How to Tie a Western Cinch

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Place your saddle slightly forward of where it should sit. Slide it back and settle it so that is sitting comfortably on the horse's back. The cinch will be hanging down on the right side and the cinch strap will be on the left side of the horse.

You may wish to hook the stirrup up over the horn to get it out of the way.​

 

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Tie a Western Cinch - Pull Up the Cinch Strap

Insert the end of the cinch strap down and towards the horse, through the top ring on the saddle. Pull it all the way through and back down to the ring on the cinch.​

 

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Pull the Strap Back Down

Insert the end of the cinch strap down and towards the horse, through the top ring on the saddle. Pull it all the way through and back down to the ring on the cinch.​

 

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Repeat to Take Up the Excess

Depending on how long the cinch strap is you may have repeat looping the strap two or three times between the ring on the cinch and the ring on the saddle. At this point don't worry about pulling the straps tight; you will tighten them later after the knot is tied.​

 

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Start the Knot

To tie the knot loop the strap through the saddle ring, over itself and back up through the ring.​

 

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Complete the Knot

Insert the end of the cinch strap down through the resulting loop. This is similar to tying a men's dress tie.​

 

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Tighten the Cinch

After you have tied the knot take up any slack in the cinch strap. Gradually pull the cinch straps, starting with the first (innermost) loop, so that the cinch is tight and the saddle is secure. Depending on the length of the remaining strap, you may loop it through the keeper behind the saddle strap.

Tighten your cinch again after your horse has moved around and relaxed. You want it tight enough so the saddle doesn't turn easily, but not so tight as to pinch the horse. You should be able to insert your fingers flat between cinch and horse.​