cinch size

[No_Angel]

Im thinking of going for western rigging on my new western treeless (when i actually pick on i like:rolleyes: ) so woul di need the cinch to be the same size as the dressage girth i already have?
im thinking of getting one of these aswell, would it make a difference to cinch size?http://www.horseandharmony.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1148&zenid=008b93e37f13b7e3cf885e78935ec618

[Jessey]

Your cinch should be about the same size as your dressage girth, but to measure it the rings should be well clear of the elbow, so allow about 3" at each end for the size of the ring.
Bo has a 30" and Jess a 34", Bo's dressage girth is only a 26" though, thats because the rings on the cinch are big so you need a bit more room to make sure they are away from the elbow.

I have never found the need to have one of those do-up things, with the way a cinch is tightened you find that you can get it tight first time because you have a pulley action because of the way its rigged.
OK so my cinch is sometimes a bit loose by the end of a ride but my saddle has never moved (the gossip round here has always been; your saddle fits well if you can mount from the ground without any cinch attached), you might need it to be tighter for a treeless, I would ask the manufacturers opinion.

[No_Angel]

I was thinking id need one for the treeless, as it may be one without a gullet and so less lateral stablity.
Shay is currently in a 20inch dressage girth, which may go down when he looses some weight. do cinches go that small? ive been having trouble finding dressage girths that small.

[Jessey]

Hmm, when Bo was in his thinner days he had an 18" dressage girth :p and we got a 26" cinch, that allows for the 3" each side for the rings and a little bit more, but remember the western saddle doesn't normally come down as far at the sides.

I love the Pro Choice gear, they are very hard wearing and good quality and the cinch also has a roller on the buckle to make it easier to do up, and they do horse - 26" plus and pony - 20" plus so should be able to get what you need - http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/western/index5.html

[Shadowlark]

My treeless western's don't move (I havn't forgotten photos for you!! My digital is kaput so the next time my friend is over with hers..) :) Mind you I do have a tacky too layer on the saddle pad which probably helps. I say probably because I have never not used

And it ain't just gossip Jess :P I can mount my treed saddle with no cinch at all. I had one of those silly tightening things given to me.. I gave it away pretty quick :) I think I would rig out enligh saddles to western given the chance - much easier to do up undoo and much easier to adapt to individual horses.

As for the cinch.. I prefer Neoprene myself they sweat under them and lube up nicely allowing it to slide easily and helping to prevent galling. I would however wait till you have the saddle. My rigging's are all at different heights which will affect your choice. I had to go 4" shorter for a cinch with my treed barrel saddle then with my show one on the same horse.

[Jessey]

it ain't just gossip Jess :P

I know you can get on without a cinch - but does it really mean you saddle fits? thats why I said gossip, cause I am not to sure just how true it is, somehow I doubt the truth in it, Bo's old saddle was not a good fit, but a cinch was not an essential part of riding on it, most of the time you could see a good 4" of daylight between the cinch and horse :D

[Shadowlark]

LOL true enough - it could mean you have just Atrophyd the poor animal so much the saddle won't move also!

ahhh Saddles.. always a challenge.