How to Measure Cinch Girth

A cinch is a belt-like strap that runs under the belly of a horse on a Western saddle. The English saddle equivalent is called a girth. When tacking up a horse, the rider tightens this strap to secure her saddle in place. Girths and cinches are made of various materials, but measuring for the correct size is performed in similar fashion, whether for Western or English tack.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Western saddle
  • English saddle
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Instructions

  1. How to Measure for an English Girth

    • 1

      Place the cloth measuring tape about 3 inches behind the elbow.

    • 2

      Measure the entire circumference of the horse's chest, across the back of the withers and beneath the chest.

    • 3

      Multiply this length by 40 percent.

    • 4

      Round up to the next even size for a dropped yoke. If measuring for a short yoke, add an additional 6 to 8 inches to the total. Standard girth lengths are 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 inches. Undersize and oversize girths are also available.

    • 5

      Confirm measurements with an English saddle on the horse's back by measuring from girth buckle to girth buckle.

    How to Measure for a Western Cinch

    • 6

      Place the cloth measuring tape about 3 inches behind the elbow.

    • 7

      Measure the entire circumference of the horse's chest, across the back of the withers and beneath the chest.

    • 8

      Multiply this length by 40 percent.

    • 9

      Round up to the next even size for a dropped yoke. If measuring for a short yoke, add an additional 6 to 8 inches to the total. Standard cinch lengths are 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 inches. Undersize and oversize cinches are also available.

    • 10

      Confirm measurements with a Western saddle on the horse's back by measuring from mid-fender to mid-fender.