I've been looking at bareback pads for my Belgian (I've been riding most of my life and I've got decent balance, have always preferred riding bareback when possible) and came across the Cashel Soft Saddle. It looks promising, I've found several good reviews online but some of them sound made up. It sounds very versatile, like a plain bareback pad but a little softer on your rear and like it might 'grip' and girth up a little better, and also sounds like it's versatile enough that I could use it on more than one horse. So if any of you have tried one, would you mind letting me know the good and the bad?
Other things I wonder are is it really that versatile? Can I use it on my 18hh Belgian, then turn around and use it on my 15hh App? At about $270, is it worth it? They sell a seperate 'pad' to go underneath it that has storage pockets...is that pad necessary? I've heard bad things about using regular bareback pads with stirrups (no lateral stability, tend to slip when you put just a little weight in the stirrup), is the Cashel stable enough to use the stirrups if necessary? (The stirrups are removeable). Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
). She said too much padding, so you don't feel horse very well. And frankly having stirrups on bareback saddle/pad is kinda dangerous in my personal opinion. If you really want something and your horse(s) is quiet it's better to go with bareback pad (there are plenty nice ones under $100). 
