How to Tighten a Western Cinch

A western saddle is designed to be cinched by the use of leather latigo straps attached to each side of the saddle by D rings. One end of the latigo is permanently attached to the D ring while the remainder of the strap is free for adjusting the cinch to the size of the horse. The latigo on the horses' right side has the cinch on it and is tied off so only the left latigo, on the mounting side of the horse, is tied and untied for saddling the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Western saddle with a cinch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand on the horses' left side and place the saddle on the horse so the cinch, which is attached to the right latigo, hangs down the right side of the horse. Let the left side latigo hang down to the ground.

    • 2

      Reach under the horse and catch the hanging cinch and bring it under the horse's belly and up to you. Make sure the right side latigo and the cinch are straight and not twisted. Hold the cinch ring in your hand.

    • 3

      Take the left side latigo that is hanging free and feed the end of the latigo through the under side of the cinch ring, making sure the latigo is straight and not twisted.

    • 4

      Drop the cinch, bring the end of the latigo up and push it through the outside of the D ring the latigo is attached to. Pull the latigo completely through the D ring so the cinch is brought up and touching the horse's belly.

    • 5

      Bring the end of the latigo down the backside of the latigo between the D and cinch rings and feed it through the cinch ring from the under side. Bring the end of the latigo up and push it through the outside of the D ring. Pull the latigo completely through and bring the end out on your left side of the D ring, you will now have the latigo looped twice through the D ring and twice through the cinch ring.

    • 6

      Take hold of the outside vertical latigo and pull it straight up until the cinch is tight. Pull the end of the latigo until all the loose slack is out of the vertical latigo. Bring the latigo end across the front of the vertical latigo so it lies flat over it. Push the end of the latigo through the D ring on your right side from the bottom and back side of the D and pull it upwards and completely through.

    • 7

      Push the end of the latigo down through the horizontal loop that is now across the vertical latigo and pull it down until the loop closes tight over the latigo. The cinch knot will tighten up against the bottom of the D ring.