.25 inches (18.5cm) wide.
The Slim Sternum Plate is for horses that are narrower between the front legs.. Measured between the front legs, at the point where it lies just between the back of the elbows of the horse, the slim version is only 4.5 inches wide (11.5cm) so would be better suited for the slimmer horse.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STANDARD AND THE SLIM STERNUM PLATES?
The slim sternum is for horses that are narrower between the front legs. Measured at the widest point, the standard sternum plate is 7.5 inches (19cm) wide whilst the slim version is only 5 inches wide (12.5cm) so would be better suited for the slimmer horse.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE GIRTH IS SITTING CENTRAL?
Look between the horses front legs with them standing square and check that the silver rivet in the centre of the sternum plate is central, or the sternum plate itself is central.
HOW SHOULD IT LOOK ONCE IT IS DONE UP?
The sternum plate should sit central, and the straps should leave a gap either side of the sternum plate. The gaps should be big enough to fit your hand through!
HOW TIGHT SHOULD IT BE? HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN IT IS TIGHT ENOUGH?
You should feel just below the saddle flap to determine tightness. If your horse shrinks when you are mounted, then tighten 1 hole at a time, first one side and then the other side, and then returning to the original side etc.
HOW DO I DO IT UP?
We recommend tightening the girth one strap at a time, alternating between both sides of your saddle. Left, right, left, right.
SHOULD I BE ABLE TO PUT MY HAND EITHER SIDE OF THE STERNUM?
Yes! This is the whole idea of the FreeSpace. The rigid top sternum plate prevents the girth straps from touching the pectoral muscles either side of the sternum and it is this lack of pressure that is the key to the success of the girth.
SHOULD I HAVE THE SAME LENGTH STRAPS OR CAN THEY BE DIFFERENT?
The girth straps can be the same or different lengths depending on your horses shape, although if the girth straps descending from your saddle are close together, then they should be the same length
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED 4 SINGLE BUCKLES OR 2 DOUBLE BUCKLES?
The buckle ends can be separate like our H Girth or they can be joined using a double buckle guard. You should make your decision based on your saddles girth straps. If they are close together then a double buckle guards will work nicely. If your girth straps are far apart than single buckle guards will be the best fit.
HOW DO I CLEAN IT?
The FreeSpace girth is made from vegan leather as standard, this means it can be hosed off and wiped down or left to drip dry! You do not need any leather balsam. Very easy, efficient and doesnt affect the quality of the girth.
DO I NEED A GIRTH SLEEVE? WHAT DOES IT DO?
Girth sleeves are not a necessity, although they do come as standard with the long version of the girth. They have been designed to prevent pinching of the straps.
DO YOU SELL SHEEP SKIN PADS TO GO OVER THE STERNUM PLATE?
Yes! We do.
MY SADDLE SLIPS FROM SIDE TO SIDE, WILL IT HELP?
The FreeSpace girth generally works really well in this instance, often preventing sideways slip, but this is something you will have to try as every horse is different and you may wish to consult your saddle fitter.
CAN I USE IT FOR JUMPING?
Of course! The FreeSpace girth is suitable and effective for all riding disciplines.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A WOW SADDLE TO USE IT?
Nope! The girth fastens on to the saddles billet straps like any other, so can be used with any saddle.