A comfortable ride begins with understanding...
A truly comfortable ride means that both the horse and rider can enjoy the experience. A number of factors can affect the way human and equine bodies handle the stress of coming together — saddle fit, health, fitness, performance level, activity and body type all impact comfort both during and after the ride.
If you’ve ever experienced a sore horse during or after a ride, you know how pain can affect performance and attitude. If you’ve experienced a ride-weary aching body of your own, you know how it feels to be torn between pain and your passion for riding.
The CSI pad was created by an inventive horseman — who, after a neck injury, knew first hand the reality of pain in the saddle. It is made from the latest innovation in materials and provides an active cushion between horse and human, freeing both to enjoy the ride for all it’s worth.
How our pad compares to our competitors ...
There are dozens of pads to choose from on the market today. So why should you choose the CSI Flex-Plate Saddlepad? We believe the number one reason you should choose our pad over the competition is your horse's health. We are the only pad on the market to offer the CSI Flex-Plate system — which addresses saddlebar pressure as a steady pressure and dissipates it using a solid yet flexible series of polymer layers. Gels, foams, fleeces and felts simply can't stand up the continual pressure your horse experiences under saddle. These materials allow the pressure to displace them versus displacing the pressure like our Flex-Plate. When combined with our shock absorbing foam insert, the CSI Flex-Plate will make all the difference in maintaining a healthy equine back.
In addition to keeping your horse's back healthy, our pads are made with pride and quality construction — and proudly manufactured in the USA. They are made to last. Our test pads have been in use for over 10,000 hours and the outer shells and Flex-Plates have demonstrated they can stand up the rigors of daily use. The inserts are easy to clean and easily replaceable when they wear out — and they cost dramatically less than replacing your entire saddle pad.
Finally we offer a full, money back guarantee on all of our CSI Flex-Plate Saddlepads. We stand behind our product 100% and want you to know you made the best choice possible for the comfort of yourself and your horse.
Choosing the right CSI saddle pad for your horse and your discipline ...
CSI Saddlepads offers a variety of Flex-Plate Saddlepads to fit every equestrian need. When choosing your saddlepad, please use these guidelines.
Standard or Cutback
Our standard saddlepad has a 2" wither relief, so it can accommodate even the most high-withered horses. Choose the cutback option only if you desire the particular style option it provides.
Insert Thickness
CSI Saddlepad inserts are available in 3 thicknesses and with an optional wool bottom liner. Three factors determine what type of insert you should use: your horse's topline, rider weight and your activity.
If you have a very round backed horse, commonly called "mutton withered," we suggest you go with the thinnest insert for your rider weight and discipline. For most this means you should choose a 1/2" foam insert. If you spend more than 2 hours in the saddle on regular basis, we recommend you start with a 3/4" insert even though your horse has a rounder back. The 3/4" insert provides additional protection to the horse and comfort for the rider.
If you have a very high withered, thin backed horse, we suggest you choose a thicker insert. For most riders, this means a 3/4" insert.
For general purpose riding such as trail, pleasure, barrel racing, etc. a 3/4" insert is the best choice. It will provide excellent shock absorption and good saddle fit protection.
For riders who are heavy or who are competing in a discipline that puts a lot of pressure on a horse's back such as roping or bulldogging, we suggest you use a minimum of a 3/4" foam insert.
We have found that many of our customers who compete in cutting prefer a 1/2" insert.
For customers who want a natural fiber rather than a foam next to their horse's skin, choose our foam/wool combo insert.
Saddlepad Size
Our 32" pad fits most standard horses and saddles.
Our 30" pad fits most Arabians, quarter ponies, and smaller breeds.
Our 30" round skirt works with most round skirted saddles including Tucker saddles and endurance and Australian saddles.
Special fitting for horses with back problems ...
CSI Saddlepads is happy to offer fitting advice for those trying to fit horses with back issues such as sway backs, hollow withers and injuries affecting the shape of the back. We offer shims made of the same shock absorbing foam used in our inserts that can be adhered to the topside of the insert in the desired location to correct the defect. Shims are provided for a shipping cost to customers who have purchased a CSI Saddlepad. Before you request shims, we suggest you ride your horse without shims and check your sweat patterns to determine if shimming is even necessary. If it is, please contact Donna at 816.716.8491 to request a package of shims and get fitting advice.
