Mohair comes from the Angora Goat; a highly sought-after fiber, it is the choice of many riders across all disciplines. Oftentimes, large companies blend mohair with wool (because of the high cost of 100% mohair cord compared to a wool blended cord). At Big Sky Mohair Cinches, we only use 100% Mohair on our cinches.
Pros
- Highly breathable (when heat and sweat can be wicked away from the horse’s skin, this reduces the likelihood that a horse will get sores).
- Slightly elastic – will “give” slightly while in use, which allows the horse to expand through the rib cage, and use his lungs properly.
- Will return to original length, and will not stretch out over time. Because it is hair, it will always return back to its original length after use. This is unlike a blended fiber cinch, which can stretch out over time!
- Hypoallergenic properties- even sensitive horses do great with 100% mohair!
Cons
- Oftentimes, people group store bought “cord” cinches in with Mohair; how cotton, Rayon, and wool function as cinch material should not be confused with one that is 100% Mohair! Chances are, if the cost brand new is less than $75, you could be getting a blended fiber, and not the real deal.
For additional information on how to properly measure/fit your cinch, please click the link below to read our collaborative article written by Cavvy Savvy.
The short answer is “a cinch that fits!” Horse shape and saddle rigging position are the biggest factors in which is “best”. Check out our Cinch Measuring, Fitting & Care page where we go into more detail. If after reading that you’re not sure what type you need, feel free to send us a side view photo of your horse tacked up (with the stirrup pulled back) and we can help!
CLICK HERE to see all our color and hardware options!
Visit our Cinch Measuring, Fitting & Care page for information on measuring both your your horse and your current cinch. If you need help, we are happy to help with sizing as well. We can’t guarantee accepting a return due to a customer error in sizing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out before placing a custom order.
If your current cinch fits your horse, you can order the same size in a Mohair cinch.
If you’re unsure how to measure your current cinch, visit our Cinch Measuring, Fitting & Care page for information on measuring both your your horse and your current cinch. If you need help, we are happy to help with sizing as well. We can’t guarantee accepting a return due to a customer error in sizing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out before placing a custom order.
Yes! All our products come in sizes Mini through Draft.
It is a common misconception, but full Mohair does NOT stretch out over time! Many store-bought cord cinches are blended with wool and other fibers and those CAN stretch up to 6-7”!
100% Mohair (the only thing we will use other than 100% Alpaca!) will “give” a little bit when you cinch it up, but it will always return to the original length we tied it to on our frames.
Sometimes we have items available that are ready to ship! Click here to go to our online store.
If it is solid stainless steel or brass, yes! Providing your own hardware does not change our base prices however. Please let us know when you place your order if you’d like to send us hardware to use.
We are still riding the first cinches we ever made years and years ago, and we have folks with 5-6k hours on theirs! Rinsing them every once in a while, and keeping them free of debris can help prolong the life of the cord. Eventually, cinches do wear out though. This is not an item that will become a family heirloom 100 years down the road. But as long as the cords stay intact and the hardware is sound (another reason we won’t use plated cheap hardware – rust will eat at Mohair quickly!), we use them. Years down the road they may not be as beautiful as they day they were first put on the saddle, but if they’re functional and comfortable, we consider that the most important part anyways!
They’re very durable. We simply rinse ours out in a bucket of water every once in a while, and make sure there are not burrs or stickers in there. Click here for cinch care recommendations.
Yes. You can specify your location in your custom order form, or select your country when you order from our online store.
Yes! Please visit the Wholesale/Award Orders page for more information.
Please visit the Terms & Conditions page for our return policy.
Yes! We teach in person classes and also have an online “work at your own pace” course. Visit the Cinch Classes page for more information.
Yes, we are cinch cord suppliers in addition to being gear makers! Here is our cinch cord website: www.bigskymohaircinchcord.com
At this time, we don’t accept custom orders for short footage unless you are ordering a cinch from us. We do sell fun colored pre-twisted 8 ply cord in 50’ increments in our cinch cord online shop!
Not at this time, but we hope to some day! For those local to Bozeman, we are happy to meet up in town to drop off cinches, show you our work in person, or do cinch-fitting consults at your barn.
