Stop Your Saddle From Bridging on a Swayback or Dipped Topline

If your English saddle rocks, tilts forward, or concentrates pressure on your horse's shoulders and loins, the Cashel English Swayback Cushion Pad is your solution. Designed specifically for horses with a hollow back or muscle atrophy behind the withers, this pad uses graduated aerospace-grade foam to fill the gap where your saddle bridges — restoring balance without adding bulk where you don't need it. Whether your senior partner has lost topline over the years or your horse naturally carries a sway, this pad brings back the stable, even contact your saddle needs.

Cashel's closed-cell foam won't compress flat like traditional felt or fleece, and it doesn't trap heat or absorb sweat. The compact English Game cut fits neatly under jumping and all-purpose saddles with forward flaps, keeping your horse comfortable from warm-up to cool-down. Use it alone against the coat or layer it under your favorite quilted pad — either way, you'll feel the difference in how your saddle sits and how your horse moves.

Why Riders Choose the Cashel Swayback Pad

• Graduated thickness targets the hollow — 1.5" to 2" center section fills the sway, tapering to 0.75" front and back so the saddle sits level without rocking.
• Aerospace-grade closed-cell foam delivers lasting support — superior shock absorption that won't collapse, retain moisture, or trap heat under the saddle.
• English Game cut fits forward-flap saddles — approximately 23"–24" spine length designed for jumping, eventing, and all-purpose disciplines.
• Protects sensitive loin and shoulder areas — even weight distribution prevents concentrated pressure points that cause soreness and behavioral resistance.
• Low-friction surface works versatile — use directly on the coat for minimal bulk or layer over a thin liner for extra wicking in hot conditions.
• Built for horses with topline changes — ideal for senior horses, hard keepers, or those recovering muscle after injury or time off.

Best For

English riders with horses showing a dipped back or muscle loss behind the withers looking for corrective saddle support that eliminates bridging and protects the spine during flat work, jumping, or trail riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this pad make my saddle feel too tight on my horse's withers?

No — the graduated design only fills the hollow where the saddle is bridging, not at the withers or loins. The thickest point sits in the center of the sway, so you're restoring level contact without adding bulk where the saddle already fits well. If your saddle currently fits snugly at the withers, double-check your gullet clearance after adding the pad, but most riders find it balances the fit rather than tightening it.

Q: Can I use this for show jumping or cross-country?

Absolutely. The English Game cut is specifically designed for high-impact disciplines with forward-flap saddles. The closed-cell foam provides excellent shock absorption on landing, which is especially important for horses with compromised toplines who need extra protection during repetitive strain.

Q: Do I need to use another saddle pad on top of this, or can it go directly on the horse?

Either works. The Cashel Swayback Pad has a smooth, low-friction surface that can sit directly against your horse's coat if you want minimal bulk. Many riders layer a thin quilted or moisture-wicking liner on top for added sweat management during longer rides or hot weather. Both methods are effective — it depends on your preference and your horse's coat sensitivity.