I rode Western in the age of dinosaurs, tell me about newer cinches, padding, elastic

[ReSomething]

Just what it says. I’d like to switch to a newfangled possibly more comfortable cinch from my double ringed string cinch - see my Horse care post on Girthy horse. Unfortunately I am overwhelmed by the number of choices out there - felt, neoprene, mesh.

Can you help me pick something out, and tell me if this cinch I’m using is riding too high - it’s just behind the top of the stirrup - and is the saddle too far forward, cinch too far forward etc…
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=460560033977363&set=pb.100000701115270.-2207520000.1359663156&type=3&theater

Apologize in advance if I haven’t got the settings to public - I may have to get the DD to fix that.

[Sfbayequine]

Thanks for posting… I am very interested in seeing the responses. I was just in the tack store picking up a lovely western pad and will also be looking at a new cinch.

[qhwpmare]

Cinch looks to be properly positioned. It is difficult for me to tell if the saddle is too far forward from this pic. Doesn’t appear to be impinging on his shoulder.

[Tee]

I use the Pro Choice cinches and love them. Pretty much all I’ve used the last 20 years, English or Western. I have the older kind, but I am thinking of buying the new VenTech. It feels soooo soft and comfy in the store.

At first glance, I’d say your saddle could come back a couple of inches. I always check after a ride to see if hair is ruffled under the pad, indicating that the saddle slid forward some. Then I put it a little more forward next time.

[propspony]

This is the one I and everyone at my barn use. I will never go back to another type of cinch. LOVELOVELOVE it!!!

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-nylon-felt-lined-straight-smart-cinch/SLT733274/

[gaitedincali]

I like quality smooth neoprene cinches for ease of cleaning. I have 3 of these-
http://www.jefferspet.com/classic-equine-soft-touch-cinch/camid/equ/cp/0036397/

• and really like them. They’ve worn well.

Real mohair or alpaca cinches are also very nice. I would like to use them. For whatever reason, I attract every sticky weed seed in a 5mile radius when do I use one, and I got tired of picking burrs and sticks and what have you out of the cinch by hand piece. by. piece. I’m seriously coveting one of these though-
http://www.buckarooleather.com/cinchas-a-saddle-gear/details/611/9/cinchas/buckaroo-cowboy-cincha.html
Maybe if I ever get a horse whose belly is taller than the weeds.:lol:

I don’t like felt because it gets nasty fast when it goes on several a horses a day, every day. Don’t think that’d be an issue with just one horse.

[ReSomething]

Propspony, I saw that on Schneider’s and I was wondering, does it have instructions on how to use that double buckle end? Is it washable? Do I buy the same size as my current cinch or add or subtract? I have a little tweaking to do here, I don’t want to do too much at once or I won’t know which was really the effective change.

[ReSomething]

Gaited, he’s got a string cinch already. Plus he’s definitely shorter than the weeds. I’d like that in a breastcollar though, something that pretty shouldn’t be facing the ground.

Nice neoprene cinch, easy to clean, says it’s antifungal etc. Decisions decisions!

[redcowpony]

I have a cinchy mare who only likes string cinches; she did not like the felt cinches, neoprene, etc. But, before you drop a whole bunch of money on different cinches, figure out if your saddle really does fit. It looks to be way too far forward in the photo. When it is far forward, nearly up on her neck, slide it back until it wants to stop; this is where it naturally wants to sit. Then cinch up. If the saddle slides around anywhere, it may be because the saddle does not fit, or it could be due to your horse’s conformation. Usually it is the former.

FWIW, My mare was made cinch by being ridden in a poorly-fitting saddle and being cinched up all at once, not hole-by-hole, which she prefers.

[propspony]

The schneiders one is a newer model than I have… but, the cinching part is easy, first (and second if you need two) wraps go over the roller, the wrap you want to buckle, uses the buckle. It’s so easy and user friendly. Super high quality too.

[redcowpony]

Oh, my mare also likes string cinches with two layers of strings, not just one.

[NoSuchPerson]

I also think the saddle looks way too far forward. Is that a 3/4 rigged saddle? If so, and if your horse has a more forward girth groove, the girth may be pulling the saddle forward when you tighten it.

As far as cinches go, I also use a felt lined cinch, but without walking out to the tack shed, I can’t tell you which brand.

[Sacred_Petra]

I swear by the classic equine sensorflex cinch (and pads as well). My mare gets girth sores very easily, and can be a bit sensitive and I have never had a problem with the sensorflex cinch. I’ve also had it over a year and used it on 5-7 horses per day nearly every day of that time. Its still in great shape, its easy to clean, and completely safe for horses with issues with neoprene (I had an allergic horse). It has a roller buckle so its easier to tighten, but not as ready to overtighten as the weaver smart cinches (which I’ve used abs didn’t care for). The sleeve design also keeps your off billet secure and out of the way. I’ve used neoprene cinches and thats all one of my coworkers uses, but IME they tend to gall horses more.

[aqhadreamer]

I also love the professionals choice girths. My current lease is very chinchy, and found that the fleece girth from pro-choice was the best one for him. Sometimes you have to try a few to find one that the horse likes.

[katarine]

[QUOTE=ReSomething;6809891]
Propspony, I saw that on Schneider’s and I was wondering, does it have instructions on how to use that double buckle end? Is it washable? Do I buy the same size as my current cinch or add or subtract? I have a little tweaking to do here, I don’t want to do too much at once or I won’t know which was really the effective change.[/QUOTE]

Buy one in person if possible. I bought one and the tongue of the buckle was too short- had to send it back.

It’s not complicated- you just thread the latigo though the rolly part to make it easier to snug it up, then thread it down through the solid part to buckle it. The overall length isn’t affected, a 30" girth is still a 30" girth.

I think your saddle is too far forward, but just a bit.

[ViewParadise]

The saddle looks too far forward, but with the pic angle it’s hard to tell. The saddle should be in the middle of the pad, this looks like it’s about to slip.
as for materials?
I would prefer to see a better fitted saddle, but if you are just dipping into western after a long time, you might not be ready to make the investment? If you love and adore this saddle, then throw my comments out the window! Not looking to hurt anyone’s feelings!
JMO and experience, but I prefer mohair or alpaca cinchas and wool pads. There is a certain stick/grip to them that most horses find comfortable. I have not found that to be true with many synthetics. This doesn’t have to break the bank. A good wool pad and cinch can both be purchased for around 75 (and up) each.
Usually if a horse is bothered by a ‘string’ cinch, it’s because it is cotton or cotton blend. These do not function the same as mohair or alpaca cinchas.