How to Put on a Weaver Smart Cinch

A cinch is an essential piece of horse tack. The cinch hugs the chest directly behind the front legs and keeps the saddle from falling off during a ride. Cinches can be made of nylon, neoprene or soft webbing, although even the softest cinch can pinch the horse if applied incorrectly. The Weaver Smart Cinch is designed to hold the saddle secure without pinching or binding during your ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse brush
  • Saddle pad
  • Saddle
  • Short latigo strap
  • Long latigo strap
  • Weaver Smart Cinch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the horse's back with a soft horse brush and lay a saddle pad directly behind the shoulders. Fold the stirrups over the seat and lift the saddle onto the horse's back.

    • 2

      Attach the short latigo strap to the right side of the saddle. A latigo strap is a short piece of leather that loops over the front dee rigging under the right stirrup; it keeps the cinch from falling off during a ride.

    • 3

      Buckle the C-shaped end of the Weaver Smart Cinch to the short latigo strap. Walk around to the left side of the horse and reach under the horse, pulling the cinch tight against the chest with your hands.

    • 4

      Run the long latigo under the top ring of the Smart Cinch, then feed it through the ring and back up through the dee rigging. The Weaver Smart Cinch has a roller at the top of the cinch that allows the latigo to roll over the buckle and tighten without pinching or binding.

    • 5

      Bring the latigo down through the lower ring on the cinch and pull up firmly to tighten the cinch. Allow the horse to relax for 3 or 4 minutes, then tighten the cinch again. Press the metal piece in the middle of the buckle tongue into a hole in the latigo to secure the cinch. You should be able to fit three fingers between the cinch buckle and the horse's side without pain in your fingers.