It's amazing how the smallest details can affect a horse's performance and mental state. EquiPedic pads explains how the length of the cinch can affect those two things plus the fit of your saddle as well as the enjoyment of your ride! We here at Saddle Up found it so interesting, we wanted to share some of the highlights with you! (to view the article, visit EquiPedic's website!)

We're all taught that the taller or wider the horse is the longer the cinch needs to be. What if it's not as black and white as that? The widest part of a horse's body is at the apex of the curve of their rib cage. If your cinch ends are above this point, no matter how tight you pull it, the cinch it won't grip, your saddle will slide and you'll be constricting your horse's breathing by continuing to tighten the cinch.

Horse's need to breathe and when we tighten the cinch too much it doesn't allow their chest and rib cage to expand enough to take in enough oxygen. Imagine if someone tied a rope very tightly around your chest and then told you to go for a run. Wouldn't be very fun or comfortable, right? Your horse may be feeling the same thing and that could lead to him becoming cinchy, pinning his ears back when saddling and attempting to bite you while you cinch him up.

So how do you measure for a cinch with these thoughts in mind? The cinch end should be 3"-4" above the horse's elbow. This will allow for clearance when your horse brings his leg back, but isn't too high that you start running into the afore mentioned problems. Take a string and hold it on one side of the horse 3"-4" above the elbow and run it underneath the horse to the opposite side at the same point. Cut the string there and measure it. That should give you that horse's cinch length. Don't be surprised if it's shorter then you expected!

(photo taken from Pinterest)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The right length cinch can make a huge difference for the stability of your saddle, your horse's comfort, and your overall safety and enjoyment while riding!

Saddle Up is now carrying EquiPedic pads! Stop by and check them out! Or if you have any questions, please call us!

"If you act like you've only got fifteen minutes, it'll take all day. Act like you've got all day and it'll take fifteen minutes." -- Monty Roberts

~ Saddle Up