A cinch is also known as a girth; sometimes, people refer to them as different items also. But the purpose of a cinch and a girth is the same. The purpose is to hold a horse or dog properly and control them well; the article will show only the cinch for horses, and they are different from those for dogs.
Though I never petted a horse and didn’t buy a cinch for any, I always had a passion for horse riding & I’ve seen many owners dealing with their horse cinches. That’s why I know a bit about them and use my experience if I ever get a horse for myself.
Let’s read the article and find out the most comfortable cinch for horses, the well-known brands & materials, and the buying guides besides the qualities you must look for. Please remember knowing the variations of cinches is necessary. So are you ready?
What Are the Things You Should Check While Buying Cinch for Horses?
Qualities | Cinch Types | Best Brand |
---|---|---|
Materials | Mohair Cinch | Weaver |
Size | Wool Cinch | Total Saddle Fit |
Styles of Cinches | Back Cinch | Tough 1 |
Care | Alpaca Cinch | Mustang |
Lasting | Rope Cinch | String Horse Cinches |
Comfort | Cinch for Sensitive Horse | Classic Equine |
Shoulder Relief Cinch | Professional’s Choice |
Let’s see what qualities a cinch should have because it is necessary to know the specifications for buying the best quality thing.
1. Materials
Horse cinches are sometimes classified according to the manufacturing materials; only a few are appropriate for horses, and the materials used there are suitable. Fleece, Neoprene, and Mohair-made horse cinches are the most used and best-sellers of all brands.
2. Size
The size of your chosen cinch varies due to the weight and shape of your horse; a cinch for a 15 hand horse won’t be the same as a bigger horse. Though the cinch sizes for horses are different, the traditional western cinches are between 26 to 34 inches, and increments are 2 inches.
3. Styles of Cinches
There are varieties in styles of horse cinches because people use them for different purposes; for instance, the training cinch for horses will be slightly unlike those for your personal choices. Some of the styles are:
- The first and most common style is a straight cinch, and it is the most general one produced; moreover, it can be used in most disciplines.
- Next comes the roper style, and it is usually used for high-performance horse riding because this type of cinches makes the saddle more secure.
- Thirdly, one of the complicated cinches is contoured ones; they prevent chaffing and helps the horse to control a wide range of motion. It cuts back or tapers near the horse’s shoulder or armpits.
- The latest addition in the cinch is the double-layered ones; it has some characteristics of roper style and some of the tapered styles. Anyway, the double-layered cinches are like heavy-duty ones, or it is necessary for extra support.
4. Care
While you’re buying a horse cinch, you should check the care instruction of that besides the materials; moreover, you should buy such a cinch that can be easy for you to take care of.
You must clean the cinches regularly because they can easily catch mud, dust, hair, and other wastes from the horse’s body; therefore, you have to wash it in such a way that it stays good. Moreover, it would be best if you also stored them properly in a cool and dry place.
5. Lasting
It depends on how quality cinch you have bought or how much taking care of it; if you use the cinches carefully, they won’t catch fungus, cracks, frays, etc., within a short time. Moreover, it is necessary to store them properly and follow the manufacturers’ tips for care.
What Are the Types of Cinch for Horses?
You can classify the cinch with their different styles, but most of the time, people divide the cinch horses due to their materials. Let’s see the types of horse cinch according to materials and others:
Mohair Cinch for Horses
It is the most traditional item among all the cinches; it becomes easy to maintain because that is breathable and dries quite fast. As a result, the moisture level remains perfect, and it doesn’t get rotten fast, but sometimes it becomes time-consuming while washing the cinch.
Back Cinch for Horses
You can also refer to the back cinch as rear girth or cinch; it is usually made of leather, and the purpose is to hold and control the horse while running. It stabilizes the saddle, and the attached rear billets help in this task; also levels the horse’s snuggles.
Wool Cinch for Horses
Woolen cinch is made of strong and natural fiber strands, making it perfect for horses, even for professional uses; moreover, it doesn’t slip at all. Anyway, it wicks away the moisture quickly, like Mohair and other natural things.
Rope Cinch for Horses
Rope cinch or roper style has a wide middle point, and it gives you enough space or surface enough for securing the saddle. It may be like a rope, but it doesn’t get harsh on the animal, making it suitable for use.
Alpaca Cinch for Horses
Alpaca cinch is more likely Mohair and made of alpaca like wool cinch; as it’s a natural thing, it is also feasible as woolen ones. However, it is also easy maintenance and long-lasting if you properly take care of it.
If you want to know more categories of horse cinches, you can look for the types based on their usage or purposes; those are:
Cinch for Sensitive Horse
Soft and comfortable yet strong cinches are perfect for sensitive animals because they can’t handle the harsh fabric or fiber items on their body. Moreover, a sensitive horse can’t be a thing that you can be rough on; therefore, choosing a cinch for them should be wiser.
You can choose traditional Mohair or some intermediate cinches between Mohair and girth because they fulfill all the requirements of a sensitive horse. The straight-styled ones are also appropriate for sensitive horses because they secure the saddle without being harsh or uncomfortable.
Shoulder Relief Cinch for Horses
The primary objectives of such a cinch are to secure the saddle correctly but keep the elbows and shoulders of the horses free from any problem. The shoulder relief cinches provide the animals the highest comfort yet provide the rider the best performance.
What Are Some of the Brands and Models of Horse Cinches?
You must know about the trustworthy brands which can provide you with the best quality horse cinches; let’s see the brands and their significant models in brief.
Weaver Horse Cinches
This brand has the recent best-seller products, and it has varieties because many people have different demands and preferences. Among all the models, the fine-lined straight cinch (smart), neoprene, and nylon cinches are primarily used and budget-friendly (below $100).
Total Saddle Fit Cinches
These cinches are especially western horse girths, and the shoulder relief versions of this brand are especially significant for horses. You may find it slightly costly if it’s for personal use, but it won’t disappoint you in the professional ones.
Tough 1 Horse Cinches
This brand manufactures girths and cinches for heavy-duty purposes, and they are tough as the company name; the price of the branded cinches is slightly reasonable. Moreover, the neoprene and other comfortable natural fabric versions have made places in the whole market.
Mustang
The PVC poly straight cinches from this brand have been proven to be a good option for those who want the best performance out of their tough horses; the models are not for sensitive animals.
String Horse Cinches
It is a brand that promoted horse cinches made of artificial or manmade fabric the most; it showed that artificial fabric cinches could also be the best for horses if appropriately manufactured. The String Rayon Smart Cinch is the best-seller product of the brand; you can have it for good performance.
On the other hand, you need to choose the best horse breed for your purpose for the best cinch, as the best horse breed for trail riding, barrel racing, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Best Horse Cinch of All?
According to experts, the best horse cinch is appropriate for most purposes and fits with all types of horses, including the sensitive ones; mohair cinches (girthy and straight styles) are the best.
2. How Much Does a Girth & Cinch Combo Cost?
The price range of a girth and cinch combination is from $20 up to $400; it’s not wise to buy the cheapest set though everyone can’t afford the exclusive one. Therefore, you can choose from the middle range that is of good quality yet affordable.
3. What Makes a Cinch Different from a Girth?
A girth is used in an informal way to secure the saddle and get a hold on the horse; on the other hand, a cinch is a formal, slightly firm way to secure the horse saddle.
4. What Size Cinch Do I Need for My Horse?
If your horse is 12-13 hand size, you can get a cinch of 24 inches; on the other hand, you should get a 26 inches cinch if the horse is 14-15 hands.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to ride and control horses correctly, you should learn to buy the most suitable cinch for horses and operate them well. I hope the article was useful enough and you will never have any problem regarding its types, selection, care, and uses.
However, the animal protection must fit a perfect but comfortable girth or cinch; both you and the horse will have benefits.

My name is Kenneth E. Johnson and I am an equestrian enthusiast. I have a passion for helping others learn more about horses and their care, and I have written extensively on topics such as nutrition, behavior, health, riding, care, etc.