Western Saddle Cinch | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced serious injury because a Western saddle cinch failed—causing a fall from the horse—you may qualify to file a “Western Saddle Cinch Lawsuit.”

At Schmidt & Clark, our legal team champions riders hurt by defective equestrian equipment. We have the experience to help you pursue compensation and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no‑obligation consultation.

Western Saddle Cinch Lawsuit Overview

The lawsuit stems from a **June 26, 2025** recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involving approximately **10,000 Shoulder Relief saddle cinches** sold by Total Saddle Fit.

The cinches can unexpectedly come apart, causing the saddle to detach mid-ride and increasing the risk of rider falls and injury. Claims focus on design defects and inadequate quality assurance in allowing a dangerous product to reach market.

Latest Western Saddle Cinch Lawsuit Updates

• June 26, 2025 – CPSC recall announced for Shoulder Relief cinches without center elastic, sold from August 2015 to August 2021.
• Late June 2025 – Reports emerged of at least **19 incidents**, including a rider who sustained fractured ribs after a cinch failure.
• July 2025 – Personal injury attorneys began contacting affected riders to evaluate lawsuits for injuries sustained after cinch detachment.
• August 2025 – Lawsuits filed in Georgia and Texas courts alleging negligence and failure to warn; plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses and trauma.
• September 2025 – Discovery underway; plaintiffs demand internal testing records, incident reports, and marketing documents from Total Saddle Fit.

Western Saddle Cinch Lawsuit Statistics

• Units recalled: ~10,000 shoulder relief cinches.
• Sales period: August 2015 to August 2021, $140 each, sold through TotalSaddleFit.com and tack stores nationwide.
• Incident reports: 19 failures, including one rib fracture.
• Recall remedy: Free replacement with unopened model featuring center elastic.

Defect Description & Hazard Analysis

The recalled cinches lack a center elastic that secures them mid-ride. As a result, saddles may detach without warning, causing riders to fall off at speed. This defect indicates a substantial failure in design integrity and manufacturing safety controls.

Injuries & Side Effects

When these cinches fail, riders risk suffering:

• Bone fractures: Ribs, wrist, arm, or leg breaks from sudden falls.
• Head trauma: Concussion or TBI from unprotected impact.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, or bruises.
• Psychological effects: Anxiety or PTSD related to riding fear post-fall.

Do You Qualify for a Western Saddle Cinch Lawsuit?

You may be eligible if:

• You purchased a Shoulder Relief cinch sold between August 2015–2021.
• You were injured or your horse bolted when the cinch came apart.
• You have proof of purchase or physical evidence of the cinch.
• You sought medical treatment or horse vet care due to the incident.

Evidence Required

• Purchase documentation: Order receipts, bank statements, or photos.
• Physical product: Retain the broken cinch or fall scene photos.
• Medical/veterinary records: Treatment notes, diagnostics for injuries.
• Recall notice: Documentation from CPSC or Total Saddle Fit.
• Witness statements: From riding partners or trainers present.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical & vet bills: Hospital care, X-rays, therapy for riders and horses.
• Lost income: Missed competitions, lessons, work days.
• Pain & suffering: Physical and emotional trauma.
• Future treatment costs: Long-term care from injuries.
• Punitive damages: If there was gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Recall Details & Consumer Action

• Recall date: June 26, 2025.
• Products recalled: Shoulder Relief Western cinches without center elastic.
• Hazard: Cinches can come apart, causing saddle to detach mid-ride.
• Remedy: Stop using immediately. Contact Total Saddle Fit at care@totalsaddlefit.com or via their recall page for a free replacement and prepaid return label.

Statute of Limitations & Urgency

Injury lawsuits must be filed within **two to five years** from the date of injury or when the defect was discovered. Preserving evidence like the damaged cinch and medical records is essential for supporting your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I still sue if my horse bolted but I wasn’t injured? Yes—claims may proceed based on dangerous defect alone.
• Is the retailer liable? Possibly—retailers may share responsibility in negligence or failure-to-warn claims.
• Does replacing the cinch affect my claim? No—refunds or replacements don’t waive rights to compensation for injuries.
• How long until resolution? Most cases settle within **12–18 months**; complex trials may extend further.
• Do I need a lawyer? Yes—these cases involve product safety standards, mechanical failure, and injury evidence requiring legal expertise.

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References

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Total-Saddle-Fit-Recalls-Western-Saddle-Cinches-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards
2. https://www.totalsaddlefit.com/pages/recall
3. https://primarynewssource.org/sourcedocument/total-saddle-fit-recalls-western-saddle-cinches-due-to-fall-and-injury-hazards/