Designed by Cynthia Cooper, these bareback pads are the most affordable in a design that really works, expecially for higher withered horses. 

They come in real suede with a felt lining and biothane girth points for $149 OR in synthetic suede with a felt lining and biothane points for $99. (Girth not included)

The Deluxe Suede Bareback Pads are hand made by a Tasmanian Saddler using quality 16mm thick wool felt covered with high grade suede leather. Due to the number of variations in size and colour they are only available by order - please email me via the contact page (takes approx. 30 days) - price is $299. 

We recommend that a saddle pad is used underneath the Bareback Pad to keep the felt lining clean. A treeless saddle pad may be used for horses with a very under muscled back and high wither. 

Colours: Black, Brown, Violet, Blue, Green, Red or custom colour in deluxe only (Hover over the colour chart to enlarge the custom colours available).

Sizes: Small (to suit ponies/children/small adults) measures 16.5" (42cm) long + 16" (41cm) deep, and Regular (adult size) measures 20" (51cm) long and 18" (46cm) deep. 

This unique design features:

• A curved shape to accommodate a wither. 
• Will not tighten directly onto the backbone due to stitched down webbing either side of the spine and relief in the webbing over the spine. 

• Detachable girthing system so the girth points can be removed to attach western latigos if desired (can be purchased here).  
• D rings front and back to attach your saddle pad, breastplate, coat, lead rope, water bottle etc.
• The reinforced handle is positioned east/west for easy access where it lies on the wither.

Why use a bareback pad? 

 Riding on a bareback pad gives you more security than without one, while allowing you the freedom to develop your balance and independent seat. 

A bareback pad is ideal for introducing young horses to wearing a girth as it doesn't need to be as tight as a saddle girth. 

They are lighter and so easy to carry to the horse, and provide enough padding for your seatbones to keep your horse comfortable and you clean. 

A Bareback pad will fit pretty much all horses, although a very high withered horse may need a 'treeless' saddle pad underneath (has a channel down the centre) to provide relief for the backbone. 

Using a cotton saddle pad underneath the bareback pad keeps the felt clean, and if you find your pad slips, use a 'sticky' synthetic pad. 

Enjoy the freedom and challenges of riding on a Bareback Pad - the suede gives you much better grip than most saddles.

Please Note: Good bareback pads are not sold with stirrups as adding those can put you in danger by pushing the pad to one side if your balance is thrown suddenly. 

The use of stirrups on a bareback pad can also severely damage a horse's spine due to pressure - a saddle has a channel to alleviate that pressure but a bareback pad comes into direct contact with the backbone.