What are the benefits of using a bareback saddle pad?

Bareback saddle pads give you a casual, close-contact ride while keeping both you and your horse comfortable. Key benefits include providing a better grip so you don't slip on the horse's sleek coat, keeping horse sweat and hair off your pants, protecting the horse's back from your seat bones, and allowing you to feel the horse's muscle movements much better than a traditional saddle.

Can bareback pads be used to relieve pressure during long horse rides?

No, and doing so can cause soreness. While pads add soft cushioning for your seat, they lack a rigid tree (the internal frame of a regular saddle) to distribute your weight. On long rides, your weight concentrates directly on a few small pressure points along the horse's spine. Stick to traditional saddles for long trail rides.

Do all bareback pads come with stirrups?

No, and you should use them with caution if they do. Traditional pads (like the Mustang Microsuede) don't include them to ensure you learn true balance. Hybrid models (like the Cashel G2 or Tough1 Navajo) offer them, but they are only meant for light balance—putting heavy weight on a bareback stirrup can pull the entire pad sideways or cause spinal pressure.

Are there bareback pads made for smaller equines like ponies and miniatures?

Yes. Standard adult pads will overwhelm a small pony and the girths won't get tight enough. Look for scaled-down options with highly adjustable short girths, such as the Shires Aviemore Pony Pad, the Triple E Mini Cordura Bareback Pad, or the Tough1 Premium Breathable Mini Pad.

How do you wash and care for a microsuede bareback pad?

Microsuede (found on Toklat or Reinsman pads) requires gentle, non-abrasive cleaning. Do not machine wash the pad itself; instead, hose it down or hand wash. Wipe the outer fabric with a damp sponge with the grain, let it dry, and then wipe once more against the grain to fluff the nap before hanging to dry. If the pad has a removable fleece girth, that part is typically safe for the washing machine and dryer.

What is a buddy seat (tandem saddle), and how does it attach?

A buddy seat (like the Abetta or Tough1 models) is a padded foam seat that allows a child to ride securely behind an adult. It does not clip to a bareback pad. Instead, it buckles firmly to the back of a standard adult Western or English saddle using heavy-duty nylon rigging straps hooked into the adult saddle's tie strap and girth rings.

What materials stop a bareback pad from slipping?

To keep the pad secure without a rigid tree, manufacturers use specialized high-friction materials on the underside. This includes patented tacky textures like Reinsman’s Tacky-Too, which offers a rubberized, ventilated grip that stops slippage even on sweaty horses, as well as natural fabrics like heavy felt centers paired with high-pile fleece bottoms.

What is a 'soft saddle' compared to a traditional bareback pad?

A soft saddle (like the Cashel G2 or Tough1 Cordura Round) is a lightweight hybrid utility saddle. It upgrades a traditional bareback pad by adding structure (molded pommels, cantles, and raised seats to hold you in place) and rigging (heavy-duty Western D-rings and cinches instead of a simple surcingle strap). At around 6 lbs, it gives you the security of a saddle but keeps you light and close to the horse.

Riding bareback is a wonderful experience, but it can leave you a little sore. More and more riders are choosing soft saddles and saddle seat savers for a more natural riding experience. Lightweight bareback saddle pads not only help provide balance while bareback riding, but they also give you a casual, more comfortable ride, allowing you to establish a closer bond with your horse.

Western Bareback Riding Saddles, Pads & Seat Cushions

Establish A Closer Bond With Your Horse

Creating a strong connection with your horse is crucial to getting to know your horse better and developing mutual trust. Everything you do with your horse builds the bond that you share, including the bareback saddle pad or seat cushion you use to ride. State Line Tack’s collection of Western bareback saddles, horse riding pads, and cushions will help you and your horse grow closer and have a more comfortable riding experience.

Order the Mustang Soft Ride Saddle for improved balance riding on the trail or around the pasture. This bareback riding saddle offers the perfect combination of a soft shock-absorbing bareback pad with the added comfort of a form-fitted seat, which features a high-rise cantle for added support. Replace your current saddle pad with this lightweight and versatile bareback riding saddle designed to fit many different sizes and breeds. Its closed-cell foam allows for a close-contact ride with no painful pressure points for the rider or horse.

For an ultra-soft MicroSuede bareback horse riding pad, select the Toklat Microsuede Bareback Pad. This pad has a MicroSuede top, felt filler, fleece bottom, and a removable CoolBack fleece-covered girth that adjusts on both sides. The soft, leather-like texture of MicroSuede also helps to provide a non-slip base. This bareback saddle pad is removable, machine washable, and dryer-safe. Plus, the best part is it’s made in the USA.

For an even stronger and increased communication with your horse, shop State Line Tack’s line of western bits and bit guards!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using a bareback saddle pad?: Bareback saddle pads give you a casual, close-contact ride while keeping both you and your horse comfortable. Key benefits include providing a better grip so you don't slip on the horse's sleek coat, keeping horse sweat and hair off your pants, protecting the horse's back from your seat bones, and allowing you to feel the horse's muscle movements much better than a traditional saddle.
Can bareback pads be used to relieve pressure during long horse rides?: No, and doing so can cause soreness. While pads add soft cushioning for your seat, they lack a rigid tree (the internal frame of a regular saddle) to distribute your weight. On long rides, your weight concentrates directly on a few small pressure points along the horse's spine. Stick to traditional saddles for long trail rides.
Do all bareback pads come with stirrups?: No, and you should use them with caution if they do. Traditional pads (like the Mustang Microsuede) don't include them to ensure you learn true balance. Hybrid models (like the Cashel G2 or Tough1 Navajo) offer them, but they are only meant for light balance—putting heavy weight on a bareback stirrup can pull the entire pad sideways or cause spinal pressure.
Are there bareback pads made for smaller equines like ponies and miniatures?: Yes. Standard adult pads will overwhelm a small pony and the girths won't get tight enough. Look for scaled-down options with highly adjustable short girths, such as the Shires Aviemore Pony Pad, the Triple E Mini Cordura Bareback Pad, or the Tough1 Premium Breathable Mini Pad.
How do you wash and care for a microsuede bareback pad?: Microsuede (found on Toklat or Reinsman pads) requires gentle, non-abrasive cleaning. Do not machine wash the pad itself; instead, hose it down or hand wash. Wipe the outer fabric with a damp sponge with the grain, let it dry, and then wipe once more against the grain to fluff the nap before hanging to dry. If the pad has a removable fleece girth, that part is typically safe for the washing machine and dryer.
What is a buddy seat (tandem saddle), and how does it attach?: A buddy seat (like the Abetta or Tough1 models) is a padded foam seat that allows a child to ride securely behind an adult. It does not clip to a bareback pad. Instead, it buckles firmly to the back of a standard adult Western or English saddle using heavy-duty nylon rigging straps hooked into the adult saddle's tie strap and girth rings.
What materials stop a bareback pad from slipping?: To keep the pad secure without a rigid tree, manufacturers use specialized high-friction materials on the underside. This includes patented tacky textures like Reinsman’s Tacky-Too, which offers a rubberized, ventilated grip that stops slippage even on sweaty horses, as well as natural fabrics like heavy felt centers paired with high-pile fleece bottoms.
What is a 'soft saddle' compared to a traditional bareback pad?: A soft saddle (like the Cashel G2 or Tough1 Cordura Round) is a lightweight hybrid utility saddle. It upgrades a traditional bareback pad by adding structure (molded pommels, cantles, and raised seats to hold you in place) and rigging (heavy-duty Western D-rings and cinches instead of a simple surcingle strap). At around 6 lbs, it gives you the security of a saddle but keeps you light and close to the horse.

Bareback Pads And Saddles

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Establish A Closer Bond With Your Horse

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