Mohair or neoprene?

cascy · 07-03-2009, 09:57 AM

I'm still cinch shopping, and I'm noticing that the mohair seems to be more expensive then the neoprene. Is there a reason for this? Is the mohair better?

Any comments welcome, there is a sale going on right now, so I'm hoping for some imput before I make the decesion.

Pro's and Cons of each?

cascy · 07-03-2009, 10:00 AM

Wanted to add:

My horse has very sensitive skin, but also doens't have much to speak of for withers, so I'd like to find what is most comfortable for him, but will hold well at the same time.

Seems like the mohair is supposed to be cooler? But the neoprene to hold better?

HIs current cinch is neoprene, but it was a cheap, and is falling apart

Rockin GR · 07-03-2009, 10:53 AM

Mohair is the best! Or alpaca. They have a touch of natural stretch or give, and are the only thing that breathes. Neoprene will not!
If you are afraid he might be sensitive, splurge and get the alpaca, as it is a very soft material and will be less likely to create any skin reactions--though I've never seen mohair cause any either...
I have this annoying little habit of not wasting stuff, so I have one last neoprene cinch to wear out yet, but I won't ever buy one again. Roper style, REAL mohair or alpaca is the only way to go.

cascy · 07-03-2009, 10:56 AM

Mohair might have to be it then...

I was hoping to get the smart cinch type because my latigo is leather and it's a PITA to get cinched up.... the leather grabs itself and doesn't want to pull snug, but I think the smart cinch will take care of that problem....

Issue being, I have not found any that are the alpaca in the smart cinch style.... If you know where I can find one, I'd be much appreciative!

STBlover · 07-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

... my latigo is leather and it's a PITA to get cinched up.... the leather grabs itself and doesn't want to pull snug, but I think the smart cinch will take care of that problem....!

Use baby powder on it. Works like a charm! Never use oils on the latigo!

And I too vote for the Mohair cinch.

Melissa_PQHorse · 07-03-2009, 12:00 PM

Neoprene is nasty stuff. It always used to sore my guys up. I went to using felt/wool/ or mohair.

NorthernHorseGirl · 07-03-2009, 12:41 PM

I use the mohair in a roper style- with the wide area in the middle. My friend swears by the sheepskin ones because she likes that there's a protective cover behind the ring. The neoprene ones are okay but you have to be very careful to keep them clean or they're like sandpaper.

Rockin GR · 07-03-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

Mohair might have to be it then...

I was hoping to get the smart cinch type because my latigo is leather and it's a PITA to get cinched up.... the leather grabs itself and doesn't want to pull snug, but I think the smart cinch will take care of that problem....

Issue being, I have not found any that are the alpaca in the smart cinch style.... If you know where I can find one, I'd be much appreciative!

Weaver makes one, and we buy the classic equine ones with the roller/smart cinch thingy. The classic equines are made so that the rings are not outside the edge of the cinch, so they can't gall, catch or pinch them what-so-ever.
Lots of companies carry them, and I've seen lots of them on ebay. I usually order my stuff from a friend who is a dealer, but I order from coolhorse.com also. They have the best customer service of anybody I've dealt with!

fishing_trex · 07-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Neoprene, biothane, and PVC aren't the best for thin-skinned horses but are the easiest to clean and don't collect burrs, sticks, etc. Mohair is the least likely to roll, pinch, chafe or rub. (Most mohair cinches are now a 50/50 mix of mohair and polyester.) Woolback is good for cinchy horses and can be put in the washing machine, but it is thick so not good for horses that get galls.

I bought my smart cinches at Tractor Supply.

nadia · 07-03-2009, 03:02 PM

I use mohair on everyone from Teddy the kids pony to Beau my big boy. I have never had gaul probs or any slipping probs etc.

WickedNag · 07-03-2009, 06:15 PM

I think Weaver makes a Mohair Smart Cinch
Here is an example... do a search you may find a better buy. Scroll down to just about the bottom of the page
http://www.tackranch.com/SmartCinch.html

Stanleyj · 07-03-2009, 06:39 PM

What are the advantages to using the roper style as apposed to the straight style? I want to start riding endurance and would like to but the best option if anyone could help me!! Thanks!!

cascy · 07-03-2009, 07:08 PM

Oh, I know Weaver has the mohair smart cinch, but I don't think they have any that are the alpaca

The cheapest mohair smart cinch I have found so far is 38.95 with free shipping, not bad at all, but I wish they had the alpaca...

Hard to please, ain't I

Slim Pikkens · 07-03-2009, 07:26 PM

The wider roper cinch should only be used for what it was designed for - roping. Because it is wider it doesn't necessarily mean it's kinder to the horse, quite the opposite. A 17 strand mohair cinch is a good cinch to use, being a natural product, has a little give, grip and is cooler. It will wick moisture away whereas neoprene creates a lot of moisture which can irritate the skin.

cascy · 07-03-2009, 07:33 PM

Slim, please fill me in as to why the wider would be worse on the horse?

I would figure it would help to hold better then the more narrow 17 strand one

candy4legs · 07-03-2009, 07:44 PM

Okay, I'm gonna buck the trend here and say that I prefer the neoprene...but I don't ride for extended periods of time (usually no more than an hour) and don't work my horses too hard. I like the ease of cleaning and the fact that they don't slip or stretch, but I do have to make sure the girth isn't too tight. My horses, even my thin skinned TB who is allergic to everything, haven't had any problems with the neoprene.

alliebath · 07-03-2009, 07:48 PM

Just today - bought a Weaver smart cinch in mohair . $48. Have a buckskin who looks to have a small gall mark so thought now is the perfect time to switch from neoprene to mohair. Only doing one at a time though so not to totally freak the b/f out over the cost

cascy · 07-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Allibeth! Should of posted! I found one that is only $38 with free shipping

Did you get the 17 strand or the 27 strand roper style?

Jake's neopene left a little gall spot on him too, but not in the normal spot... his was under his belly in the center

beth55051 · 07-03-2009, 09:33 PM

Under the belly near the center might have started as bug bites, gnats really like to chew on our horses down there. Then the girth rubs the scabs off.

I vaseline or vicks them.

I prefer a roper style girth no matter what it's made out of. Spreads the weight out more, and it can help the girth to grip better too.

I'm slowly switching all of mine over to mohair or high mohair blends as I can afford them. My old paint gelding couldn't handle anything but a neoprene but since I sold him no reason to make the others suffer through the extra heat they create.

I have a high % blend one that I really like that was made by Double J. I got it off of ebay for $12 after shipping.

I knew I was taking a risk on it though but at that price even if it had been an el cheapo poly blend one I still wasn't out much.

Just be careful if you shop ebay though. So many are calling any old rope girth a mohair now.

NorthernHorseGirl · 07-03-2009, 11:00 PM

I'd also be interested in hearing why the roper style should only be used for roping and why they'd be less kind to a horse.

Mine starts out regular width and is wider in the middle section. I would think that would be more comfortable than one that's the same width all the way, that's why I use one.

View Poll Results: Which to do you prefer?
Mohair cinch	17	73.91%
Neoprene	6	26.09%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

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07-03-2009, 09:57 AM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Mohair or neoprene? I'm still cinch shopping, and I'm noticing that the mohair seems to be more expensive then the neoprene. Is there a reason for this? Is the mohair better? Any comments welcome, there is a sale going on right now, so I'm hoping for some imput before I make the decesion. Pro's and Cons of each? __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 10:00 AM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Wanted to add: My horse has very sensitive skin, but also doens't have much to speak of for withers, so I'd like to find what is most comfortable for him, but will hold well at the same time. Seems like the mohair is supposed to be cooler? But the neoprene to hold better? HIs current cinch is neoprene, but it was a cheap, and is falling apart __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 10:53 AM
Rockin GR Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canton, KS Posts: 759	Mohair is the best! Or alpaca. They have a touch of natural stretch or give, and are the only thing that breathes. Neoprene will not! If you are afraid he might be sensitive, splurge and get the alpaca, as it is a very soft material and will be less likely to create any skin reactions--though I've never seen mohair cause any either... I have this annoying little habit of not wasting stuff, so I have one last neoprene cinch to wear out yet, but I won't ever buy one again. Roper style, REAL mohair or alpaca is the only way to go. __________________ "No horse ever goes as fast as the money you spend on him."

07-03-2009, 10:56 AM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Mohair might have to be it then... I was hoping to get the smart cinch type because my latigo is leather and it's a PITA to get cinched up.... the leather grabs itself and doesn't want to pull snug, but I think the smart cinch will take care of that problem.... Issue being, I have not found any that are the alpaca in the smart cinch style.... If you know where I can find one, I'd be much appreciative! __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 12:00 PM
Melissa_PQHorse Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,198	Neoprene is nasty stuff. It always used to sore my guys up. I went to using felt/wool/ or mohair.

07-03-2009, 12:41 PM
NorthernHorseGirl Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 499	I use the mohair in a roper style- with the wide area in the middle. My friend swears by the sheepskin ones because she likes that there's a protective cover behind the ring. The neoprene ones are okay but you have to be very careful to keep them clean or they're like sandpaper. __________________ Some horses come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile and make hoofprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Anonymous Rest in peace Clint, I'll always love you and I'll miss you for the rest of my life. You were and will always be my perfect horse.

07-03-2009, 02:39 PM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,422	Neoprene, biothane, and PVC aren't the best for thin-skinned horses but are the easiest to clean and don't collect burrs, sticks, etc. Mohair is the least likely to roll, pinch, chafe or rub. (Most mohair cinches are now a 50/50 mix of mohair and polyester.) Woolback is good for cinchy horses and can be put in the washing machine, but it is thick so not good for horses that get galls. I bought my smart cinches at Tractor Supply. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking. Last edited by fishing_trex : 07-03-2009 at 02:42 PM.

07-03-2009, 03:02 PM
nadia Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,353	I use mohair on everyone from Teddy the kids pony to Beau my big boy. I have never had gaul probs or any slipping probs etc. __________________ ~Nadia~ ~The secret to having it all is believing you already do.~

07-03-2009, 06:15 PM
WickedNag Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,003	I think Weaver makes a Mohair Smart Cinch Here is an example... do a search you may find a better buy. Scroll down to just about the bottom of the page http://www.tackranch.com/SmartCinch.html __________________ ~D~ Please feel free to visit my sites and light a candle http://amanda-garner.memory-of.com/ http://samantha-evink.memory-of.com/

07-03-2009, 06:39 PM
Stanleyj Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pulaski, Va Posts: 29	What are the advantages to using the roper style as apposed to the straight style? I want to start riding endurance and would like to but the best option if anyone could help me!! Thanks!!

07-03-2009, 07:08 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Oh, I know Weaver has the mohair smart cinch, but I don't think they have any that are the alpaca The cheapest mohair smart cinch I have found so far is 38.95 with free shipping, not bad at all, but I wish they had the alpaca... Hard to please, ain't I __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 07:26 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,046	The wider roper cinch should only be used for what it was designed for - roping. Because it is wider it doesn't necessarily mean it's kinder to the horse, quite the opposite. A 17 strand mohair cinch is a good cinch to use, being a natural product, has a little give, grip and is cooler. It will wick moisture away whereas neoprene creates a lot of moisture which can irritate the skin.

07-03-2009, 07:33 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Slim, please fill me in as to why the wider would be worse on the horse? I would figure it would help to hold better then the more narrow 17 strand one __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 07:44 PM
candy4legs Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 1,437	Okay, I'm gonna buck the trend here and say that I prefer the neoprene...but I don't ride for extended periods of time (usually no more than an hour) and don't work my horses too hard. I like the ease of cleaning and the fact that they don't slip or stretch, but I do have to make sure the girth isn't too tight. My horses, even my thin skinned TB who is allergic to everything, haven't had any problems with the neoprene.

07-03-2009, 07:48 PM
alliebath Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leavenworth, Kansas Posts: 1,088	Just today - bought a Weaver smart cinch in mohair . $48. Have a buckskin who looks to have a small gall mark so thought now is the perfect time to switch from neoprene to mohair. Only doing one at a time though so not to totally freak the b/f out over the cost

07-03-2009, 08:01 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Allibeth! Should of posted! I found one that is only $38 with free shipping Did you get the 17 strand or the 27 strand roper style? Jake's neopene left a little gall spot on him too, but not in the normal spot... his was under his belly in the center __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

07-03-2009, 09:33 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 7,977	Under the belly near the center might have started as bug bites, gnats really like to chew on our horses down there. Then the girth rubs the scabs off. I vaseline or vicks them. I prefer a roper style girth no matter what it's made out of. Spreads the weight out more, and it can help the girth to grip better too. I'm slowly switching all of mine over to mohair or high mohair blends as I can afford them. My old paint gelding couldn't handle anything but a neoprene but since I sold him no reason to make the others suffer through the extra heat they create. I have a high % blend one that I really like that was made by Double J. I got it off of ebay for $12 after shipping. I knew I was taking a risk on it though but at that price even if it had been an el cheapo poly blend one I still wasn't out much. Just be careful if you shop ebay though. So many are calling any old rope girth a mohair now. __________________ *Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.*

07-03-2009, 11:00 PM
NorthernHorseGirl Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 499	I'd also be interested in hearing why the roper style should only be used for roping and why they'd be less kind to a horse. Mine starts out regular width and is wider in the middle section. I would think that would be more comfortable than one that's the same width all the way, that's why I use one. __________________ Some horses come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile and make hoofprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Anonymous Rest in peace Clint, I'll always love you and I'll miss you for the rest of my life. You were and will always be my perfect horse.