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Why Mohair?

Why Mohair?

By Mike G. Easton

From the mountain tops of Mongolia and the plains of Argentina, the rolling hills of Scotland and the western ranges of America, hair based cinchas have been used for centuries. They were made from wool, mohair, camel hair, horse hair, leather and even human hair. However, over time riders and makers of tack learned that mohair was one of the strongest, softest, and most manageable of fibers to use to create the most durable and beautiful cinchas.

Then in the 1960s, about the same time synthetic saddle pads showed up on the market, so did synthetic cinches. They became the rage and were promoted on the basis of strength, ability to keep clean, cheaper and less cinch soring of the animal. Their popularity also eliminated the production of cord and in particular mohair cord cinchas.

As the informed rider began to notice how saddle soring issues were being reduced with correct saddle fit and wool based saddle pads; they then used this knowledge to transfer back to what happened to the old fashioned mohair cinchas. The dedicated equine enthusiast realized that newer is not always better. Slowly then the demand for mohair cinchas began to rise again.

Riders saw that mohair provided them with the same benefits of wool felt saddle pads. There was less cinch soring, no sweat galling, and no strength deficit, kept the animal cooler and definitely nicer in appearance. They did find more issues with cleanliness maintenance, but saw much more total benefit with its use to ever consider synthetic type cinches.

5 Star cinchas maintains the same world class status with their cinch program as they do with their saddle pads. Using only the finest 8 ply mohair available, twisted with minimal tie breaks and consistent tensile strength, the cinchas are all hand tied by one of the most highly trained and experienced tiers. In the production of cinches they must all be hand tied to maintain the correct length during use and correct relax when not in use. Each cinch is then made individually as a piece of art that provides function and beauty. No other maker offers more colors of pure mohair, backed by 5 Star Equine Products' service and quality.

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The pad that set the standard!

5 Star Experiences

Brittany Nice

USA

My mare is running harder, clocking better, and is overall happier and more relaxed. I refuse to use any other pad because without 5 star, my mare wouldn't be as near comfortable as she is today." ~Brittany Nice

Cathy Coleman

United States

In 2009, Shoii shattered the knee joint of his right hind leg, rendering unable to flex the joint once it healed. Although his body was a little beat-up, his heart certainly was not and I could tell that it was still very important to him to "take me out for a ride."

Brandy Higdon

Tenessee

Thank you 5 star for making the best saddle pads ever I will never use another type pad.

Mandee Fetzer

I had my saddle taken in to check fit and they recommended your company. This contoured his back so well it improved how my saddle fit his back. We haven't had problems since! I love that I got to customize my pad making it unique to me. Thanks for making such a quality product!

Brandy Higdon

Tennessee

The 5 star pad conforms great to my horses back and gives much needed relief on his withers. I love how soft but very durable they are and they are so easy to clean. I had tried other types of felt pads but he was very unhappy and as soon as I put this one on he's very comfortable and relaxed.

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