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A well-fitted saddle is one of the things that determines good rider position – but it's the girth that holds it in place. Too often treated as a secondary element, in reality, it complements the saddle and can be the missing link between correct fit and the horse's comfort. The Prestige RP girth attempts to solve three problems at once: saddle stabilization, even pressure on the sternum, and comfort for a sensitive horse. I'm checking if it succeeds.
Table of Contents
- Why the girth is as important as the saddle
- What is round panel technology?
- Prestige A51 RP jumping girth
- Prestige A52 RP dressage girth
- My opinion as an Equishop expert
- Who is this girth for, and who is it not necessarily for?
- Comparison: A51 RP and A52 RP
- Summary - what's worth remembering
Before I get to the product itself, one thought I repeat to every client at Equishop Fitting Center: choosing a girth is not an addition to buying a saddle, but its complement. Even the best-fitted saddle will lose its properties if the girth pulls it sideways, presses on the sensitive area behind the elbow, or concentrates pressure at one point on the sternum. The girth has one overriding task: to stabilize the saddle, while providing the horse with comfort and evenly distributing pressure on the sternum.
Why the girth is as important as the saddle
In saddle fitting, much is said about the tree, panels, and pressure distribution of the saddle on the back - and rightly so. But the saddle works as a system, of which the girth is an integral part. It transfers the force that holds the saddle to the horse's body, and it does so in a very sensitive area: behind the elbows, on the sternum, where important structures run and where the skin is easily chafed.
A poorly chosen girth can negate the effect of an expensive, professionally fitted saddle. One that is too narrow concentrates pressure on a small area. One that is too stiff restricts elbow movement. One that does not conform to the horse's anatomy allows the saddle to slide sideways - and then even a perfect tree will not maintain symmetry. That's why I treat the girth as a complementary element to the saddle: a supplement to good fitting, not a separate, random purchase.
From a good girth, I expect three things at once: it must stabilize the saddle, it must provide comfort to the horse, and it must evenly distribute pressure on the sternum. Prestige girths from the RP series were designed precisely around these three goals - and that's why they are worth a closer look.
What is round panel technology?
The heart of the RP series is an unusual design. Instead of a classic, flat girth, Prestige has incorporated a specially modified girth that slides within an innovative, durable, round-shaped panel. The manufacturer developed this solution for fitting both horses and ponies.
This design offers three specific benefits, as stated by the manufacturer:
- Elimination of lateral movement - because the girth slides within the panel, almost all lateral movement that would normally transfer to the saddle is eliminated.
- Even pressure - the force is distributed over a larger surface area, rather than concentrating on a narrow band.
- Air cushion - the panel has a round outer contour and three oval inserts inside, all made of very soft material; these create a kind of air cushion that further reduces pressure.
The design is complemented by sturdy buckles with strong elastic, which improve the fit and allow the girth to work flexibly with the horse's movement. In practice, this construction achieves precisely the three goals I expect from a girth: stabilization, comfort, and pressure distribution.
Prestige A51 RP jumping girth
The jumping version uses the same round panel technology as the dressage model, in a longer form typical for jumping girths. The manufacturer designed it for jumping, as well as for junior and recreational lines, making it a universal choice for riders using jumping, junior, and all-purpose saddles.
It performs well where dynamics are greatest: during the flight phase over a jump and upon landing, the saddle is most susceptible to shifting. A design that limits lateral movements genuinely helps keep the saddle symmetrical. You can find full specifications and availability on the product page for the Prestige A51 RP jumping girth.
From my experience in fitting, it's also important that the girth's construction frees the shoulder girdle, allowing the shoulder blade to move freely - which, given the dynamics of a jump, significantly impacts the range and quality of the front leg's movement.
Prestige A52 RP dressage girth
The dressage version is a short girth fastened low, under the long flaps of a dressage saddle. Here, the round panel shows another advantage: in dressage, where contact and rider symmetry are key, a stable saddle directly translates into the precision of aids. The soft skirt and even pressure distribution make it a good choice for horses sensitive in the girth area, or those with ulcers.
Similar to the jumping version, the girth's design frees the shoulder girdle and allows the shoulder blade freedom of movement - which in dressage translates to smoother, more regular movement and better gait quality.
The A52 RP model is available in tobacco and black, in sizes from 45 to 95 cm, covering a range from ponies to large horses. You can check details and prices on the product page for the Prestige A52 RP dressage girth.
My opinion as an Equishop expert
I graduated in hippology and equestrianism from the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and I have over 20 years of experience working with horses. At the Equishop Fitting Center, I regularly select equipment for horses and riders. During this time, I have seen many horses where a problem attributed to the saddle turned out to be a girth issue. A horse tensing up when the girth is fastened, a saddle setymmetrically after a few minutes of riding, chafing behind the elbow - these are recurring themes. In such situations, a girth with a round panel can be a real solution, as it addresses two causes at once: lateral movement and pinpoint pressure.
What I value most in the RP series is the philosophy of complementarity. It's a girth designed to work with a well-fitted saddle, not to mask fitting errors. The construction with a sliding girth and soft inserts actually limits the forces acting on the saddle and distributes pressure - which aligns with what I observe in horses in practice.
I will also honestly point out what this girth will not do. It will not fix a poorly fitted saddle - if the tree doesn't fit the back, no girth will compensate for that. It is also a high-end product in terms of price, so I treat it as an investment for a rider who already has a well-fitted saddle and wants to complete the system, rather than as a first purchase for beginners.
Who is this girth for, and who is it not necessarily for?
Based on what I see with clients, I recommend the RP girth primarily to:
- riders of horses sensitive in the girth area, who tense up when the girth is fastened;
- riders of horses with gastric ulcers;
- situations where the saddle tends to slide sideways;
- riders who already have a well-fitted saddle and want to complete the setup with a high-quality girth.
On the other hand, if you are just putting together your first equipment or are unsure about your saddle's fit, start with a saddle fitting consultation - we will select the girth as part of the whole, not separately from the saddle.
Comparison: A51 RP and A52 RP
| Feature | A51 RP (Jumping) | A52 RP (Dressage) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Jumping, junior, recreation | Dressage |
| Technology | Round panel | Round panel |
| Horses and ponies | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Tobacco, black | Tobacco, black |
Summary - what's worth remembering
The Prestige RP girth is a well-thought-out product that fulfills the three most important tasks of a girth. In short:
- Stabilization - the sliding girth within the panel eliminates almost all lateral movement and helps keep the saddle symmetrical.
- Comfort - soft oval inserts create an air cushion, good for horses sensitive in the girth area.
- Pressure distribution - force is distributed over a larger surface of the sternum instead of concentrating at a single point.
- Complementarity - it complements a well-fitted saddle, rather than being a substitute for proper fitting.
When choosing between versions, consider the discipline: A51 RP for jumping saddles and A52 RP for dressage saddles. And if you're not sure if your saddle is well-fitted and which girth will suit it, book a consultation at the Equishop Fitting Center - we travel to every stable in Poland.