Girths & Cinches | Information

Girths and cinches are vital to our horse's health and happiness while riding. Choosing the correct one can be frustrating. Sportack carries a variety of girths and cinches that we think provide the most versatility for long distance and trail riding. Here is some helpful information about girths and cinches.

Choosing the Correct Girth or Cinch:

Examine your saddle. Does it have double billets (usually English) or a single latigo (usually Western)? Is it standard or Center Fire? Is the rigging dropped or high? Choose the girth, cinch or system that works with your saddle make/model. Call the saddle manufacturer and find out what they suggest.
Figure out your horse's needs. Does your horse have sensitive skin? Does the horse have any bumps or sores that might become irritated by a girth or cinch? Choose a material that will accomodate your horse's needs (see material explanations below).
How is your saddle fitting? Is it slipping forward or backward? Is it excessively rolling from side to side? Determine if you need a breastcollar or crupper instead, or whether your current girth or cinch is too big or too small.
Measure your existing girth or cinch or your horse's body to find out what size you need (see measuring instructions below).

Materials

Mohair: Our #1 Recommendation for any girth or cinch! Mohair is goat hair. It usually comes in a string or cord style. Out of all the materials available, it is the one that is least likely to rub, chafe, pinch, roll or bother your horse. All the mohair cinches that we sell are Mohair-blend (50% Mohair, 50% Polyester) cord girths. To clean, hose with cold water (use small amount of horse shampoo if needed - but rinse thoroughly). Lay flat to dry - DO NOT HANG - DO NOT MACHINE WASH. The less you wash these girths - the longer they will last.

Woolback: Made by Toklat. For girths and cinches it provides the most padding, and the styles we carry come with elastic on one or both ends for extra comfort. Great for "cinchy" horses. Machine washable, but we recommend brushing more than washing. If horse has tendency to get elbow rubs or chafing of the skin folds directly behind the elbow, Woolback may not be the best choice due to the thickness of the girths themselves.

BioThane^®: Yes, BioThane^®! These cinches are lighter, thinner, flexible, won't attract burrs or trail debris, easy-to-clean, extremely easy-to-use, won't get hot, and won't absorb moisture or sweat. Great for long distance or casual trail riding. Not recommended for very thin-skinned horses.

PVC: This material has a waffle-like texture. It is very durable and easy to clean. The waffle-texture allows for better airflow compared to regular neoprene. PVC won't absorb moisture or sweat and won't attract burrs and trail debris. Not recommended for very thin-skinned horses.

Neoprene: A rubberized foam material that is very cushiony and easy to clean. Neoprene is durable with very minimal moisture absorption. It won't attract burrs or trail debris. Not recommended for "cinchy" or thin-skinned horses.

How to measure for a Girth or Cinch:

Measure your existing girth or cinch: Lay your girth or cinch out on a flat surface. Measure from end of buckle on one side to end of buckle on the other side.
Measure your horse: Put your saddle on the horse. Measure from the bottom of the cinch ring (Western) or middle of the billets (English) all the way under the belly to the bottom of the cinch ring or middle of the billets on the other side.

Center-Fire Cinch Systems SHOP NOW!

What is this? Many of the newer-model and custom Endurance saddles are coming with center-fired rigging. This means that the rigging is placed back farther on the saddle and the horse compared to traditional English or Western rigging. Center-fire allows the horse more movement of the leg and elbow and helps prevent rubbing or pinching. It also helps balance out the saddle by pulling from both the front and the back - this helps prevent loin rubbing or excessive saddle movement from side to side. Our center-fire system eliminates the long latigo systems and creates a better-balanced saddle fit.

Girth & Cinch Accessories SHOP NOW!

Some horses are just extra sensitive. We offer 100% Merino wool covers and protectors to help cushion your girth or cinch.