The cinches (also called girths) hold the saddle tight to the animal’s back to minimize front-to-rear and side-to-side movement. The more contact the saddle makes with the animal’s back, the easier it is for the cinches to hold the saddle in place. It is imperative that cinch hardware be strong and durable. Two side-release buckles on the front and rear cinch connect to pannier stabilizing straps, while two side release buckles on the rear cinch connect to the diagonal breeching strap. Excess strap ends fit into sleeves on the cinches. (We have designed a cinch system specifically for goats, so please select the QDC-Goat option if you will be using the system with goats.)