How To Properly Fit a Western Cinch

A rider’s guide to finding the right size and ensuring balanced saddle fit

A well-fitted cinch is essential for your horse’s comfort and for keeping your saddle secure throughout every ride. When the cinch fits correctly, it allows full freedom of movement, keeps your saddle balanced, and helps your horse perform at their best, whether you’re out on the trail or in the arena.

Step 1: Measure for the Correct Cinch Length

Finding the right cinch size is simple when you start with the correct measurement.

1. Saddle up your horse with your regular pad and saddle placed where it naturally rests behind the shoulder. 
2. Using a soft tape measure or string, measure from one rigging dee to the other, passing under the horse where the cinch will lie. 
3. Subtract 16 inches from that measurement to account for the latigo and off-billet on both sides. 
4. The number you get is your cinch size in inches. 

Example: If the measurement is 48 inches from dee to dee, subtract 16 and your ideal cinch size is 32 inches.

Step 2: Check the Placement

Proper cinch placement is just as important as correct sizing. The cinch should rest in your horse’s natural girth groove, the shallow area just behind the elbows where the body narrows. This position, often called the cinch groove, allows the saddle to stay balanced while giving the shoulders room to move freely. 

Placement Guidelines:

• Position the cinch so it sits just behind the horse’s elbows, resting in the groove that runs behind the sternum. This helps keep the saddle stable without restricting shoulder motion or pressing on the external abdominal vein. 
• The buckles should line up with the point of the elbow on both sides, so the cinch sits flat along the widest, most even part of the barrel instead of curving against the ribs. 
• The latigo and off-billet should each show about 6–8 inches of strap above the buckle once the cinch is snug. 
• Make sure the cinch lies smooth and flat against the horse’s body, with no twisting, wrinkling, or gapping. 
• Check that the saddle skirt rests evenly over the cinch area, keeping the rigging balanced and pressure evenly distributed. 

Common Fit Issues to Watch For:

• If the cinch is too far forward, it can pull the saddle toward the withers and interfere with shoulder reach. 
• If it’s too far back, the saddle may slide forward on hills or shift during turns. 
• When correctly positioned, the cinch will sit centered, hold the saddle securely, and allow your horse to move comfortably and naturally. 

Step 3: Check the Tightness
Once tightened, the cinch should feel snug but not overly tight. You should be able to slip two fingers between the cinch and your horse’s side. 

Always recheck the cinch a few minutes after mounting since pads and leather can settle slightly once you’re in the saddle.

Step 4: Consider Your Horse’s Build

Every horse is built differently, so use these size ranges as a general reference point: 

These are starting guidelines. Always check fit in person with your own tack setup. 

Step 5: Signs You May Neet a Different Fit

If your cinch consistently slides, feels uneven when tightening, or sits too close to the elbow, the size or placement may need adjustment. Check that the cinch remains centered under the horse and that both sides tighten evenly. 

Quick Fit Tips:

• Always check placement before every ride, especially if using a different pad or saddle. 
• Clean your cinch regularly since dust and sweat can cause stiffness or uneven pressure. 
• When trying a new cinch material, check buckle position as natural fibers and synthetics may stretch differently. 
• If you ride multiple horses, measure each one individually for a proper fit. 

A correctly fitted cinch keeps your saddle stable, your horse comfortable, and your rides worry free. Taking a few extra minutes to check fit before every ride helps both you and your horse stay balanced, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.  A well fitted saddle and pad are equally important. Check out our two saddle fitting blogs here and here for more information.