Cashel
Soft Saddle
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Cashel
Model: Soft Saddle
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I was running out of options for my mare. Going on my 2nd year trying to fit her to a saddle that wouldn't get her back sore seemed impossible. I tried saddle fitter after saddle after fitter and no one knew how to fit this horse. I came to the decision that I would have to give up dressage and jumping until I found the Cashel Soft Saddle.
I purchased it off the Cashel website, (my local tack store carried it as well, but I wanted PINK!) and it was about $300. After spending 1,500 on a leather saddle that didn't fit and fighting with the saddle fitter to take it back after, they had just fit it to my mare seemed like pocket change. It was worth it completely.
Likes: My mare's back that was impossible to fit a saddle to and was constantly sore. After riding in the soft saddle she is no longer stiff and tight and sensitive as she was. It molds great to her older, high withered back. I can still jump a bit in it and continue to take lessons with it.
My mare is so much more forward and enjoys riding now. I have improved my riding as well, vs a saddle with a tree. There is nothing to really support me so I have to really pay attention to my riding. There is also a great handle in the front of the saddle to hold onto if needed.
It is sooo comfortable as well!
Dislikes: I have a few small things I didn't like about this saddle...I ride english and I wish they had english stirrups to go along with it. A choice of english or western, but I just took old leathers and an english stirrup and switched them. I had to custom cut the wholes in my stirrup because the leather holes were to long when I fit them to the saddle!
It is also a bit slippery as well, but if you have a good seat that shouldn't be a problem. My mare has spooked and I've been able to stay on so far.
The lighter colors stain easily, (as would anything) I layed something on over it and it stained the pink seat a bit! I would also recommend mounting from a mounting block.
Also, because there is no leg support I've had to really pay attention to my swinging leg and it doesn't correctly place the stirrup in the right position for dressage.
Quality: The soft saddle is a life saver! I'd be riding bare back for the rest of my life without it! I'm still improving every time I ride and get use to it. I'm very happy with the quality of the saddle, so far so good! It's been about a year and I've ridden in it quite a bit. I want a black one next!
Summary: Overall, I am very pleased with the soft saddle.
Rating: 4
Author: Kathrin
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 3.54545 out of 5.
66 reader(s) voted.
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