How to Cinch a Western Saddle?

While saddling a horse, it’s important to note that every part sits in place. To do so, straps of leather are attached to your saddle that needs to be tied to make it stable. Similarly, saddle cinches are necessary pieces that enable the saddle to fall off the horse’s back. Thus, it’s essential for horseback riders to learn how to cinch a Western saddle.

Talking badly fitted saddles can be the reason for most accidental falls during horseback riding. But once the saddle fits properly, it will make the rider and the horse feel more comfortable during the ride. In addition, a properly fitted saddle will enhance confidence and overall performance during the ride.

Read Also: 6 Tips to Improve your Horse’s Health

Types of Cinches

When tying a Western saddle, it will become quite easy to cinch the saddle once you learn the basics of it. The best thing about learning how to cinch a Western saddle is that it holds everything in place. So, even if it’s the first ride for the horse or the rider, they will feel easy and comfortable during the ride.

Here is the list of popular types of cinches –

• Neoprene Horse Cinch
  These cinches are the best add-on for the Western saddle for their various benefits. They help in absorbing shock and don’t allow the saddle to slip sideways. Moreover, it’s quite easy to clean them as well. You’ll mostly come across neoprene hose cinches that have a smooth finish. However, you can also go for the ones that are highly textured.
• Fleece Horse Cinch
  If you are considering buying fleece horse cinch, know that they are very soft to the touch. But at the same time, it’s quite difficult to keep them clean as they attract burrs and seeds. Also, compared to other cinches, a fleece horse cinch slips more on the horse’s back.
• Mohair Horse Cinch
  Now, coming at the last one, a mohair horse cinch is the most traditional material in use. They differ in material as they are constructed out of wool and are highly breathable. Also, cleaning them can be a bit difficult, but they dry out quickly. More so, they do not come with the issue of causing a sore on the horse’s back.

Check Also: What is the Best Type of Bridle for a Horse?

How to Cinch a Western Saddle?

If you are someone new to horseback riding, knowing the right method of cinching a Western saddle will prevent you from accidental falls. Thus, you need to follow these steps for the proper knowledge of how to cinch a Western saddle. Here they are –

Step 1. Position the Saddle

The first step is to place the saddle where it needs to be on the horse’s back. You can slide it back and forth to make it comfortably sit on the horse’s back and then start fixing it.

Step 2. Start Pulling the Cinch Strap

The cinch that you need to tie will be on one side, and the strap will be on the other. Once noticing that the saddle is rightly placed, you can start pulling the strap to fix it on the other side. Make sure that you are not pulling the cinch strap too tightly, as it may cause discomfort to the horse.

Step 3. Make the Knot

Once you have pulled the strap from the other end and started to insert it in the ring, that’s when you have to make the knot. In general, it’s pretty similar to making a knot in your necktie. Learn that all these steps come after when you are absolutely sure about the cinch and strap fitting.

Step 4. Confirm the Fitting

After fixing and making the knot by pulling the strap through the ring, it’s necessary to check the fitting again. Likely, we want the rider to be sure about the horse’s comfort so that there are no accidental falls.

Bottom Line

Every horseback rider should know the basic principles of saddle fitting and its other parts. Likely to say if everything is in the correct order, you will be able to perform well with your horseback riding routine. Furthermore, if you are likely to buy Western saddle online, you can purchase it from our website.

Related Articles:

https://horsesaddleshop.org/bridle-an-important-component-of-horseback-riding/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-put-a-halter-on-a-horse/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/common-beginner-horse-riding-mistakes/