Hazel McMillan

I recently purchased my SaddleRight Western Square Deluxe pad used from another member of the local NBHA community and, despite having been used regularly for a few years, I was extremely impressed with the condition of the pad and the lack of normal physical wear and tear. After purchasing my Martin Crown C last spring and having to go for a larger 8” gullet (since my boy Gibson is very thickly built) I struggled to find the perfect pad. I purchased and used a 1” 5star for the majority of the season, ended up shimming it half way through the summer and started regular massage therapy to address the soreness in Gibby’s back. Coming into the 2020 season, I began looking for something different and found SaddleRight pads. I was very excited to try the pad based on the fascinating concept and positive reviews, especially those from other barrel racers/polebenders, and I am very happy with my choice. After the first few rides during which I poked around at home, I was very pleased with how the pad kept the saddle in place even though I forgot to tighten my cinch prior to mounting as well as the amount of clearance that was maintained under the gullet. I wasn’t able to really ride hard in the pad until this past weekend when I spent 3 days with small group of friends riding with an experienced former cutter. I was very pleased with the sweat marks and I have not observed any stiffness or soreness through his back despite the 3 days of hard work and being out of shape coming out of winter. I even got the chance to watch our cutter friend ride Gibson and keep him in beautiful form while I looked on and searched for any movement in the saddle and saw absolutely none. I am very excited to continue using my Western Square Deluxe pad and Gibby and I look forward to a great season and a soft, happy back.