I like to hack out on my gelding as much as possible and after two summers of doing so, I feel like my seat has really improved. I live in the PNW, so it rains three-quarters of the year and I’d like to continue riding out into the fall/winter but I am certainly not going to do it in my leather dressage saddle.
I’m thinking of getting a synthetic bareback pad or one of those Cashel soft saddles for trail riding in the rain and general schooling. I’d like something that provides a little extra security (something at least a little bit sticky, and maybe with contoured padding) and that (if possible) does not promote too much of a chair seat. I’m the size of a 12 year old, so I’m not that concerned with weight distribution. Any favorites/recommendations? I’m leaning toward the Best Friends pad but am pretty open to anything. My gelding has pretty well-defined withers, a bit of a dip to his back, and is very wide.
