Western Saddles

Regarding the back cinch -- It should not be cinched up tight by any means, but you shouldn't be able to see any daylight between the cinch and the horse's belly, when the horse is standing. It's not doing any good if it's loose and if it's too loose you run the risk of your horse getting a back leg caught up in there, which would be a huge wreck!

This is a good example: http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n.../backcinch.jpg

If Im roping a lot, or riding a really broncy horse, I have my back cinch pretty tight. Or if I'm riding in really rough country. The only time mine is loose is if I'm just riding younger horses in an arena, other than that, my back cinch is always screwed down tight..

Yeah, a back cinch should always be a bit snug if you actually want it to do it's intended purpose. I know I get lazy if I'm going for a trail ride (which means riding in stubble fields for me) I'll leave it an extra hole loose because I don't need it.