I have been using a neoprene girth (from Orthoflex) four abour 4 
years now.  No problems w/ any galling.  I had been unable to find 
anything else to work on a mare w/ very tender skin!  I wouldn't 
trade it for the world.  I think that the neoprene girths from 
Orthoflex are higher quality than some of the no-name girths that are 
marketed thru cut rate catalogs.  I have 1 of each.  The no-name was 
trashed in 6 months.  I am still using the one form Orthoflex!
Yes - it gets warm under it - hence the sweat & lubrication.  You are 
covering a very small area of the horse's body surface area.  It 
shouldn't be a problem.If the person was referring to heat (aka scalding 
the area), that is usually from direct friction, not from increased temperature.
I firmly believe that every horse is different!  If you have found 
something that works for your horse, stick with it!
Linda Flemmer 
ABF Challenger ("Rocket") & Eternal Point ("Major")
Blue Wolf Equestrian Supplies/ Blue Wolf Ranch
Chesapeake, VA
   "In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"