Caring for a mohair cinch

What follows is Big Sky Mohair's own guide, reproduced here with their permission. It holds for any hand-tied mohair cinch, B7's included.

Most mohair gear will not need washing more than once a year. A rinse in a bucket of water and a hose run over it loosens the sweat and dirt enough to wash away. If parts are going hard or crunchy, a hard brush will often work most of it free without water at all. Clay-based mud is the exception and usually needs water. If the side that lies against the horse is clean, soft and pliable, it probably does not need washing yet.

Step 1

Take off any burrs and stickers, gently. Brush the back side of the cinch with a hard brush to knock the dirt and sweat loose.

Step 2

Swish or dunk it in a bucket of cool water, holding it by the buckles. A small amount of horse shampoo or a gentle soap such as Woolite can go in if you want it.

Step 3

If it is really dirty, let it soak a few minutes. Rinse with a hose until the water runs clear. Lay it flat or hang it to dry, out of direct sunlight.

What not to do

• Do not powerwash it. It damages the fibres.
• Do not put it in a washing machine. It felts the mohair.
• Do not use hot water. It weakens the dye and the colour fades.
• Do not pull out the felted-in hair. That is extra padding for the horse.

On a breastcollar, take the leather pieces off before you start.

Written by Big Sky Mohair Cinches and used here with their permission.