For my aussie saddle, I was told to use as thin of a saddle pad as possible (or none at all, but I just couldn't do that.. get my new saddle dirty?! Noooo! ), and try and get my mare to work up a bit of a sweat under the saddle every ride. The heat and moisture apparently help "break things in".

Then again my aussie has serge panels, not leather. But I'd think the heat from the horse's back would do the same for leather panels as well.


image Get a QUARTER HORSE, or get a sense of humor! image