The Shoulder Relief Girth actually changes the position and angle of the billets to prevent the saddle from interfering with the shoulder. The center of the girth is set forward to sit in the horse’s natural girth groove. While the sides of the girth are cut back to meet the billets 2 inches behind where the horse’s natural girth groove lies. This brings the billets from angling forward, to becoming perpendicular to the ground (in the case of a forward girth groove horse), which reduces the saddle’s tendency to be pulled forward into the shoulders. With horses that have shoulder interference without angled billets, it simply moves the billets back to keep the saddle farther away from the shoulders. The secondary benefit to this shape, is that it is cutback at the elbows. This gives more room for elbow movement as well, and prevents galls in the elbow area. Saddle Fit & Simple Physics. It all comes down to simple physics. When the offset design of the girth moves the billet line, it also changes the angle of the billets. This prevents forward angling billets, thus prevents the saddle from causing forward presssure against the shoulders. The secondary benefit of the Shoulder Relief Girth is the perfectly placed cut-away sections that allows for elbow clearance while a horse is in motion. Comfort, Performance & Quality. Not only is the Shoulder Relief Girth extremely comfortable and effective, it is also made of top quality English saddlery leather available in black or brown. The outside is a saddle-grade English cow hide, while the 10mm EVA foam padded inside is made of soft calf leather. All Total Saddle Fit girths measure true to size buckle tip to buckle tip, and if you are in between sizes it is best to go up in size.