k.maddocks24 - 2015-07-16 10:58 AM Has anyone else had issues with their saddle sliding backwards with a CSI pad? I bought a used one a few weeks ago, and every time I've ran in it I've nearly lost my saddle because it slides so far back! It is an older one with the neoprene lining. I thought maybe it was because of the liner and how sweaty my horse was (super hot days) the first couple times I used it. Tried it last night with a felt liner (not a new one from CSI, wanted to test the idea out before spending the $$) and the same thing happened. I think my saddle may be a little snug in the gullet for my gelding, and a friend suggested the CSI to help correct for that until I can get a new one ordered - hoping this winter. The saddle isn't causing any dry spots, but he really shuts down and loses a lot of forward momentum in his turns which I believe is due to the saddle. Any suggestions for changes to make with the CSI, or a different pad to try?

Nevertooold - 2015-07-16 12:14 PM


Call CSI and talk to them about your problem. They will be able to help you. 

k.maddocks24 - 2015-07-16 2:08 PM Thank you! Planning on it! :) I guess I was mostly just curious if anyone else had ever experienced something similar, or had other suggestions for getting by for a couple more months. I've ridden this saddle for the last 15 years with many different pads, and haven't ever had it slide back like it has with the CSI.

Nevertooold - 2015-07-17 4:35 PM

Please let us know what they say.  

Years ago I did have a problem with my saddle slipping back and someone told me to spritz down my sheepskin on my saddle and that took care of it. But...I can't remember what kind of saddle pad I was using. I have used a tacky too pad underneath different saddle pads to keep my saddle from slipping.
 

k.maddocks24 - 2015-07-20 10:40 AM Well, I tried calling them last Thursday. No one answered, voicemail message said to leave name, number, time zone and what your question is. I left a message and still haven't heard back. I've tried calling a couple other times and no one answers the phone. I'm not very impressed right now, and I think I'll just go back to my Impact Gel for the time being! Grr! ETA: The saddle isn't slipping back off the pad...the pad itself is what's sliding back.

Nevertooold - 2015-07-20 11:57 AM


So it sounds like you need something between your saddle and pad. I had that problem once with a pad and I can't remember what pad it was but I spritzed the sheepskin on my saddle with water to stop that from happening. 

k.maddocks24 - 2015-07-20 12:02 PM


Sorry, I'm not explaining myself very well :) When the pad slides back, it's taking the saddle with it. I thought it was due to the old neoprene liner it had, but I tried a felt liner underneath and had the same problem. I know the saddle fit isn't ideal, but I've never had everything slide back like that!

Nevertooold - 2015-07-20 12:19 PM

Okay...I hope they get back with you. 

cheryl makofka - 2015-07-20 12:55 PM


This may be what is occurring, you say the saddle fit is not good, my guess is too tight.

With the impact gel when you tighten up the saddle, the gullet digs in to the shoulders causing muscle damage, but the saddle won't go anywhere.

With the csi the flex plates hold the saddle up from digging into the shoulders, and it disperses the pressure throughout the entire plate.

When your horse is running, he is pushing the saddle back out of the way of his shoulders.

I had a horse that had shoulders set back in his body, every saddle, every pad the exact same thing would happen, he would move the saddle back 4" after each run.

If your horse doesn't mind the saddle sliding back, I would leave it alone till you can get a better saddle.

If you do mind the saddle sliding back then I would look at a Clinton anderson PRS pad as it does have cutouts for small gullets, the pad is pricey I believe when I got mine it was 450 they may have come down in price.