The Ranger Soft Saddle is made with 1/2" felt for the base with an additional 1/2" of padding in the seat. Unlike the Ranger bareback pad, the soft saddle has a cantle, stirrup package (see video above) and a full leather seat cover. The spine length is 19.5" and it has either a 16" or 18" drop depending on your preference.
Please note that if you want to add a handle you must do it via our "Handle" product page.
We now offer a seat padding upgrade if you are interested in that. It is made with Impact Gel. It is a $99 upgrade. Please read the product page for that.
Our OG foam is 1/2" thick closed cell foam. It is much more protection than any open cell foam. It is squishy and when you press your finger into it, it will not let your finger bottom out on whatever is under it, it remains squishy. This is the only way I have found to explain it.
Please note your color choices based on the color options on our leather colors page. Use the illustration for color location using 1-4 or 1-2 depending on whether you want a 4 color panel or 2 color panel. The little part that covers the stirrup strap is called the SKIRT. If you want to make that a different color than #1 just tell me you want the skirt "such and such a color".
Make this very clear to me in the "Notes" option that is available as you are checking out.
We do advise you to use a saddle pad or liner of some kind due to fact that you will be using stirrups. If you do not use the stirrup straps, no "need" for a pad under it. Most people do use a liner or pad of some kind though. I helps keep the bareback pad/soft saddle clean on the bottom and may extend the life of your product.
***Be aware that this bareback pad is flexible and does not have a rigid "seat platform" like a saddle so it will feel different on different shaped horses and it will also feel different with different density/thick saddle pads. Aoso, if you put more pressure in one stirrup over the other, the pad may roll.
Visit our withers page to see examples and an explanation for the wither relief. It is better to choose a higher wither relief than needed vs a wither relief that is too low for his needs.
If you have more questions please read our FAQ page.
Follow us on facebook to stay updated about new items, new ideas and specials. Look at our "Gallery Page" for color ideas. Bear in mind that the older bareback pads may have materials that I can no longer get.
CUSTOM Trailmaster Ranger Soft Saddle
Using stirrups with a pad with no tree can be dangerous. If you put too much more pressure in one stirrup over the other your bareback pad/soft saddle/treeless or even your treed saddle will roll. This is unpredictable and if knocked off balance badly your tendency will be to use the stirrups more aggressively to catch your balance, which may result in the pad rolling and you on the ground or worse, having your foot stuck in your stirrup and drug by a terrified horse. My mare has high withers and a more prominent spine and my bareback pad with stirrups has never moved an inch much less rolled. But I cannot promise this for everyone.
There are a lot of different factors that affect the stability of any bareback pad on your horse. These are some of the factors that may affect the stability of your pad- your gear/tack choices, your riding skill/habits, your horse's confirmation, the slipperiness of your horse's hair (like after using showsheen on the hair makes it very slippery) using a breast collar and it's location and fit, the type of liner you use between your horse and the pad, your ability to keep your seat, not using stirrups for catching your balance.
My mare is unpredictable and my skills are not what they used to be so I know I'm taking my chances. That is my choice. You are responsible for your own choices. There is inherent danger when riding no matter what. Using stirrups with a bareback pad does raise your chance of having a wreck. Again, each of us has to make that choice for ourself.
I love my soft saddle and have had zero issues with it shifting, much less rolling. I do not mount from the ground but have many agile customers who can do this without their pad rolling.