Saddle cinches are among the most crucial items of equipment. Without them, the saddle will shake or come off entirely. Knowing how to properly cinch a saddle is essential for ensuring that it fits your horse properly and is comfortable. The greatest Western cinches keep the rider seated, keep the horse from becoming agitated, and guard against uncomfortable chafing and blisters. A tight fit can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a fall and having to walk home. Learn how to cinch a horse saddle safely by taking your time and following the instructions.
It’s simple to tie a western saddle once you get the feel of it. It will take some practice to organize and tighten the cinch strap so it doesn’t pinch but also doesn’t stay too loose. When you first adjust your girth, it could feel snug, but you should check it before mounting the horse.
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Cinch Size
Western cinch sizes typically range from 26 to 34 inches long, in 2-inch increments. It’s crucial to use the right size cinch because if it’s too small, your horse could sustain abrasions. It will keep the saddle in place if it’s too long, but there will be extra material under your leg. Letting the cinch hang down from the saddle will allow you to verify that it is the proper size. The center of the horse’s cannon bone should be where the cinch buckle sits.
How To Cinch A Saddle
Saddle Position
The saddle pad ought to have been put on your horse’s back after you had combed it down, making sure that it sat in the center of the shoulder. Although an English saddle pad is an option, most individuals probably prefer to utilize a western blanket. Just be sure to fold it correctly. Position your saddle a little bit in front of where it should sit. It should be lowered and positioned such that it is at a comfortable height on the horse’s back.
The horse’s left side will have the cinch strap and its right side will have the cinch hanging down. To clear the horn on a western saddle, you might want to loop the left stirrup over it.
Pulling The Cinch Strap
Overlap the stirrup with the saddle’s top. On the offside of the saddle, the cinch strap can be found there. If you hooked the left stirrup over the saddle horn, you should be able to see and reach the ring you’ll be tying it to.
Through the ring on the cinch, thread the end of the cinch strap down and in the direction of the horse. Pull the strap all the way through until it is somewhat taut and the end is pointing back up to the saddle’s ring.
Bring The Strap Down
Bring the strap down, through the saddle’s ring, and then back to the cinch’s ring. You will receive one full loop between each ring as a result.
Repeat Looping The Excess Strap
Till the extra strap is used, keep looping between the two rings. You might need to repeat looping the strap between the rings on the cinch and the saddle two or three times, depending on how long the cinch strap and cinch are. It’s ideal to have at least two loops for strength. Again, don’t bother about tugging the straps tightly at this time; you may tighten them securely once the knot has been tied.
Tie A Knot
The cinch strap should be looped through the saddle ring, over itself, and back through the ring to form the knot. This results in a knot that resembles a man’s necktie.
Complete the Knot
Through the resulting loop, lower the end of the cinch strap. At this point, you should be able to see how it resembles a necktie. Although the straps will be overlapping rather than resting flat side by side, it is somewhat reminiscent of a lark’s head knot used in handicrafts.
Tighten the cinch and check that the straps are not twisted. To avoid pinching, it should lay flat against the horse. Your fingers should fit between the girth and the cinch.
Tighten Up The Cinch
After you’ve tied the knot, tighten the cinch strap if it’s too loose. Starting with the first loop, pull on pieces of the cinch strap until the cinch is tight and the saddle is secure. Depending on how long the remaining strap is, you could loop it through the keeper behind the saddle strap. Don’t let the strap that tightens the bag dangle.
Final Thoughts On How To Cinch A Horse Saddle
After your horse has relaxed and walked about, be sure to tighten the cinch once more. In order to prevent the saddle from turning or sliding sideways while you are riding, it should be snug but not impinge on the horse. Your fingers should fit flatly in the space between the cinch and the horse.