Expertly Handcrafted,
Naturally Comfortable
Your horse’s well-being guides every decision you make.
That’s why you’re here at Kathie's Cinches & More. From the trail to the show pen, you want tack that’s going to keep your horse comfortable.
Mohair cinches and girths naturally and effectively get the job done, every time.
Shop Handmade Mohair
Cinches & Girths
Do you need to match custom colors to your saddle pad or show gear? Is your horse a unique size or shape that requires a custom creation?
Let’s get started on your custom Mohair cinch or girth.
You’ll work directly with me (Kathie, the maker) through each step of the ordering process. That means you’re guaranteed to get a custom Mohair cinch or Mohair girth that fits your personal style and keeps your horse comfortable for every ride.
1
Order
Complete the custom order form, including inspiration pictures as needed.
2
Create
I’ll confirm your order details and then craft your item by hand, keeping you in the loop throughout each step of the process.
3
Deliver
Unpack your gear and enjoy all the benefits 100% Mohair has to offer!
Additional Mohair Tack Also Available
Interested in these mohair tack items?
Contact me here to get more info.
Kathies Cinches & More is my go-to custom cinch maker. Not only is Kathie a delight to deal with but she delivers an exceptional quality product.
When I needed something special to help secure my side saddle Kathie made me exactly what I needed.
Debbie Beth Halachmy, Cowboy Dressage World
Why Mohair?
As the hair sheared from the angora goat, mohair is hair and not wool. That means shrinkage and felting are limited!
A cinch or girth made from 100% mohair has many additional benefits:
Soft & Breathable
Naturally
Antibacterial
Strong &
Resilient
Limited Shrinkage & Felting
Low Maintenance
(Hand-washable!)
And, one of the best benefits is the wicking action, aiding in the removal of excess sweat. That's what makes mohair feel comfortable to the horse (unlike the other materials used for cinches/girths such as leather and neoprene that can bunch, collect moisture, and cause overheating).
And, the most fun part is that mohair takes on dyes very readily. That means you have almost limitless color options to work into cinches, girths and other mohair items, to create your special, one-of-a-kind custom piece.
***Heads up! *** Some commercial Mohair products are a blend of materials which means you aren’t getting 100% Mohair. You never have to worry about that around here. I only use 100% Mohair, 100% guaranteed.
Mohair for Every Discipline
The beauty of a custom tack item is that it can be crafted with your specific horse or situation in mind.
From the width to the length, the hardware to the color, I’ll work with you to deliver a cinch or girth that will keep your horse comfortable from the first moment you saddle up until you finish your ride.
That’s why my customers include both English and Western riders, from endurance to Western Dressage and everything in between. I’ve even made a custom cinch for a side saddle!
How to Care for Mohair
Mohair is easy to care for and can easily last for years and years.
Washing is not required—after each use you can brush carefully with a soft brush to help remove dirt and loose hair. That will keep dirt or mud from being caked on which would be uncomfortable for your horse, the opposite of the comfort we’re going for with mohair.
If the cinch or girth becomes excessively dirty, you can do a gentle water hose wash. First, lay the cinch or girth horse side up where water can drain away. Then, hose off until the water runs clear and hang to dry out of direct sun, with plenty of air circulation.
If you’re new to mohair, keep these important notes in mind
1. Do not remove all the horse hair from the mohair cinch/girth. It is a character of mohair cording to incorporate the horse’s hair and benefits your horse in the long run.
2. Do not wash your mohair tack in a machine. This will damage the Cinch/Girth in many ways. Trust me on this one.
Hi, I’m Kathie Schulz,
horse lover and fiber artist.
While I’ve been an expert spinner and needle-felter for 30+ years, it was my horse Clifford who made me a fan of Mohair cinches. When he developed skin issues I tried various cinches made from leather, fleece, and neoprene to bring him relief but nothing helped—until mohair. When I made the switch to a 100% mohair cinch, Clifford’s symptoms cleared up, and he has had zero skin issues since.
With a love for both fiber arts and horses—and a personal experience to understand the true benefits of mohair—it was only natural for me to explore cinch-making.
Taking classes under well-known cinch maker Pop Wagner beginning in 2015 gave me the knowledge and, with practice, proficiency I needed to start making handmade cinches and mohair tack for others. From there, Kathies Cinches & More was born.
My cinch-making is like my life, full of variety and exploration.
Thanks to my husband’s high-tech job, we’ve lived in the Hudson Valley of New York; Burlington, Vermont; and the North Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania. Currently, we’re in Milpitas, California. As a horse lover since childhood, each move gave me an excuse to try different riding disciplines. Most of my riding experience is in the amateur arena with Cowboy Dressage, but I’ve also explored hunter/jumper, classical dressage, and Western dressage.
It’s this unique blend of artistry and horsemanship I bring to every handmade mohair tack item that crosses my loom. I look forward to bringing my special touch to your custom piece, too!
Kathie Schulz
