Choosing the Right Cinch: Classic Equine’s Ultimate Guide

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A properly fitting cinch is essential for keeping your saddle secure and ensuring stability and proper posture. When choosing a cinch, consider the material, size, and shape for your horse’s comfort and your riding goals. With various cinch types available, making an informed choice is key for safe and effective riding. Here are some key tips to help you and your horse succeed.

1. Prioritize Comfort: Choose a cinch designed with your horse’s comfort in mind to ensure a good fit and avoid discomfort such as pulling or galling.
2. Measure for the Perfect Fit: Measure from one side of the heart girth or “sweet spot” to the other to determine the right size. Note that sizing can also depend on the materials, as some cinches may stretch slightly over time.   
3. Ensure Proper Placement: When the cinch is snug, the dees should lay flat and clean against the horse’s heart girth. This “sweet spot” is important to be familiar with; the dees should not be too high or too low on the heart girth.
4. Cinch/Latigo Combination: Pair your cinch with a compatible latigo. Latigos come in leather or nylon, with leather providing more “give” compared to nylon, which offers none. String cinches have some elasticity, so either latigo works with them. However, for nylon-bodied or neoprene cinches, a leather latigo is recommended. Check out a video on proper leather latigo attachment with Brian Peterson.
5. Choose Durable Stainless Steel Hardware: Opt for cinches with stainless steel hardware for durability, as it resists rust and corrosion. Classic Equine uses high-grade stainless steel for top performance.

Cinches come in various materials, including mohair, alpaca, mohair and alpaca blends, rayon, neoprene, and fleece, each offering different benefits for your horse’s comfort and performance.

Western cinches typically come in sizes from 26 to 36 inches, with 2-inch increments.

Straight: Maintains a consistent width from end to end, suitable for most disciplines.

Roper: This cinch isn’t just for ropers — this style is excellent for high-impact events and various horse body types. Its wider middle distributes pressure more evenly.  

Neoprene, Fleece High Performance Cinches
Recommended for use with leather latigos:

• Aura Cinch®: Features a three-ply design with a soft jersey lining to prevent chafing. The breathable neoprene interior body and odor-resistant foam center offer cushioning and impact absorption, while the nylon mesh exterior is tear-resistant and quick-drying. The neoprene is an interior construction but does not touch the horse. Reduces the risk of bacteria transfer, girth itch, and galling. The Aura Cinch® is available in roper and straight styles.    
• SensorFlex: Has a plush fleece interior and padded nylon exterior. Its contoured design fits the horse’s heart girth better. Includes stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle. The SensorFlex Cinch is available in roper and straight styles.
• FeatherFlex: Made from soft, non-chafing virgin neoprene, it reduces girth itch and includes antimicrobial properties. Rust-resistant stainless steel hardware ensures durability. The FeatherFlex Cinch is available in black and brown roper and straight styles.

Traditional Natural Fiber String Cinches
Recommended for use with leather or nylon latigos:

• 31-Strand 100% Mohair: Made from premium mohair for softness, strength, and durability. Features stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle. The 100% Mohair Cinch is available in roper and straight styles.
• 100% Mohair Colt: Made from 31 strands of mohair for softness and breathability, with stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle. Available in roper style and shorter lengths for colts. The 100% Mohair Colt Cinch comes in a 24” with an extra wide center for young and small horses.
• Alpaca: 100% alpaca fiber is softer than cashmere, yet extremely strong and resilient. Offers superior softness, strength, and elasticity. The Alpaca Cinch includes stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle.
• Mohair-Alpaca: Features a vintage western design with a blend of mohair and alpaca for lasting softness. The Mohair-Alpaca Cinch includes stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle.
• Blended Mohair: Combines mohair and rayon with a contoured design for a natural fit. Features stainless steel hardware. The Blended Mohair Cinch is available in roper and straight styles.

Regularly check your billets and latigo for any wear and tear and replace them as needed to ensure safety.

To locate a dealer near you, visit: Classic Equine Dealers.