I recommend it if used properly.  You should have it tightened to the point you can get 2 fingers between the girth and the belly, any tighter you will have a buck off, any looser and the horses hind hoof can get caught up inside. I have seen them so loose and the horse got its hoof in there, horse and rider went down.

I have always used a back girth!  I agree, you must fit them properly!!  I see people with them loose enough that a small dog could jump through the loop, that's a recipe for disaster on hills.  I like them because on them steep hills, it gives my saddle more stability.  As for the crupper, I haven't tried them, but they would work well too.  Funny thing, Tucker Saddles prides themselves on "trail saddles", but their saddles do not come with a back cinch!  I am not bashing tuckers, (I have 2 of them) but come on, the saddle is already expensive enough, INCLUDE THE BACK CINCH!

Happy trails

Diane

I never used a back girth on a guarter horse, trail riding, and rode them for years, but it certainly would not have hurt anything, if put on correctly, I agree, not too loose. As for tight, we ride mules and we tighten that back cinch as tight as we do the front cinch. helps alot on mules. 

We had an issue this weekend where a large branch got caught in the back girth and made for an eventful few minutes until the girth broke and released the branch.  I was just sorry I couldn't get my camera out quick enough to get a picture!

I typically do use a back girth. Just because my saddles have them, not because I need them on the trail. I like the feel of the saddle not rocking forward when a horse is going down a steep grade or if they spook and hump. But I probably could accomplish all that with a crupper. They are really designed to support a roping saddle where you have pressure pulling on a horn.

A lot of long distance riders take them off, it saves on weight. The 12 ounces of leather you don't carry is 12 ounces of water you can carry. Even though the Tuckers don't have a back cinch, they usually do have a Y rigging that helps hold down the back of the saddle.

I can hardly believe this is even a question.  Unless you have a centerfire girth, a back cinch is absolutely necessary for proper saddle fit.  In fact, even more important than a breast collar.

I respectfully disagree 110%.  If your saddle fits properly to the horse, they will have all the movement they need and/or can use with the two girths tightened equally.  It will never cause sores.  Now, if the saddle fit is poor those rubs and sores will happen anyway.  Their location may just change due to a back cinch.  With a properly fitting saddle, the horse's shoulders will be free to move and their back can bend/move.

As usual the opinions vary.  I was told I needed to start V-rigging my girth because of my horse's robust stature (pc way of saying he is fat!).  I have ridden most often than not with a back cinch and was concerned since V-rigging pretty much rules out the back girth.  Any ideas appreciated.

Works best with a half or 3/4 riggin and a wider girth (check out pack saddles)

Happy trails

That's weird because I got mine directly from the co. 12 years ago, when you could order straight from them, and it came with the back cinch, it wasn't added to it.

I got ours at Pards western store in Milan Illinois, and they told me that it was how they came (without it).  I also looked at Longhorn saddlery in Dubuqe Iowa, same story, back cinch is extra!  Wish you could still order factory direct!

Thanks

Diane