A flank cinch — also called a back cinch or rear cinch — is a secondary girth used on Western saddles, positioned further back along the horse’s belly to stabilise the rear of the saddle. It works in conjunction with the front cinch to prevent the saddle from tipping forward or being lifted at the rear during roping work, working cattle, or steep terrain. Whilst common in Western ranch and roping disciplines, the flank cinch is not universal and its correct use and adjustment are widely misunderstood.
Why a Flank Cinch Is Used
A Western saddle with only a front cinch can behave unpredictably under certain loads. In roping work, when a calf or steer is caught on the end of a lasso dallied to the horn, the forward jerk creates a lifting force at the rear of the saddle that can cause it to tip or even come off over the horse’s neck. A flank cinch, running between the front cinch and the flank area via a connecting hobble strap, resists this tilting force and keeps the saddle level.
On steep downhill terrain, the same principle applies: gravity and the rider’s weight push the saddle toward the shoulder, and the rear cinch holds the skirts down against the back. Some trail riders and mountain horse competitors use a rear cinch on this basis even when they never rope a day in their lives.
Construction and Fitting
A flank cinch typically consists of a flat or rounded leather strap — wider than the front cinch to reduce pressure concentration — fitted with rings on each side that attach to the rear dee rings of the saddle. Most Western saddles with double-rigging (front and rear attachment points) are designed to take a flank cinch.
The connecting hobble strap runs between the front and rear cinches along the belly, preventing the rear cinch from sliding backward into the horse’s flank. Without a hobble strap, a loose rear cinch can drift back and irritate or alarm the horse, potentially causing a bucking episode — a common accident among riders new to double-rigged saddles who leave the hobble strap unattached or broken.
Fit should be firm but not tight. The flank cinch should sit flat against the belly, roughly 100–150 mm behind the front cinch, without hanging loose. A loose rear cinch is dangerous — a horse that catches a hind foot through it can panic badly. It should not, however, be tight enough to restrict movement or cause pressure sores. One to two fingers’ clearance between cinch and belly is the standard guide.
When Not to Use a Flank Cinch
For general pleasure riding, trail work without steep terrain or roping, and most recreational Western riding, a flank cinch is optional rather than necessary. Many riders and trainers prefer to leave it off when it is not specifically needed, particularly with horses that are sensitive in the flank area or that have not been desensitised to rear girth pressure.
Horses being introduced to a Western saddle for the first time should be familiarised with the front cinch before any rear cinch is introduced. Adding a second cinch to an unconfident horse is a recipe for explosive reactions. Similarly, any horse returning to work after a period of rest should have their cinch tolerance checked — horses can become hypersensitive during lay-up and react unexpectedly to the feeling of a snugged-up flank cinch.
Flank Cinch vs. English Girth
In English riding, a single girth positioned just behind the elbow fulfils the primary saddle security function. English saddles generally do not use a rear girth, though a surcingle or overgirth is sometimes added over the saddle for cross-country to provide insurance against a broken girth in a fall. The anatomical function is similar — securing the saddle to the horse — but the mechanical context differs significantly between Western and English disciplines. For related information on English girth systems, see the entry on crupper, which addresses forward saddle movement in a ridden context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a flank cinch required for Western competition?
Requirements vary by organisation and class. Roping classes at most Western shows and rodeos require or strongly recommend a double-rigged saddle with rear cinch for safety. Pleasure, trail, and horsemanship classes do not typically mandate it. Check the specific rulebook for any organisation you compete under.
What happens if the hobble strap breaks?
If the hobble strap connecting front and rear cinches fails, the rear cinch can slide back toward the flank. A horse that is not accustomed to pressure in the flank may buck or panic. This is a genuine safety concern — inspect the hobble strap every time you saddle up and replace it at the first sign of wear or cracking. Leather hobble straps should be kept conditioned; synthetic versions are generally more durable for everyday use.
Can I use a flank cinch on a trail ride?
Yes, and on steep mountain terrain it makes practical sense. The key is that it is fitted correctly — not loose and not overly tight — and that the horse has been accustomed to wearing it in controlled work before heading out on varied terrain. An unaccustomed horse encountering the pressure of a rear cinch for the first time on a narrow mountain trail is not a situation you want to manage.