Are English and Western girths the same size?
Technically, “girth” skews more towards English tack, while Western tack uses what is referred to as a cinch. They both do the same thing but are different in size and shape to accommodate the differences in saddles.
Is a girth and a cinch the same thing?
A girth, sometimes called a cinch (Western riding), is a piece of equipment used to keep the saddle in place on a horse or other animal. It passes under the barrel of the equine, usually attached to the saddle on both sides by two or three leather straps called billets.
What is the purpose of the back cinch on western saddle?
If the back cinch is fastened to be snug but not uncomfortably tight, it helps stabilize the back of the saddle (horizontally and vertically) during travel. This facilitates a balanced, comfortable fit of the saddle in movement from the Horse’s perspective.
How tight should a flank cinch be?
Flank cinches provide stability to the saddle and should be snug (not tight) against the horse. A rule of thumb is to be able to slip two fingers between the flank and the horse at the apex of the belly. It should not be loose or hang below the horse’s belly – a loose flank cinch is a danger to horse and rider.
How tight should western cinch be?
Your cinch only needs to be tight enough for you to mount without the saddle slipping. If your horse has good withers, you won’t have to over-tighten; if he has poor withers, he’ll have to get used to a much tighter cinch. It’s a good idea to check your cinch for tightness again about 10 minutes into your ride.
Do you need a flank cinch?
The rear, or flank, cinch is more than a pretty accessory for a Western saddle. It’s a safety feature that holds your saddle snug and level to your horse’s barrel and prevents the cantle from tipping forward. For trail riding, the back cinch is a must. And you’ve got to set it up right!
What is an off billet?
The “off billet” is the leather strap attached to the front D-ring on the right side of the rigging on your horse’s Western saddle. Its purpose is to support the girth, which wraps around the horse’s barrel.
Do you have to use a back cinch on a Western saddle?
Because it’s unlikely your saddle will shift in certain show events, such as Western pleasure or horsemanship, a back cinch isn’t commonplace in these classes. But for hilly trail riding, cattle and speed events, reining, and other activities, a back cinch is a must.
What is a flank strap?
The flank strap is a fleece-lined strip of leather placed behind the horse’s rib cage in the flank area. PRCA rules strictly regulate the use of the strap, which must have a quick-release buckle.