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Cashel Company Soft Saddle G2: Guide for USA & UK Riders
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The Cashel Soft Saddle G2 is a modern take on a bareback pad—offering more structure with a molded pommel, cantle, and stirrups, yet still retaining the close-contact feel riders love.
🌟 Features & Design
- Material: Water-repellent microfiber suede top; fleece bottom with Western rigging
- Structure: Molded pommel and seat cantle with padded foam—bridges the gap between bareback pads and conventional saddles
- Weight: Ultra-light at just ~6 lbs—easy to place and manage
- Adjustability & Convenience: Adjustable stirrups, handle at pommel, knee rolls, and front/back D-rings for attachments
🔍 Pros & Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Light and easy to tack up—perfect for quick rides | Lacks traditional tree—can slip on some horses |
| Offers some structure around pommel/cantle—feels more like a seat | Doesn’t hold stirrups securely—unstable if misused |
| Ideal for light trail or baseline training—helps improve rider balance | May create pressure points without proper padding or fit |
🛒 Buying Guide
🇺🇸 USA Riders
- Price: ~ $279–$340 USD from Cashel, Saddle Shop, Jeffers, Freedom Rider
- Best For: Light trail riding, beginner lessons, quick training sessions
- Care Tips: Wipe clean, use liner pad underneath, store on rack to preserve shape—all easy maintenance practices
🇬🇧 UK Riders
- Buying Options: Import from U.S. retailers with international shipping or use package forwarders
- Cost Estimate: Expect £230–£300 GBP total (includes VAT, duties, shipping)
- Fit Notes: Universal fit tends to work on many horses, but may slip on wide or high-wither types—try a thicker pad or liner
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes—especially for riders moving from bareback pads to more structure. The molded seat and handle build confidence and improve posture.
Q: Can it be used for serious riding or uphill climbs?
No—it’s not meant for long rides, jumping, or heavily structured disciplines. It’s best for casual trail rides, balance work, or ponying.
Q: My pad slips—what can I do?
- Add a proper felt or gel liner
- Avoid stirrups at mounting or dismounting
- Adjust girth snugly after your horse moves a bit
Q: What rider/horse types fit this saddle best?
- Medium builds, balanced withers, and smooth withers
- Good for lighter riders between 110–170 lb (Cashel’s medium and large seat sizing)
Q: How do I take care of it?
- Wipe down sweat or dust after use
- Machine-wash the fleece liner occasionally
- Store on a rack away from heat or sharp folds
- Inspect stirrup leathers and foam for damage
🔚 Final Verdict
If you want the feel of bareback with a tad more structure—and prioritize convenience, comfort, and balance**—the Cashel Soft Saddle G2 is worth a look. It’s a lightweight, affordable entry into bareback-style riding, great for short rides, lessons, and balance improvement. But don’t expect it to perform like a full Western saddle—it’s best used for its intended light‑riding niche.
