Cashel Saddles: Designed For A Great Fit and Amazing Comfort

Cashel saddles are designed to keep you safe, secure, and focused on what you should be focused on, your horse and your job.

Cashel saddles are built on the Axis True Fit tree, which features a unique fiberglass seat and bars made from kiln-dried South Dakota white pine. This construction not only makes sure that weight is evenly distributed across the horse's back, it means your saddle won't let you down when the going gets touch.

What most folks don't know is that the Axis saddle tree was designed in collaboration with Dale Martin of Martin Saddlery.

Cashel saddles are handcrafted, emphasizing the brand's commitment to quality and the needs of serious cowboys and cowgirls who also value enjoyment in their riding experiences.

Brief History of Cashel

Cashel saddles have a history that intertwines with its parent company, Equibrand. The Cashel Company, known for its commitment to quality, comfort, and innovation in saddle making, has been serving the equestrian community since 1986. This brand has established itself as a reputable maker of Western saddles, catering to the needs of riders across various disciplines.

The company's journey began with a focus on creating horse tack that makes your ride more comfortable and safe.

Over the years, Cashel has continued to innovate, expanding its product line to meet the evolving demands of the equestrian community. Their fly masks, leg guards, breastcollars, and tush cusions are especially popular. And it's been this commitment to creating high quality products that rider's really want while still keeping them afforable, that has helped Cashel maintain its reputation as a trusted brand in the saddle industry.

A few years after its inception, Cashel became part of Equibrand, a parent company formed to bring together several equestrian brands under one umbrella. Equibrand's acquisition of Cashel was part of a strategic move to diversify and strengthen its portfolio of equestrian products and services. By joining forces with Equibrand, Cashel gained access to additional resources and expertise, further enhancing its ability to produce high-quality saddles and other equestrian gear.

In summary, the history of Cashel saddles is marked by the company's founding in 1986, its commitment to innovation and quality, and its strategic partnership with Equibrand. Together, these elements have shaped Cashel into a respected brand in the equestrian world, known for producing saddles that prioritize the comfort and security of both horse and rider.

Why Cashel Saddles Are Different

• AXIS True Fit Tree: Cashel saddles are built on the AXIS True Fit tree, which is designed to distribute weight evenly across the horse's back. This tree features a unique fiberglass seat and bars made from kiln-dried South Dakota white pine, ensuring durability and a comfortable fit.

• Flared Bar Tips: The AXIS tree's bar tips are designed to flare up and away from the horse's shoulders, allowing for greater freedom of movement and reducing the risk of interference with the horse's natural motion.

• Double Stirrup Leather Cut Out: This feature helps to eliminate uneven pressure under the saddle, providing an even contact surface, which is beneficial for the horse's comfort.

• Fiberglass Ground Seat: Unlike traditional rawhide trees, the AXIS tree includes a fiberglass ground seat that is molded to fit the rider's needs and adds significant resistant strength to the tree

Cashel's Unique AXIS True Fit Saddle Tree

The AXIS True Fit saddle tree is a distinctive feature of Cashel saddles, designed to enhance the fit, comfort, and performance of the saddle for both the horse and rider. It has a unique fiberglass seat and bars made from kiln-dried South Dakota white pine.

Features

• Fiberglass Coating for Strength and Weather Proofing: The AXIS tree includes a fiberglass coating that not only adds strength to the tree but also provides additional weather proofing. This ensures the saddle is durable and can withstand various environmental conditions.

• Bar Tips Flare Design: A crucial aspect of the AXIS tree design is the flaring of the bar tips up and away from the horse's shoulders. This design element is intended to eliminate any interference with the horse's natural movement, allowing for more freedom and comfort during riding.

• Double Stirrup Leather Cut Out: The AXIS tree features a double stirrup leather cut out, which helps in eliminating uneven pressure under the saddle. This design ensures an even contact surface, contributing to the overall comfort of the horse and stability for the rider.

• Fiberglass Ground Seat: Unlike traditional rawhide trees, the AXIS tree incorporates a fiberglass ground seat that specifically molded to fit the rider's needs. This addition not only adds 1000 pounds of resistant strength to the tree but also enhances the rider's comfort and saddle stability.

• Kiln-Dried South Dakota White Pine: The construction of the AXIS tree involves only the finest kiln-dried, hand-selected lumber. This lumber is then sealed with a durable, ageless fiberglass coating, ensuring the tree's longevity and reliability.

• Designed for Full and Even Contact: The bars of the AXIS tree are designed to provide full and even contact with the horse's back. This design feature is crucial for distributing the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back, minimizing pressure points, and enhancing the horse's comfort during riding.

• Versatility in Gullet Sizes: The AXIS tree is available in different gullet sizes, including Standard (6.5"), Wide (7"), and Extra Wide (7.5"), to accommodate a wide range of horse builds. This versatility ensures a better fit for various horse types and sizes.

Overall, the AXIS tree system represents a significant advancement in saddle tree technology, focusing on improving the fit, comfort, and performance of saddles for both horses and riders. Its innovative features address common issues with traditional saddle trees, making Cashel saddles equipped with the AXIS tree a preferred choice for many equestrians.

Collaboration With Dale Martin

In the mid-1980's, Cashel teamed up with Dale Martin of Martin Saddlery to design one of the most comfortable saddles for Western horses.

This wasn't just a collaboration; it was a mission to redefine the riding experience. They wanted to craft a saddle that would feel right at home on the back of any powerful, athletic horse.

Meet Dale Martin

Dale Martin is like the Yoda of saddle making—wise, experienced, and incredibly skilled. His partnership with Cashel brought his deep knowledge and passion for creating the perfect saddle into the spotlight, promising to elevate the way riders and their horses connect.

The Axis True Fit Tree

Enter the Axis True Fit Tree. This isn't just another piece of your saddle; it's the heart and soul of it. Engineered to be tough yet surprisingly lightweight, it hugs your horse just right, especially those muscle-packed athletes. Its clever design spreads the rider's weight evenly, letting your horse move freely and comfortably.

A Community Effort

This breakthrough didn't happen in a vacuum. The Axis True Fit Tree was born from the feedback of countless riders, making sure it hit the mark for real-world needs. It’s tailored for athletic horses, embracing their strength and agility, ensuring they can perform at their best without being held back by discomfort.

Why Every Rider Wants This

The Axis True Fit Tree isn't just innovative; it's transformative. It offers unmatched support and freedom for your horse, making every ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. It's about trust, performance, and enjoying the ride to the fullest, knowing your saddle is there to support you every step of the way.

Redefining the Ride

The teamwork between Cashel and Dale Martin, culminating in the Axis True Fit Tree, is a landmark moment in saddle history. It's proof that when expertise meets rider feedback, magic happens. This saddle isn't just equipment; it's a bridge between your ambition and your horse's well-being.

Through this epic collaboration, Cashel and Dale Martin didn't just craft a saddle—they sparked a revolution in how we ride. For those who live to ride, the Axis True Fit Tree isn't just an option; it's the future.

Cashel's Flared Bar Tips

Flared bar tips are a design feature of the AXIS tree used in Cashel saddles, and they play a significant role in enhancing the comfort and performance of the saddle for the horse.

Features

• Elimination of Shoulder Interference: The flared bar tips are specifically designed to curve up and away from the horse's shoulders. This design helps to eliminate any potential interference with the horse's natural shoulder movements. When a horse is in motion, especially during activities like turning, bending, or extending its stride, the shoulders need to move freely. Flared bar tips ensure that the saddle does not impede this movement, which can be crucial for performance and comfort.

• Freedom of Movement: By allowing the horse's shoulders to move without restriction, flared bar tips contribute to a more comfortable and natural ride. This is particularly important for activities that require a high degree of agility and flexibility, such as trail riding, endurance riding, and other western riding disciplines where the horse may need to navigate varied terrain.

• Improved Fit: The flared design can also contribute to a better overall fit of the saddle. Since horses come in various shapes and sizes, the flared bar tips can accommodate a wider range of horse conformations. This adaptability helps to prevent the saddle from putting pressure on the wrong areas of the horse's back, which can lead to discomfort or even injury over time.

• Enhanced Saddle Stability: While the primary purpose of flared bar tips is to enhance the horse's comfort, they can also indirectly benefit the rider by improving saddle stability. A saddle that fits well and does not restrict the horse's movement is less likely to shift or become unbalanced, which can help the rider maintain a secure and stable position.

In summary, flared bar tips are an innovative feature of the AXIS tree in Cashel saddles that focus on the horse's comfort and freedom of movement. This design helps to ensure that the saddle does not interfere with the horse's natural shoulder movements, leading to a better fit, improved performance, and a more enjoyable riding experience for both horse and rider.

Double Stirrup Leather Cut Out

The Double Stirrup Leather Cut Out is another feature of the AXIS tree in Cashel saddles, designed to enhance the comfort and functionality of the saddle.

Features

• Even Pressure Distribution: The double stirrup leather cut out is intended to distribute the pressure from the stirrup leathers evenly across the horse's back. Traditional saddle designs can sometimes create pressure points where the stirrup leathers lie against the horse, which can lead to discomfort or even soreness over time. By incorporating a double cut out, Cashel saddles help to alleviate this issue.

• Uniform Contact Surface: This feature ensures that the saddle provides a consistent contact surface with the horse's back. A uniform contact surface is important for maintaining the stability of the saddle and for the effective distribution of the rider's weight. It helps to prevent the saddle from rocking or shifting, which can be uncomfortable for both the horse and rider.

• Reduced Bulk Under the Fender: The double stirrup leather cut out also serves to reduce the bulk under the fender of the saddle. Excess bulk can interfere with the rider's close contact with the horse, which is especially important for precise riding cues and overall riding feel. By minimizing this bulk, the rider can maintain closer contact and better communication with the horse.

• Improved Rider Comfort: For the rider, the double stirrup leather cut out can contribute to a more comfortable ride. It allows the stirrup leathers to lie flat against the saddle, reducing the likelihood of pinching or uneven pressure on the rider's legs. This can be particularly beneficial during long rides or when navigating challenging terrain.

In essence, the Double Stirrup Leather Cut Out feature in Cashel saddles, as part of the AXIS tree design, is focused on improving the overall riding experience by ensuring even pressure distribution, reducing bulk under the fender for close contact, and enhancing both horse and rider comfort.

Cashel Trail Saddle - Best For Short-Backed Horses

The Cashel Trail Saddle is a highly regarded option among riders who seek comfort, durability, and versatility for both themselves and their horses, especially during long trail rides.

Why You'll Love It

• Designed for Comfort: It has includes a double-padded seat that provides a cushioned ride for the rider, reducing fatigue during long hours in the saddle. The natural sheepskin fleece lining under the saddle is designed to increase comfort for the horse by providing a soft, breathable layer that helps in distributing the rider's weight more evenly.

• Short, Rounded Skirt: The Cashel Trail Saddle features a short, rounded skirt, making it an excellent choice for horses with shorter backs. This design helps to prevent interference with the horse's hip movement and ensures that the saddle does not extend too far along the horse's back, which can be crucial for maintaining the horse's comfort and mobility.

• AXIS Tree Technology: Built on the innovative AXIS tree, the Cashel Trail Saddle offers a strong and flexible foundation that contributes to both horse and rider comfort. The AXIS tree includes features like flared bar tips to allow for greater shoulder movement of the horse and a fiberglass coating for added strength and weather resistance.

• Versatile Rigging Options: The saddle comes with versatile rigging options, allowing riders to customize the cinch placement according to their horse's specific conformation. This flexibility can help in achieving a secure fit and balanced saddle position, which is essential for the safety and comfort of both horse and rider during trail rides.

• Quality Materials: The Cashel Trail Saddle is made from high-quality materials, including Hermann Oak leather, known for its durability and rich finish. The use of premium materials ensures that the saddle not only performs well but also withstands the rigors of trail riding and maintains its appearance over time.

• Practical Features for Trail Riding: With the trail rider in mind, the saddle includes practical features such as a big Cheyenne roll and long strings for attaching trail gear and accessories. These additions make it easier for riders to carry necessary supplies without compromising the comfort or balance of the saddle.

• Close Contact Feel: The design of the Cashel Trail Saddle, including a cutout skirt, aims to provide riders with a close contact feel. This feature allows for better communication and responsiveness between the horse and rider, which can be particularly beneficial on challenging trails.

• Handcrafted Quality: Cashel saddles are known for their handcrafted quality, and the Trail Saddle is no exception. The attention to detail in its construction and finishing touches reflects Cashel's commitment to producing saddles that meet the needs of serious riders who also value the enjoyment of their riding experience.

In summary, the Cashel Trail Saddle is designed with the trail rider's needs in mind, offering a combination of comfort, durability, and practical features that make it a popular choice for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors on horseback.

Cashel Soft Saddle G2 - Best For Easy Tacking Up

The Cashel Soft Saddle G2 is a unique offering from Cashel that combines the features of a traditional saddle with the flexibility and lightweight design of a bareback pad.

Why You'll Love It

Lightweight and Flexible: The Soft Saddle G2 is designed to be lightweight, making it easy to handle and reducing the burden on your horse. Its flexible construction allows it to conform to the horse's back, providing a close contact feel similar to riding bareback but with more structure.

Comfort and Cushioning: This saddle is crafted with a focus on comfort, featuring a soft, cushioned seat that provides a comfortable ride for the rider. The saddle's design also aims to offer a comfortable experience for the horse by distributing the rider's weight more evenly than a traditional bareback ride.

Adjustable Fit: The Soft Saddle G2 is adjustable, which allows it to fit a wide range of horse sizes and shapes. This adjustability is beneficial for riders who ride multiple horses or for those whose horses may change shape due to conditioning, age, or other factors.

Versatility: The saddle is versatile and can be used for various activities, including trail riding, training, and casual riding. Its design makes it suitable for riders who want the benefits of a saddle without the weight and rigidity of a traditional tree.

Ease of Care: The materials used in the Soft Saddle G2 are generally easy to care for, requiring less maintenance than leather saddles. This can be a significant advantage for riders who want a low-maintenance option.

Close Contact Experience: The Soft Saddle G2 provides a close contact experience with the horse, which can enhance the rider's ability to feel the horse's movements and respond with subtle cues. This can be particularly beneficial for training purposes or for riders who prefer a more natural riding experience.

Security Features: Despite its soft structure, the Soft Saddle G2 often includes features that help secure the rider, such as a cantle, pommel, and stirrups, which are not typically found on a bareback pad.

No Need for a Saddle Pad: The Soft Saddle G2 can usually be used without the need for a saddle pad, as it already includes cushioning. This can simplify the tacking up process and reduce the overall cost and equipment needed for riding.

The Cashel Soft Saddle G2 is an innovative product that caters to riders looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and versatile saddle option that provides a closer connection to the horse while still offering some of the security and features of a traditional saddle.

Cashel Kids Roping Saddle- Best For Serious Ropers

The Cashel Kids Roping Saddle is specifically designed to support young ropers as they learn and refine their skills.

Why You'll Love It

Size and Type: The saddle is a 12-inch roper type, making it suitable for younger riders. Its size is tailored to provide a comfortable and secure fit for kids, ensuring they can focus on their roping without worrying about saddle fit.

Design for Learning: This saddle is crafted with the needs of young ropers in mind. The skirt is designed to be easily reachable, and the seat is crafted to maintain the rider's position, helping kids with stability and confidence.

Secure Seat Pocket and Roughout Seat: The secure seat pocket helps to keep the young rider in the correct position, which is essential for safety and effectiveness when roping. The roughout seat provides extra grip, helping to prevent slipping and sliding during movement

Designed for Serious Competitors: Despite being a saddle for kids, it is designed with the serious young competitor in mind. This indicates that the saddle doesn't compromise on functionality and quality, aiming to provide young riders with a professional-level experience as they compete and improve their roping skills

In summary, the Cashel Kids Roping Saddle is a thoughtfully designed saddle that caters to the needs of young ropers. Its size, secure seat design, and quality construction make it an excellent choice for kids learning to rope and for those participating in competitions, providing them with the support and stability needed to develop their skills.

Cashel Ranch Cowboy Saddle - Best For Working Long, Hard Days

The Cashel Ranch Cowboy Saddle is designed to meet the needs of riders who appreciate the traditional aspects of ranch work and cowboy culture, while also valuing comfort and durability in horse tack.

Features of the Cashel Ranch Cowboy Saddle

• Durability and Construction: The saddle is built to withstand the rigors of daily ranch work, including roping, herding, and long hours of riding in various weather conditions. It is constructed with QH Bars, roughout leather seat and fenders for a textured surface that keeps you from slipping and sliding.

• Comfort for Long Rides: Recognizing that ranch work often involves spending extended periods in the saddle, Cashel has designed the Ranch Cowboy Saddle with features that enhance rider comfort. Including a well-padded seat, ergonomically designed stirrups, and AXIS tree that distributes weight evenly to minimize pressure points on the horse.

• Versatile Design: While specifically tailored for ranch work, the saddle's design is versatile enough to be suitable for other western riding disciplines. Its balanced build allows for effective communication between horse and rider, making it a good choice for trail riding, training, and even competition in western events.

• Made For Roping: The Cashel Ranch Cowboy Saddle features traditional western design elements, such as tooling on the leather, a prominent 3" Roping horn with wrap, 2-1/2" cap, and a high cantle for security.

• Handcrafted Detail: Like many Cashel products, the Ranch Cowboy Saddle is likely to feature handcrafted details that reflect the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This can include hand-tooled leather, carefully stitched seams, and precisely fitted components.

In summary, the Cashel Ranch Cowboy Saddle SA-CKRA is designed for riders who engage in ranch work and value the traditions of cowboy culture. It combines durability, comfort, versatility, and traditional aesthetics to provide a saddle that meets the demands of daily ranch activities while also being suitable for a variety of other western riding disciplines.

Cashel Daddle Saddle - Best For Playing Horsey

The Cashel Daddle Saddle is a playful and inventive product designed for children to enjoy a fun and imaginative riding experience on their parent's back. It is not a traditional saddle for horses but rather a soft, stuffed saddle that a child can strap onto the back of an adult for piggyback rides.

Why You'll Love It

• Soft and Safe: The Daddle Saddle is made from soft, plush materials, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride for the child. The softness of the saddle helps to prevent any discomfort to the adult as well.

• Adjustable Straps: It comes with adjustable straps that secure around the adult's waist and chest, allowing for a snug and secure fit. This ensures that the saddle stays in place during the piggyback ride.

• Stirrups for Stability: The saddle includes stirrups for the child to place their feet in. This feature not only adds to the realism of horseback riding but also helps the child maintain balance and stability while riding on the adult's back.

• Saddle Horn: A saddle horn is included in the design, giving children something to hold onto, which adds to the safety and authenticity of the Daddle Saddle.

• Encourages Active Play: The Cashel Daddle Saddle encourages active and imaginative play. It allows children to experience the fun of riding while also providing a physical activity that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.

• Parent-Child Bonding: This product is a great way for parents and children to bond through play. It offers an opportunity for parents to engage with their children in a creative and active way.

• Age Range: The Daddle Saddle is typically recommended for children ages 2-6, making it a fun toy for toddlers and young children.

In summary, the Cashel Daddle Saddle is a unique and entertaining product that allows children to simulate the experience of horseback riding in a playful and safe manner with their parents. It's designed to promote active play, imagination, and quality time between parents and their kids.

History of Cashel Saddles

Let's talk about Cashel, a brand that's been galloping alongside equestrians since 1986. This famous Western saddle maker found its roots in the heart of Dublin, Texas, thanks to Charlie and Kayla Cummings.

These innovators initially set their hearts on crafting top-notch saddle pads. Before they knew it, they expanded their reach, curating a plethora of high-quality equestrian products. Cashel saddles, loved for their superb comfort, long-lasting durability, and high performance, soon became their crown jewels.

Designed to accommodate a variety of horses and riders, Cashel saddles have gained a loyal fanbase among the equestrian community. The company swears by the finest materials and craftsmanship to ensure that their saddles stand the test of time.

Over the years, they've continually evolved, fine-tuning their saddle designs. Today, they offer everything from trail and barrel racing to roping and cutting saddles. Whether you're a novice rider just dipping your toes in or a seasoned pro, there's a Cashel saddle waiting to carry you and exceed your expectations.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.