How to Buckle the Flank Cinch

While most Western riders do not need to use a flank or back cinch on their saddles, there are times that using one is a necessity. However, when a flank cinch is used, it is fastened differently than the front cinch that is used to keep the saddle on the horse. The flank cinch is used only to keep the back end of the saddle from coming up in activities such as roping.

Things You'll Need

  • Western saddle
  • saddle pad
  • flank cinch
  • keeper or leather curb strap
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Saddle your horse, fastening the front cinch securely.

    • 2

      Determine the front of the flank cinch. Usually, the front of the flank cinch will have a small buckle on it.

    • 3

      Attach the flank cinch to the billets or straps that hang down from the back of the saddle, making sure that the small buckle on the rear cinch faces the front of the horse.

    • 4

      Take up the slack in the rear cinch, so that it does not hang down more than two fingers or 1 inch from the horse. While this cinch should be loose, it should not be so loose that the horse can catch a foot in it.

    • 5

      Attach a keeper strap to the buckle on the flank cinch. Also attach the keeper strap to the front cinch. This keeps the flank cinch from sliding too far back. If the flank cinch does not come with a keeper strap, a leather curb strap can usually be substituted.