Claire has been in touch with a tip on a snug rear cinch – but have a look at the comments, some of you disagree…
“There’s a lot to saddle fitting but pay particular attention to the rear cinch – and strap it on tight.
A snug rear cinch stops the saddle bouncing around on the horse’s back. Your weight on the saddle pushes the strap down under the horse so overcompensate slightly when strapping it on.
Doing this made a massive difference with my horse Treacle.
Claire”
Thanks for that one Claire – brilliantly demonstrated in this rear cinch vid too:
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
Here’s what Kathy has to say on the rear cinch issue:
“If you need the rear cinch to hold your saddle down in the back, your saddle does not fit correctly. The rear cinch is used to stabilize the saddle when roping cattle, but for every day use, it shouldn’t be necessary.
kathy”
And here’s what Karen says:
“Ouch. So now you have tightened a wooden frame on your poor horse’s back and tied it down so there are 4 pressure points driving into their back and no hope for any relief. Turning a flexible backbone under a rigid western frame is painful to all horses. The only time you should be using a rear cinch like this is if you are roping or pulling large logs with your saddle horn. Try this on yourself.
I’ll stick with my Northwestern and eliminate all the problems at once.
Karen”
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And now onto Erica.
“The rear cinch, also known as the back cinch or flank cinch, is an important component of certain types of saddles, particularly western saddles used for roping, trail riding, or ranch work. It is a strap that attaches to the rear of the saddle, looping around the horse’s belly behind the front cinch. Its primary purpose is to secure the saddle more firmly in place and prevent it from shifting or tipping, especially during activities that involve heavy movements or force, such as roping or fast riding.”
“The rear works in tandem with the front cinch, which is positioned closer to the horse’s chest, to provide balance and stability for the saddle. While the front cinch holds the saddle in place, the rear cinch acts as an additional point of security, helping distribute the pressure and weight more evenly across the horse’s body. This reduces the chance of the saddle shifting or becoming unbalanced, which could cause discomfort to the horse or lead to a dangerous situation for the rider.”
” If it is too tight, it can restrict the horse’s breathing or movement, causing discomfort or even injury. If it is too loose, it may not provide enough support, allowing the saddle to shift during riding. The rear cinch should be adjusted snugly but comfortably, with enough room for the horse to move freely.”
“Not all saddles require a cinch, and it is typically used in situations where additional security is needed, such as roping or riding on uneven terrain. For general riding, many riders opt not to use the rear cinch unless necessary, as the front cinch alone can provide sufficient stability for everyday use. However, when used correctly, the cinch is an essential tool for ensuring a well-fitted and secure saddle. Erica”
Next up
Thanks! I learned a lot today.
Good to think about ! Thanks
Thanks, all the years I’ve used one, everyone laughed. Now I can make them eat the INFO & VIDEO. Many thanks, Caliegh
what a great video and info 😀 thanks!!!!!!!
WOW! Now that is the best information I’ve seen in a long time! Excellent! I’ve been needing and wanting to learn more about saddle fitting. Thank you so much!
I’ve always used a rear cinch, but used it rather loose. Now that I’ve watched your video which makes GOOD sense, I’ll gradually tighten it on my horse – THANKS!!
Moving from an English saddle to a Western saddle does not easily translate. This video was so helpful in understanding how to properly do up a western saddle – and in particular – why! Really appreciated the video! 😯
🙄 😀 yeah i agree with sharon this would suit a western saddle but not an english one. your horse would be very restricted with two of these on an english saddle
Very very good and welldone video awesome info Thanks
Is that a stripped down saddle or something else?
Thank you.
I try to always use rear cinch, never heard the one about clinching it tightly, makes oodles of sense! Thank you. I’ve been riding/around these fine animals for over 40 years. Guess what… I’m still learning!
FYI gorgeous paint you used for this demonstration.
Take care, ride safely.
Lois
I am not a Western rider – but I still found this interesting! The Australian Stock Saddle was traditionally heavier in the cantle, and stockmen rode with their weight towards the back. You have a girth (even nowadays) and an extra surcingle.
Stock saddles are now lighter, and more centred.
As an original English rider, found Polo and Australian stock work made me so much better balanced with the horse. – No Western riding then.
😀 😀 😀 That was great, learnt a lot. thanks
Like the thought but what if wradter sadle only has one rigging ?
Thanks for providing the video. The need to pr.operly cinch the backstrap the same as the front was news to me. I see riders all the time that leave it loose. I am starting to view the other videos. 😛
Thank you for this message!! I was always told to leave the rear cinch loose so your horse wouldn’t buck. So that is what I’ve always done. It doesn’t make a horse buck?? I’m kinda confused now..
a very well presented explanation on the cinching of a horse western style
If you need the rear cinch to hold your saddle down in the back, your saddle does not fit correctly. The rear cinch is used to stabilize the saddle when roping cattle, but for every day use, it shouldn’t be necessary.
And how would this apply to an English saddle ? I would think it would also be needed with any saddle – so how ? Love the video and the info, very useful – Thank You
Very informative – learned something new today – thanks!
Ouch. So now you have tightened a wooden frame on your poor horse’s back and tied it down so there are 4 pressure points driving into their back and no hope for any relief. Turning a flexible backbone under a rigid western frame is painful to all horses. The only time you should be using this type of western saddle is if you are roping or pulling large logs with your saddle horn. Try this on yourself.
I’ll stick with my Northwestern and eliminate all the problems at once.
I just bought a new saddle, my first brand new and my first double-birthed, so thanks!!
😆
Thanks for this information, what do you use to connect the rear cinch to the front one? — I sort of like the second method best
unexpected and so interesting, I would have thought that would be a better balance option on English as well, they do this floating V on quite a few dressage saddles too. Thank you so much, informative and succinct.
I am new to western riding after riding with english tack for many years I learnt so much THANK YOU
Thank you for all the useful information
Regards
Pierre
Hi
Thank you I also lurned a lot today 🙂
An additional point for the horses benefit – when you are setting the blanket, it’s a good idea to put it somewhat forward and then slide it back into position on the back so as to smooth the hair down. If you just set it up there and then juggle it into position, you can sometimes push it forward a bit, and lift the hair up with the blanket which can become uncomfortable for the horse when you cinch up and get on.
Thank you very much for sharing this valuable information. It gave me a solid visual demonstration that makes good horse sense. I understand now. 😛
😛 Wow That is a great idea. I have always left the back cinch loose because I was taught the horde would buck if cinched too tight in back. Thanks for the lesson.
❓ What is a snug rear cinch ? I can’t see the video
Very very informative!! Thank you 😎 😎
This is awonderful how you presented this. The only problem I could not hear the information well. Thank you from Reyn and I. We are going ti try this.
you can also single rig your saddle like that if you get your horse cinch galled.I would change my rig over to this a time or two when riding big circles on cattle.
Would this be the same thing as the bucking strap?
Thanks for that. Makes a lot of sense. More comfortable on horse and rider.
What is the purpose of the rear cinch on a western saddle, and how should it be adjusted?
The rear cinch on a western saddle helps provide additional security and stability by preventing the saddle from shifting or tipping, especially during activities that involve heavy movements, such as roping or fast riding. It works alongside the front cinch to evenly distribute the pressure and weight across the horse’s body, ensuring the saddle stays in place. When adjusting the rear cinch, it should be snug but not too tight—too tight, and it could restrict the horse’s breathing or movement, while too loose, it may not provide enough support. Proper adjustment ensures the saddle stays secure without causing discomfort to the horse.