I had the same problem with the neoprene and mohair girths. I had tried every salve recommended with no change. I switched to a "sheared" fleece girth and have ridden without any problems for over a year now. I still put Desitin on for a 50 just in case, but have not really needed it I suspect. 25-30 mile rides have not had any soreness or galling. This girth is made by Toklat, but it is NOT the big fuzzy one. It is 100% wool and sheared very close. Mine is english style and dressage length for a treeless saddle. One end is elastic, and there is a built in ring for attaching to a breast collar. I will be ordering another one for my second horse soon.
I got it from Australian Connection. If you decide to try it, tell Janet I sent you and that it is the girth she special ordered for me. She does not normally carry them, but can have it in a couple weeks typically.
Happy Trails!
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. ~ John Wayne
When I first met my Arabian (he was 7 at the time, now 8 years old) he had what looked like a tiny "cowlick" on his left girthline just back from his axillary (armpit) region. As I began riding him with a neoprene girth, this cowlick turned into a bald spot associated with some dermatitis. Various salves/remedies applied did not help. I switched to a mohair cinch and, voila, problem solved for several months. By the way, when his skin fully healed, the only thing left there was this little tiny cowlick. Now, over the past couple of months, even using the mohair girth, the girth gall issue has recurred(hair loss, inflammation, swelling, pain). By the way, the areas just lateral to his tailhead did the some thing the two times I tried a crupper (such a sensitive boy I have). In addition to the inflammation in the left girth area, his right girth area seemed a tiny bit tender (but no visual abnormalities) after our last 50 mile ride. His saddle has been professionally fitted and he has not had any back soreness even after long distances.
Here is what I've tried thusfar with no improvement seen:
1. Bickmore's bright blue "stuff"
2. desitin
3. preparation H
4. washing the cinch
5. letting the site fully heal (other than complete hair regrowth) before riding
