A rider’s guide to keeping your tack clean, comfortable, and ready for every ride
Your cinch is one of the hardest working pieces of tack you own. It takes on sweat, dust, and dirt every time you saddle up, and just like any other part of your gear, regular cleaning keeps it performing its best. Proper care not only helps your cinch last longer, but it also ensures your horse stays comfortable and your saddle remains stable ride after ride.
Mohair cinches are a favorite among Western riders for their natural breathability, stretch, and comfort. To keep them soft and functional, follow these care steps:
- After each ride: Brush off dried sweat, hair, and dirt using a stiff brush or curry comb.
- Deep cleaning: Hand wash with cool water and a mild, horse safe soap or gentle shampoo. Avoid hot water or harsh detergents that can shrink the fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly: Make sure all soap residue is gone to prevent buildup that can cause stiffness.
- Drying: Lay flat or hang in a shaded, well ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent shrinking.
- Storage: Keep in a dry area to protect the natural fibers from mildew or moths.
Wool is naturally moisture wicking and resilient, allowing it to conform comfortably to your horse’s barrel while maintaining its shape over time. It offers excellent temperature regulation and softness against the skin, but it requires gentle care to preserve its structure.
- After each ride: Shake or brush off loose hair and debris.
- Deep cleaning: Rinse in cool water with a mild soap. Work the suds through gently with your hands and avoid scrubbing or twisting the fibers.
- Rinse completely: Any leftover soap can cause stiffness.
- Drying: Lay flat to dry, reshaping if needed to maintain the contour of the cinch.
- Tip: Because wool resists odor and bacteria, you do not need to wash it often, only when buildup occurs.
Neoprene cinches are durable, non slip, and easy to clean, making them a great choice for riders who need quick maintenance.
- After each ride: Rinse with cool water to remove sweat and dirt.
- For deep cleaning: Use a mild soap or gentle antibacterial cleaner if needed.
- Wipe clean: Use a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
- Drying: Hang to air dry completely before storage. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the neoprene to crack or stiffen over time.
- Pro tip: Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup that can trap heat and moisture against your horse’s skin.
Fleece cinches offer cushion and comfort, especially for sensitive horses, but their fibers can trap debris if not cleaned routinely.
- After each ride: Use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove hair and sweat.
- Deep cleaning: Machine wash on a gentle cycle using cold water and mild detergent.
- Avoid: Bleach, fabric softener, or high heat drying, which can damage the fibers.
- Drying: Air dry completely before use or storage to prevent mildew.
- Maintenance: Keep fleece brushed and fluffed to maintain its softness and airflow.
Seasonal Care and Long Term Maintenance
Even with regular cleaning, a little extra care between seasons helps extend your cinch’s life.
- Inspect regularly: Look for worn stitching, stretched fibers, or rusted buckles. Replace if any signs of damage appear.
- Rotate use: If you ride often, alternate between two cinches to let each one dry fully between rides.
- Keep tack clean: Store cinches on a rack or hook to maintain their shape and promote airflow.
- Deep clean seasonally: Give your cinch a full wash and check for wear every few months to prevent long term buildup.
Keeping your cinch clean not only helps it last longer, but also keeps your horse comfortable and your saddle secure ride after ride. A few minutes of care after each use can make all the difference in the feel and performance of your tack for years to come.
