Mohair cinch-making workshop in Waskatenau

By Irene van der Kloet

On November 27, Three Mile Custom Mohair Cinches, a home-based business from St Paul, facilitated a workshop cinch-making at the Seniors’ Centre in Waskatenau. Emilee Feniak organized this workshop, which was held in partnership with the Victoria Trail Agricultural Society. Cinches (for horse saddles) are made from many different materials, for example, neoprene, a combination of webbing and (faux) fur, leather or nylon. Mohair cinches are overall considered the best as the mohair wicks away moisture and thus prevents rubbing and sore spots on the horse. And it looks nice too, since mohair comes in many colours and colour combinations. In this workshop, participants made their own cinch, carefully following the instructions from Kara McGonigle, owner of Three Mile Custom Mohair Cinches, and her assistant Kyla. Kara provided all materials, from buckles to mohair and D-rings. Participants chose their lengths and colours, and there were many colours to choose from; no two cinches were the same. To make your own cinch, you must carefully count threads and ensure you pay attention to what you are doing. Though it was tedious work, all participants enjoyed the workshop. “I have taught myself to make these cinches and now host six workshops a year for the last three years. I go all over Alberta, though not too far north; that is too far to travel. I’ve been invited everywhere, including in other provinces such as B.C., Saskatchewan, and even the U.S., but I stay in Alberta, ” Kara explains. Kyla adds:” The first two workshops she did herself, but then realized she needed help, and that is where I, her one employee, come in to help.” It shows that two people are necessary, for the two ladies are constantly busy helping to ensure the cinches are near-perfect. Typically, there are 10-16 participants per workshop. The participants in Waskatenau came from the wider area: Smoky Lake, Lamont and Westlock, to mention a few. Emilee Feniak participated in the workshop herself and was enjoying it. She also enjoyed organizing this for the wider community. “This workshop filled up very past, and I have people on the waitlist, so we are doing another one in February. I already have people signed up for that workshop”, she says. Kara doesn’t only facilitate these workshops; she also sells cinches online, as can be found on her Facebook page.