The cinch is the lifeline that keeps your saddle secure—it’s not something you can afford to get wrong. You need one that’s safe, reliable, and comfortable for your horse. The right cinch prevents chafing and pinching, while keeping your saddle exactly where it needs to be, ride after ride.
But with so many choices on the market, where do you even start?
Classic Equine takes the guesswork out of it. Their team has built an entire line of high-quality western cinches—each one designed with the horse’s comfort and performance in mind. And because they know every horse and rider is different, they’ve put together a simple guide to help you find the cinch that’s right for your needs.
Cinch Basics
Cinches come in various materials, including mohair, alpaca, mohair and alpaca blends, jersey, neoprene, and fleece, each offering different benefits for your horse’s comfort and performance.
Western cinches typically come in sizes from 28 to 36 inches, with 2-inch increments. Colt or small horse cinches are available in 24 and 26 inches.
Cinches come in two different styles –
- Straight: Stays the same width from end to end. Great for everyday riding, speed events, and more.
- Roper: Not just for ropers — this style helps spread pressure across your horse’s sternum. The wider center helps balance the saddle, especially when you’re dallying off or putting pressure on the saddle. It offers more even pressure and added support.
Cinch Tips
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 string 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 typically come in leather or nylon, and each type works best with specific cinches.
Leather latigos offer “give”, which helps absorb movement and reduces pressure in sensitive areas. Nylon latigos, on the other hand, have no give—so they need to be used with a cinch that provides flexibility on its own, like a string cinch.
String cinches naturally have some elasticity, so they pair well with either type of latigo. But if you're using a cinch with a nylon or neoprene body, a leather latigo is recommended to provide the give that's otherwise missing.
5.) Choose Durable Stainless Steel Hardware: Look for cinches with stainless steel hardware for durability, as it resists rust and corrosion. Classic Equine uses high-grade stainless steel to provide the ultimate quality.
High Performance Cinches
Recommended for use with leather latigos
Aura Cinch
Touch an Aura—feel the difference.
The best of both worlds. It’s breathable, light and compact, soft against your horse’s skin-yet can stand up to years of wear and washes. It’s easy to clean, has a soft jersey lining against your horse, and is perforated for the ultimate airflow. The neoprene is an interior construction but does not touch the horse. This cinch reduces the risk of galling. Available in roper and straight styles.
SensorFlex
High-quality fleece for a comfortable ride.
The SensorFlex is soft and flexible with a high-quality fleece interior and padded nylon exterior. It includes an inner felt insert provides a plush feel for a more comfortable ride. Available in roper and straight styles.
FeatherFlex
Buttery soft against your horse’s skin.
The FeatherFlex is extra soft, non-chafing virgin neoprene and is self-lubricating and reduces firth itch under extreme conditions. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties make this cinch a great choice to rinse off after a ride and use on another horse. This cinch reduces the risk of bacteria transfer and girth itch. Available in black and brown roper and straight styles.
Neoprene Cinch
The eco cinch
An affordable, easy-care option designed for everyday riding. The Velcro lining detaches from the cinch body, making it simple to remove, wash, and reattach. Available in both straight and roper styles.
Traditional Natural Fiber String Cinches
Recommended for use with leather or nylon latigos
31-Strand 100% Mohair
Made with 31 strands of 100% mohair fiber that is naturally soft, breathable, and extra wide to help prevent soreness. Incredibly strong yet expands with movement, providing comfort for the horse and security for the rider. Stainless steel hardware with one roller buckle for easier cinching. This cinch also comes in a 24” colt size 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. Includes stainless steel hardware and a roller buckle.
Mohair-Alpaca
Features a unique color pattern inspired by vintage western designs. Handwoven and made from 100% real mohair and alpaca fibers, our cinches show the natural beauty and variations in color and appearance that come from using only authentic fiber. The natural strength of the fibers promotes flexibility, encouraging ease of movement while ensuring long-lasting performance and soft against your horse's heart girth.
Blended Mohair
A versatile, all-around cinch crafted from a blend of mohair and rayon, offering a feel similar to most "mohair" cinches on the market. Its contoured design naturally follows the shape of the horse's heart girth for optimal comfort.
Be sure to regularly check your billets and latigo for any wear and tear and replace them as needed to ensure safety.