What is the correct way to measure a horse for a cinch? To measure a horse for a cinch, you need to find the horse’s belly circumference where the saddle sits and then add extra length for the cinch straps, usually 12 to 18 inches, to find the total length required. Getting the right fit is key for comfort and safety. A poorly fitting cinch can cause serious harm to your horse. This guide will walk you through every step needed for horse cinch sizing.
Why Accurate Cinch Measurement Matters
A cinch, also known as a girth, holds your saddle on your horse. If it is too tight, it hurts the horse’s breathing and ribs. If it is too loose, the saddle can slip sideways or backward. This risk is high for both you and your horse. Knowing how to size a horse cinch correctly is vital for good riding. We must focus on the horse’s shape, not just a guess.
Tools You Need for the Job
To measure accurately, you will need a few simple tools. Gather these before you start.
- A Soft Measuring Tape: A cloth or flexible plastic tape measure works best. Metal tapes are hard to wrap around a curve.
- A Helper (Recommended): A second person helps keep the horse still. They can also help hold the saddle pad in place.
- The Saddle Pad: Use the same pad you normally ride with. The thickness of the pad changes the final fit.
- The Cinch Being Measured (Optional but helpful): If you have the cinch, you can check the fit against the actual piece.
Step-by-Step Guide to Horse Girth Measurement for Saddle
The first step in horse cinch sizing is finding the exact spot where the cinch should sit. This area is often called the “barrel” or the heart-girth area. This measurement helps in determining correct cinch length.
Locating the Correct Measurement Spot
The cinch does not sit right behind the front legs. This spot is too far forward. It restricts the shoulder movement.
- Find the Elbow: Stand beside your horse. Locate the point of the horse’s elbow (the “point of the elbow”). This is the lowest, most forward point of the front leg structure.
- Move Backwards: Move your hand back about three to four inches from this elbow point. This is the general area where the horse girth measurement for saddle should be taken.
- Determine the Lowest Point: The cinch sits at the lowest, deepest part of the horse’s belly, just behind the front legs.
Taking the Horse Belly Circumference Measurement
This measurement gives you the base length needed.
- Positioning the Tape: Have your helper hold the horse steady. Take your soft measuring tape. Place one end of the tape on the horse’s side, directly at the spot you identified (a few inches behind the elbow).
- Wrapping the Tape: Bring the tape under the horse’s belly. It must pass over the horse’s back, directly behind the saddle area (where the saddle sits). The tape should be snug but not tight. It should follow the natural curve of the horse.
- Reading the Measurement: Read the number where the tape overlaps on the horse’s side. This is the base girth measurement. Write this number down.
Important Note: Do not pull the tape tight enough to compress the horse’s skin or hair. A tight pull here leads to a cinch that is too short later. This measurement is crucial for measuring a horse for saddle rigging.
Calculating the Total Cinch Length
The base girth measurement is only part of the story. A cinch has a central body and straps (latigos or billets) that connect to the saddle rigging. You need to measure for the entire length needed to secure the saddle.
Factors Affecting Added Length
The amount of extra length needed depends on several things:
- Cinch Style: Western cinches usually have long leather billets hanging down. English cinches often have elastic ends and buckles.
- Saddle Rigging: How the saddle’s rigging (C, D-ring, or other systems) sits affects strap length.
- Horse Shape: Barrel-chested horses need more drop length than very narrow horses.
General Rule for Adding Length
For most standard Western cinches, a common practice for selecting the right horse cinch size is to add a certain amount to the base girth measurement.
| Horse Type | Base Girth Measurement Added (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Narrow/Slightly Built Horse | 12 to 14 inches |
| Average Built Horse | 14 to 16 inches |
| Deep Girth/Barrel-Chested Horse | 16 to 18 inches |
Example Calculation:
If your horse’s base girth measurement is 68 inches, and you have an average-built horse, you add 15 inches.
- Base Girth: 68 inches
- Added Length: 15 inches
- Total Cinch Size Needed: 83 inches
This total length dictates the size number you look for when buying a new cinch.
Deciphering Cinch Sizing Numbers
Cinch sizes are usually marked on the cinch itself. These numbers almost always refer to the measurement of the main, solid body of the cinch, not the total length including the buckles or latigos.
When shopping, confirm what the size number on the tag represents. Is it the measurement across the belly, or the measurement from buckle-end to buckle-end (excluding the straps)? Most reputable manufacturers size based on the horse belly circumference measurement point.
If the base measurement is 68 inches, you are likely looking for a 30-inch to 34-inch cinch body, depending on how the straps are attached and how much drop they allow. Always refer to the manufacturer’s cinch fit guide for horses if one is available.
Specialized Measurements for Different Cinch Types
The measuring process differs slightly if you use an English saddle versus a Western saddle, as the cinches themselves are very different. This is important for saddle cinch fitting.
Measuring for Western Cinches (Cinch/Girths)
Western cinches are typically made of leather, wool, or synthetic materials. They feature a central pad and long straps (latigos or billets) that thread through the saddle rigging (usually a D-ring).
The base measurement derived earlier (e.g., 68 inches) aims to find the size of the cinch body.
- Cinch Body Size: A 68-inch base girth means the cinch body itself needs to land near the center of the strap area when buckled. If the straps are 30 inches long total (15 inches on each side), the size number on the cinch body should be close to 68 inches minus the strap drop, or around 38 inches if the sizing refers to the center pad measurement.
- Strap Length Check: Once you have the cinch body size, you must ensure the attached straps allow you to fasten it comfortably. The buckles should engage in the middle holes of the latigos/billets. If you must use the very top or very bottom hole, the cinch body size is wrong.
Measuring for English Girths (Girths/Cinches)
English girths are much shorter than Western cinches. They usually have elastic ends and buckle directly onto the billets hanging from the saddle.
- Location: For English girths, the measurement spot is slightly further forward, generally about one inch behind the elbow point.
- Measurement: Wrap the tape snugly but comfortably around the barrel at this point.
- Buckle Check: English girths are sized by the length of the girth itself. If the horse measures 56 inches, you look for a 56-inch English girth.
- Fit Test: When fastened, the buckle side of the girth should sit roughly midway down the billets. You should have at least two holes above and two holes below the hole you are using. This is part of equine cinching best practices.
Assessing the Horse’s Conformation for Cinch Fit
A flat measurement doesn’t tell the whole story. A horse’s body shape heavily influences how the cinch sits and feels.
Dealing with Barrel Chests
Horses with very wide, round chests (like some draft breeds or broad Quarter Horses) carry their girth measurement far forward.
- Issue: A standard straight cinch might rub the elbows or fail to clear the ribs properly.
- Solution: Look for Western cinches that are significantly curved or “roped” in shape (often called a “roper cinch” or “angled cinch”). These are designed to sit off the elbows and follow the curve of the barrel better. You may need a slightly larger size number to achieve the correct strap alignment.
Dealing with Narrow or Tucked-Up Horses
Horses that are very narrow through the heartgirth, or horses that are thinner (like some Arabians or endurance types), present a different challenge.
- Issue: A standard straight cinch can slide forward easily and may not sit deep enough, leading to slippage.
- Solution: Consider an English-style “balance girth” if using an English saddle, which is shaped to prevent forward slip. For Western riding, look for a slightly shorter cinch body to ensure the latigos hang correctly, minimizing slack when fastened.
Flare and Rib Shape
Some horses have ribs that angle out sharply, making the girth area very wide, but their sides might taper quickly above that point.
- Interpreting: When measuring, ensure the tape is touching the horse at the lowest point. If the cinch body is too flat, the pressure points will be too high on the sides, causing discomfort. A wider, more cupped cinch is often better here. This detailed approach is key to selecting the right horse cinch size.
The Critical Final Check: Cinch Fit Guide for Horses in Action
Measuring in the tack room is only the first half. You must check the fit when the horse is tacked up and ready to move. This section covers equine cinching best practices once the equipment is on the horse.
Checking the Cinch Before Mounting
After placing the saddle pad, saddle, and cinch, loosely fasten the cinch—just enough so it doesn’t fall off.
- Position Check: Does the cinch sit exactly where you measured it (3-4 inches behind the elbow)? If it’s already sliding forward, you may need a different cinch style (like a breast collar attachment or a different cinch shape).
- Strap Alignment (Western): Look at the latigos or billets. They should drop relatively straight down from the saddle rigging, perhaps angling slightly inward at the bottom. If they angle too sharply inward (like an upside-down ‘V’), the cinch is too short. If they hang too far out, the cinch is too long.
- Buckle Position: The buckle (or the point where the cinch fastens) should be roughly in the center of the available holes on the straps. This allows room for tightening if the horse puffs up, or for loosening if the horse settles after a ride.
Tightening and Final Fit Evaluation
Do not fully tighten the cinch until the horse has moved a little. Many horses take a few steps and relax their belly muscles.
- The Finger Test (Western Cinch): After tightening the cinch until it feels secure (not painfully tight), you should be able to slide one finger easily between the cinch and the horse’s skin. You should not be able to easily slide two fingers, and definitely not a whole hand.
- The Finger Test (English Girth): Due to the tension, you should be able to slide one finger between the girth and the skin, similar to the Western check, but it will feel much tighter overall.
- Breathing Check: Watch your horse’s flanks closely. If the horse appears to be holding its breath, is restless, or if its flanks look sucked in severely, the cinch is too tight. Tight cinches restrict the diaphragm, making deep breaths difficult.
What to Look For After Movement
Have someone gently walk the horse around while you observe.
- Rubbing/Pinching: Watch the skin behind the front legs. If the cinch is rubbing the soft skin, it is either too tight or positioned incorrectly.
- Saddle Movement: If the saddle shifts sideways or rotates when the horse turns, the cinch fit is inadequate, or the rigging needs adjustment. This emphasizes the need for proper measuring a horse for saddle rigging.
- Signs of Discomfort: Look for white spots (pressure points), skin swelling, or the horse trying to bite at the cinch. Any of these signal immediate need for adjustment or replacement. This entire process is vital for determining correct cinch length.
Common Mistakes in Horse Cinch Sizing
Many riders make simple errors when trying to find the right size. Avoiding these mistakes will save time and prevent discomfort for your horse.
Mistake 1: Measuring Over the Top of the Saddle
Some people measure around the horse with the saddle already on, measuring over the saddle seat. This measures the entire setup, not the cinch size needed. The cinch size must be determined by the horse’s body circumference alone.
Mistake 2: Assuming All Brands Are Equal
A 32-inch cinch from Brand X might be slightly different from a 32-inch cinch from Brand Y. Manufacturing tolerances exist. Always check specific sizing charts if available. This is a key element of selecting the right horse cinch size.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Pad Thickness
If you switch from a thin wool half-pad to a thick, fluffy fleece liner, the cinch that was perfect yesterday might now be too tight. Always measure with the exact padding you intend to ride with. This impacts the final outcome of your horse girth measurement for saddle.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Horse Changes
A horse’s shape changes seasonally. In the fall, a horse carrying extra fat for winter will require a larger cinch size than they did in the summer when they were running lean. Regular re-measurement is a cornerstone of equine cinching best practices.
Table: Quick Reference for Cinch Adjustment Needs
This table helps guide you if your current cinch feels wrong, even if the measurement seemed correct initially.
| Observed Issue | Likely Cause | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cinch is too loose, even on the last hole. | Cinch body is too long. | Downsize the cinch body measurement. |
| Cinch is too tight, on the first hole only. | Cinch body is too short. | Upsize the cinch body measurement. |
| Latigos hang too far out/angled sharply out. | Cinch body is too short for the rigging. | Check base measurement or use a curved cinch. |
| Horse resists tightening or seems short of breath. | Cinch is too tight/too narrow in the center. | Loosen immediately; check for rubbing. |
| Saddle slips forward repeatedly. | Cinch is too far forward or the horse lacks a defined barrel. | Consider a breast collar or girth adjustment. |
Comprehending Cinch Materials and Their Effect on Fit
The material of the cinch influences how it sits and how much “give” it has, which affects the necessary measurement.
Leather Cinch Longevity and Stretch
New leather cinches are stiff. When first used, they stretch significantly, sometimes an inch or more over several rides.
- Advice: When buying a new leather cinch, you might initially choose one that feels slightly loose on the tightest hole. As it breaks in, it will settle to the correct fit. This requires patience during the saddle cinch fitting process.
Neoprene and Synthetic Cinch Comfort
Synthetic and neoprene cinches do not stretch. They offer consistent sizing from the first use.
- Advice: Measure precisely and buy the size that matches your calculation exactly. If you are between sizes, size up, as neoprene can sometimes feel restrictive if too tight.
Wool and Mohair Cinch Performance
Wool or mohair cinches are prized for their breathability and ability to contour to the horse. They absorb sweat well.
- Advice: Because wool is thick, it takes up more space. If you are switching to a heavy wool cinch, you might need to go up one size from your old synthetic cinch size to accommodate the bulk, even if the horse belly circumference measurement remains the same.
Final Thoughts on How to Size a Horse Cinch
Measuring a horse for a cinch is a combination of precise measurement and thoughtful observation of the horse’s body. It is more art than just math. Always prioritize the horse’s comfort and ability to breathe deeply.
Use the initial measurement as your baseline. Then, always confirm the fit with the saddle on, ensuring the straps or latigos line up correctly. A proper fit guarantees safety, allows your horse to move freely, and makes your ride enjoyable for both of you. Regularly check your cinch fit, especially after weight changes or switching tack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much slack should a cinch have when the horse is relaxed?
When the horse is standing relaxed, you should be able to slide one finger snugly between the cinch and the horse’s skin. You should not be able to fit two fingers easily, especially with Western cinches. This ensures the cinch is firm enough to hold the saddle but loose enough not to restrict breathing or cause rubbing.
Can I use the same cinch size for Western and English riding?
No. Western and English cinches are sized very differently. An English girth is sized to the actual circumference where it sits, while a Western cinch size refers mainly to the body pad, assuming a specific length of hanging straps. You must use completely different size numbers for each style.
How do I know if my cinch is too far forward?
If the cinch is too far forward, it will sit directly on or behind the point of the elbow. This restricts the horse’s shoulder movement, leading to a short, choppy stride. The cinch should sit comfortably behind the elbow, allowing full extension of the foreleg.
What is the difference between a latigo and a billet in Western cinching?
In Western tack, the billet is the short leather strap attached to the cinch body itself. The latigo is the longer leather strap that attaches to the saddle D-ring and threads through the buckle holes on the billet to tighten the cinch.
Should I measure my horse when they are saddled or bare?
You should measure the horse’s bare girth area first to get the base circumference. Then, when testing the fit of an actual cinch, you must have the saddle, pad, and cinch on the horse, as the bulk of the equipment affects the final required length.