How to Use a Western Buckle Cinch

The western buckle cinch secures western-style saddles to the horse. These cinches use friction and a loop to keep the saddle secure without complex knots that may get tangled. When first learning the western buckle cinch there is a slight learning curve, but once mastered, the cinch is handy and useful. Western-style saddles have the rider in a more relaxed sitting position where other saddles, such as the English saddle, have the rider using more leg power to maintain position.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring the cinch strap under the horse's belly, making sure it is flat against the tummy and knot-free. Thread the strap (also called the latigo) through the bottom cinch ring and pull it up to the saddle.

    • 2

      As you pull it up to the saddle, now thread the strap through the saddle's D-ring and bring it around toward the front of the saddle. Make sure the latigo is tight but not too tight.

    • 3

      Cross the latigo perpindicularly over the section of the strap threading the saddle D-ring. Bring the latigo through the loop created, making a square knot.

    • 4

      Pass the latigo through the backside of the knot and let the remaining length of the latigo hang behind the knot.