There is probably no piece of equipment more essential to a safe ride than a good, solid, proper fitting cinch. If anything goes wrong with that piece of equipment, disaster can follow. But with so many options in materials, styles and lengths it can be hard to decide what’s best for the job.
STT spoke with CJ Murphy, Regional Sales Manager at Equibrand, and asked for some insight on choosing the best option.
How do riders choose the proper cinch size? Is there a good way to measure?
The cinch should fit flat against the horse’s heart girth. It should be anywhere from three to four inches above and behind the elbow, in the ‘sweet spot’. You can take a measuring tape from the center of the underside of their chest and measure up to that point. Multiply that times two and you have an idea of proper length.
How do they decide on proper style...such as width or construction?
Cinch selection is determined by many factors. Competitors in some events, like cutting, traditionally use fleece cinches. Function can determine a lot. For example, horse trainers who ride 8 to 10 horses a day with the same saddle may prefer a Featherflex cinch made from high-quality virgin Neoprene because it is so easy to clean and dries within minutes. It is also antifungal and antibacterial, so issues don’t pass from horse to horse. But many people prefer natural fibers such as a mohair/alpaca blend cinch because it is so much like the horse’s own hair. Mohair and alpaca cinches also ‘give’ which is really comfortable for the horse.
What are common cinch fit mistakes people make? What problems do they cause?
One of the biggest mistakes I see on a regular basis is a rider with a cinch that is too long. This creates many issues. It causes the dee of the saddle and the dee of the cinch to be too close together, which forces extra wraps with the latigo. This can pinch the horse and creates a bulge that puts pressure on the horse’s side and prevents the saddle fender from moving freely. It also creates uneven pull and can make the saddle roll. Another big mistake is using a worn-out cinch and/or not replacing it often enough. It is good practice to inspect your cinch frequently and get a new one before it shows signs of extreme wear or hardening.
What about Neoprene, or other materials. Advantages or disadvantages?
The great thing about horse people is if you ask 10 horse owners a question, you usually get 12 different answers back.
The different types of cinches have their places within different applications and events. One thing to consider with different materials is how much stretch they do or don’t have. Natural fiber cinches usually have some flexibility for the expansion of the chest cavity as your horse breathes or rounds his back. Synthetic cinches, for the most part, have very little to no stretch. When using that type of cinch, I recommend pairing it with a leather latigo and off billet to allow for some give.
Neoprene is great for antifungal and antibacterial properties, but some folks prefer natural fibers only. However, in areas where it’s humid and cinches and pads take longer to dry, a Neoprene cinch is effective.
World champions, world renowned clinicians and professionals of all disciplines will choose different cinches, all for very good reasons. The moral of the story is that you must choose what makes the most sense for you and your horse.
