Mohair Chinchas - Why Mohair

[Laperla]

Hi,

I would very much like to make saddle cinches. Usually these are made of Mohair or Yak wool. What are the advantages of Mohair or Yak to "normal" sheep wool? Wouldn't sheep wool meet the expectations as well? Y mean following the idea to stick to some natural, healthy material. Does sheep wool break easier, or what else could be the reasons not to use sheep wool.

What do you think? Or what experiences do you have?

[jwwright]

What makes mohair the best choice for a cinch is not only in the fact that it is a natural material. It is longer in fiber than "regular" sheep wool, which gives it more life and strength, especially when wet. Other natural fibers, such as cotton, loose strength when wet. I've made (and used) a bunch of cinchas over the years, from mohair, some mohair/wool blends, yak hair and horse mane hair. I think 100% mohair is the best choice, with a high % mohair / wool blend being a second choice. The yak hair doesn't seem to hold up as well, with quite a bit of fuzzing and pilling. Horse mane hair will last a very long time, but does require some break in time (on a long haired horse, preferably).......and it doesn't have a much give to it as mohair. This has been my experience, your mileage may vary............JW.

[Traveller]

I also like the way mohair has a little "give" so it's not 100% restrictive. It's soft and not itchy, which regular wool can be.

And it's good for all the reasons JW mentions - and he knows a lot more about it than I do!

Cotton is the worst. It breaks down and it chaffs. Plus it has absolutely no give at all. I'm not sure why tack stores sell them.

[Laperla]

Thank you very much, JW and Traveller. This is really convincing. I expected that there was a or some reasons for mohair. But as I haven`t got ANY experience in this matter I prefer to ask. And I really apreciate your tips and opinions. So now I just have to find a supplier of mohair in Europe or one who can send some over the pond...... Aaaaand not to forget the buckles!! I already noted that it is really hard to find good but affordable cinch buckles!!!!