Mohair & Alpaca Cinches

Mohair and alpaca cinches are natural-fiber western cinches designed for everyday riding, ranch work, trail riding and performance use. The fibers provide a soft, breathable surface against the horse while helping manage moisture and distribute pressure. Their natural flexibility also allows the cinch to move with the horse during work.

Both are soft, breathable natural fibers, but they have different performance characteristics. Mohair has natural elasticity, allowing the cinch to stretch with the horse’s movement and lung expansion and then return toward its original shape. Alpaca is exceptionally soft, strong and naturally water repellent, making it an appealing option for horses with sensitive skin. Weaver Equine offers 100% mohair and 100% alpaca cinches so riders can choose the feel and performance they prefer.

Mohair is valued for its combination of softness, breathability, durability and natural stretch. A mohair string cinch can conform to the horse over time while allowing flexibility as the horse moves and breathes. Weaver Equine 100% mohair cinches are hand woven from mohair cording for a traditional cinch with dependable performance.

Alpaca fiber is soft, strong, breathable and naturally water repellent. It moves comfortably with the horse and wicks moisture away from the skin, making it especially well suited to horses that are sensitive to rubbing or irritation. Weaver Equine alpaca cinches combine 100% alpaca fiber with durable leather and hardware for regular riding and performance use.

A straight cinch maintains a relatively consistent width across the horse’s underside and works well for many general riding applications. A roper cinch is wider through the center to provide a broader area of pressure distribution, making it a popular choice for roping, ranch work and other activities that can place additional load on the saddle. Choose the style that best matches your horse, saddle and riding discipline.

Cinch size depends on the horse’s barrel, saddle rigging and how the cinch sits when tightened. The buckles should sit comfortably above the horse’s elbows without being pulled excessively high toward the saddle. Weaver Equine offers select mohair and alpaca cinches in sizes from 26” to 36”, giving riders options for different horses and saddle setups.

They can be a good choice for horses prone to rubbing or irritation. Both materials are soft and breathable, while their natural fibers flex with the horse rather than creating a rigid surface against the skin. Alpaca is especially soft, while mohair offers additional elasticity and conformability. Proper cinch fit and regular cleaning are still important for preventing discomfort.

Yes. Mohair has natural elasticity, so a 100% mohair cinch can stretch as the horse moves and expands through the rib cage. The fibers are designed to return toward their original shape rather than remaining permanently stretched. This natural give is one reason many riders prefer mohair for long rides and performance work.

Remove loose hair, dirt and debris regularly rather than allowing buildup between the strands. When deeper cleaning is needed, use cool or lukewarm water and a gentle cleaning method appropriate for natural fibers. Rinse thoroughly and allow the cinch to air dry completely before storing or using it again. Avoid high heat, which can damage natural fibers and leather components.