Frequently Asked Questions about the SoftSaddle    

The SoftSaddle is a 100% foam "bareback pad on steroids" constructed of unique Cashel closed cell foam and wetsuit-quality, cloth-covered neoprene. With its 7.5 cms of closed cell foam, built up foam cantle and pommel, plus grab-handle, it's very comfortable for the rider and prevents the back-bone and withers from getting too personal. The SoftSaddle is extremely comfortable for the horse due to the superb pressure-dispersing nature of the foam that prevents the rider's weight from concentrating at points on the horse's back which is what rigid trees are supposed to do but often hurt more than help. The foam doesn't absorb sweat or bacteria and can be cleaned with a thorough hosing.

CLOSED CELL FOAM & OPEN-CELL FOAM 

- What is the difference between them?
Open-cell foam is absorbent like your kitchen sponge because the spaces or cells are constructed so that water and air can flow through easily. While making great sponges, open-cell foam is ineffective as a cushioning material because it tends

to collapse down to nothing when weight is applied. Open-cell foam is often touted because it "breathes" i.e. allows air to pass through easily. Unfortunately, once the air cells have absorbed sweat or collapsed under pressure, this "breathing" no longer occurs. Closed-cell foam is constructed so the cells are encapsulated like  the cells of a beehive, making it difficult for water or air to pass through easily. Closed-cell foam is a superior material for cushioning as it will compress but not collapse completely. Cashel has used the same unique closed cell foam (originally designed for the aerospace industry) since 1986.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER BUYING A SOFTSADDLE?
Men & women riders both use the SoftSaddle for:
1) endurance riding and training, and CTR
2) improving rider balance and natural seat

3) improving dressage performance
4) trail riding and beach riding
5) solving the "hard to fit a traditional saddle" kind of horse problem
6) devotees of natural horsemanship
7) closer communication with their mount

HOW DO I PURCHASE A SOFTSADDLE? email HorseTackNZ

CAN IT SLIP? 
The SoftSaddle does not have a tree nor rigid frame-work of any kind to grab the wither. Due to its unique design, it is more stable than many bareback pads but could still slip if excessive weight is put in one stirrup. Either cinch it up firmly

with your Western rigging, or if you use the Western Converters - then I recommend an English girth with elastic at both ends. (Please note that many saddles with or without trees can slip when mounting.)

AREN'T STIRRUPS DANGEROUS ON A BAREBACK PAD?

Like all standard Western D rigging, there is no quick-release feature should your foot get hung up in the stirrup. I highly recommend using safety stirrups, Western toe-stoppers or TOE-CAGES (if you prefer to change to English stirrups).

CAN I MOUNT FROM THE GROUND?

I recommend always mounting from a block with any saddle so as not to twist your horse's back. However sometimes it's not possible to do that while out riding so try and find a rise or rock to mount from.

CLICK HERE FOR A GUIDE TO MOUNTING TREELESS