✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
CSI Flex-Plate Western Show Cut Saddle Pad in black, the close-contact barrel racing favorite
Quality Custom Flex-Plate® Saddlepads by CSI Saddlepads, LLC For absolute comfort and fit in your Saddle Pad, CSI can NOT be beat!
About Our Company
When you ride a CSI Saddlepad, you’ll be riding a product proudly manufactured in the United States and handmade by a dedicated crew of equine enthusiasts ... we don’t just make the saddle pads; we USE them, too!
The CSI Saddlepadsmanufacturing plant is located in the heartland of America in Garden City, MO — the same place we’ve been since we made our first pad in 2003. We’ve kept our manufacturing in the US for many reasons, but the number one reason is Quality. We feel there is no place better than our shop to make your CSI Saddlepad and no better people to make it than our crew.
We feel so strongly that you’re going to love riding a CSI Saddlepad that we give you a 30 day money back Ride it and Try it guarantee. We also guarantee our pads to be free of manufacturer defects — if your pad fails for any reason related to our manufacturing process, we’ll repair or replace it.
CSI Saddlepads
CSI Saddlepads have many features that all riders can appreciate including the carefree and durable design of the pad. The 100% all natural wool insert velcros right out to make cleaning and replacement easy. The outer shell is made of marine grade automotive carpet so it is easy to clean and will stand up to even the most demanding horseman. You can expect one to three years use out of the insert and upwards of 18,000 riding hours on the outer shell. Here are the types of CSI Saddlepads we offer:
CSI Extreme Performance Flex-Plate Saddlepad (Western Style): CSI Saddlepads has led the way in a pain-free riding revolution for horse and rider. The CSI Saddlepad’s Patented Flex-Plate® System offers the ultimate in protection for your horse’s back — dispersing saddle bar pressure and allowing for superior range of motion. When combined with the 100% all natural wool felt insert, the system can virtually eliminate pressure point soreness. The CSI Flex-Plate is designed to work with your horse's anatomy and the design of the Western Saddle. Dozens of saddle trees were mapped during the initial design phase to assure that virtually any western saddle pressure point would be covered and dispersed by the CSI Flex-Plate.
English GP (Grand Prix) Saddlepad (English Style)- The heart of the CSI Flex-Plate® Saddlepad is the CSI Flex-Plate®, and now this effective tool is available for the English riding enthusiast. CSI now offers the English GP (Grand Prix) Saddlepad. This pad works with general purpose, dressage and forward seat style saddles as well as gaited horse saddles based on an English saddle trees. The Engling GP pad offers the same layered design as our Western pad system so it's perfect for horses with conformation and back issues that affect saddlefit.
CSI Saddlepads Sports Line-The CSI Sports line fits a range of saddles for a range of different disciplines. The easiest way to determine which one you need is by measuring your saddle. The standard Sport Cut pad is available in 30 and 32 inch lengths (it actually measures 29 1/2 and 31 1/2 respectively). Most saddles that use this pad will use the smaller size Except Treeless Saddles which need a 32 inch length to compensate for the difference in contour (the CSI pad has a more dramatic contour than many treeless saddles, therefore, to fit properly, you will need to position your saddle further back on the pad and thus need a 32 inch length to compensate). The Small Sport Cut pad works great with smaller Australian saddles — especially saddles made by the Australian Stock Saddle Company.
Does The CSI Flex-Plate® In CSI Saddles Really Make A Difference In Comfort and Fit?
The CSI Flex-Plate® is used in all of our saddle pads and is designed to work with a horse’s anatomy and takes into account both muscle and bone structure as well how the equine back shape relates to typical western saddle tree design. When combined with the wool felt insert layer, the CSI Flex-Plate® Saddlepad virtually eliminates pressure points and back soreness. No matter how well your saddle fits, the CSI Flex-Plate® will make a difference in your ride.
Once you ride one, you really wonder how you ever rode without one.
How Do I Decide What Pad/Insert To Purchase?
CSI Saddlepads makes two different Flex-Plates. One fits Western saddles and saddles based on Western trees including treeless Western saddles, Western flex panel saddles, Aussie saddles with Western design, gaited saddles with Western design and endurance saddles with Western design. The other fits English saddles and saddles based on an English design including all purpose English, forward seat, hunter/jumper, event saddles, Aussie saddles with an English design, gaited saddles with an English design and endurance saddles with English design. Once you chose the Flex-Plate that works with your saddle, choosing the shape of your pad is easy. All of our Western style pads use the same Flex-Plate positioned in the same spot; the same for our English pads. Choose your pad shape based on what YOU feel will work best (and look best) with your saddle or best fits your needs. For complete step by step instructions, please visit our website.
Does The CSI Saddlepad Come With A Guarantee?
Yes. All of our Flex-Plate Saddlepads come with a 30 day money back guarantee. And, yes, we'll take back pads that are dirty or have been used.
What Do Customers Say About CSI Saddlepads?
I tried every possible saddle pad, I bought 4 new saddles and still was having problems with my good heel horse. He was getting hot,mad, and ringing his tail and I knew he had some pain in his back. I bought a CSI Pad and saw a immediate improvement. After a couple weeks he was back to working like before the back pain began. I have been using the CSI on him for the last 2 years and have never had another problem. Mike Crouch, European Team Roping Champion and Coach, 2011 Ustrc Eastern Regional Finals Shoot-out Champion, Professional TrainerI purchased a CSI pad after the recommendation of a friend and then trying her pad on my mare a growing young draft cross. We had a saddle that fit nicely but not "well", and with a still developing mare replacing saddles all the time just isn't an option or any fun for us. The CSI pad has made the difference between a "ok" fitting saddle and a "well" fitting saddle for us and I know my big girl thanks you very much for that!Dawn HendersonI got a CSI saddle pad the other day and im Very impressed! i already want another!Amanda, from Facebook
Order Your CSI Saddlepad Today!
Great saddle pads, help horses to perform their best! CSI Saddle pads are simply the best in the industry. For more information about our saddlepads and to place your order, please call us Today!
CSI Flex-Plate Western Show Cut Saddle Pad in black, the close-contact barrel racing favorite
What is the CSI Flex-Plate® and why does it matter for barrel racing?
At the heart of every CSI Saddle Pad is the patented Flex-Plate® — three overlapping layers of polycarbonate with a 10,000 psi tensile strength, encased around a layer of military-grade shock-absorbing foam. It increases the contact area of the saddle bars and spreads the rider's weight and saddle-tree pressure across the horse's entire top line, reducing or eliminating the pinch and pressure points that fuel cold-backed, sour behavior. For barrel horses, that means shock from quick stops, hard turns, and explosive departures is absorbed instead of slamming into the spine.
CSI Western Show Cut Saddle Pad with black wear leather, smaller footprint for barrel racers
How the Flex-Plate® works like an orthotic for your horse's back
The plate is built from a flexible, high-tensile polymer with no memory, so it won't break down or pack out the way ordinary foam does. Flexible "fingers" correspond to the dynamic areas of the horse's anatomy, distributing pressure evenly while creating a true orthotic effect across the topline. The front of the Flex-Plate® is enlarged to free up the shoulder, improving forward and lateral range of motion so a barrel horse can reach and turn with less restriction and more comfort.
CSI Standard Western Cut Saddle Pad in black with Flex-Plate technology
Why Barrel Racers Choose This Cut
The Western Show Cut Saddle Pad (from $450.00) is the favorite of the barrel-racing crowd because it carries a smaller footprint and is cut slightly more narrow around the barrel for true close contact. Round-backed horses, mules, calf ropers, and barrel racers also gravitate to the low-profile Marcos Costa Pad (from $525.00) — developed with world champion Marcos Costa, it runs flat at the hip with just 1" of contour at the wither and is recognizable by its royal blue Velcro. The Standard Western Cut and Western Round Skirt rounds out the lineup, all starting from $450.00.
CSI Standard Western Cut Saddle Pad product photo, made in Missouri USAMade in Missouri, by riders who use them CSI Saddle Pads are proudly manufactured in the United States — handmade in Missouri by a crew of equine enthusiasts using domestically sourced materials. The team doesn't just build the pads; they ride in them. In 2009 CSI moved from PVC foam to 100% all-natural wool felt liners, both to meet customer demand for natural fibers and because no foam supplier could hold their spec. The removable, Velcro-attached liner comes in 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses, with Coats (+$50) and Platinum Fleece (+$75) upgrades available.
Get it dirty, then decide — the 30-Day Guarantee and 3-Year Warranty CSI tells customers to "go get it dirty, ride it like you own and return it" within 30 days regardless of condition; the refund covers the pad price minus shipping and a $15 restocking fee on insert, color, or cut-preference returns. Custom embroidery, laser engraving, and specialty leathers are excluded. Separately, the CSI Flex-Plate® and workmanship carry a three-year warranty against broken plates or unstitched seams from manufacturing defects, and repairs are typically completed within a week of receipt.
How to size, fit, and order your CSI Saddle Pad CSI reports that 85% of horses need — and riders choose — the 32" Western pad with a 3/4" liner. Measure from the ground to the end of your saddle skirt and buy a pad at least 2" longer than the skirt. Free phone fitting consultations are available, and you can email photos for an assessment. Order online at csisaddlepads.com or call the office Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:00pm CST at or 660-638-4CSI (4274);.
Per CSI Saddlepads, LLC: handmade in Garden City, Missouri, where the company has been since making its first pad in 2003.
Per the company: "When you ride a CSI Saddlepad, you'll be riding a product proudly manufactured in the United States and handmade by a dedicated crew of equine enthusiasts… we don't just make the saddle pads; we use them, too."
What's the CSI Flex-Plate® System — and what makes it different?
Per CSI Saddlepads: the patented Flex-Plate® System offers protection for the horse's back by:
Dispersing saddle bar pressure
Allowing for superior range of motion
Combined with the 100% all-natural wool felt insert — virtually eliminates pressure-point soreness
Per the company: "Dozens of saddle trees were mapped during the initial design phase to assure that virtually any western saddle pressure point would be covered and dispersed by the CSI Flex-Plate." The system is designed to work with horse anatomy AND western saddle design.
What CSI pads are available — Western, English, Sport?
English GP (Grand Prix) Saddlepad (English Style) — same layered design adapted for general purpose, dressage, forward seat saddles, and English-tree gaited horse saddles.
CSI Sports Line — fits a range of saddles for various disciplines. Standard Sport Cut available in 30 and 32 inch lengths (actual measurements 29.5 and 31.5).
Per the company: treeless saddles need the 32-inch length to compensate for contour difference. Small Sport Cut works great with smaller Australian saddles, especially Australian Stock Saddle Company saddles.
How long do the pads last — and how do I clean them?
Per CSI Saddlepads:
Wool insert: 1 to 3 years use
Outer shell: upwards of 18,000 riding hours
Outer shell is marine-grade automotive carpet — easy to clean, stands up to demanding horsemanship
Wool insert velcros right out for cleaning and replacement
What's the guarantee?
Per CSI Saddlepads: 30 day money back "Ride it and Try it" guarantee. Per the company: "Yes, we'll take back pads that are dirty or have been used."
Additionally: manufacturer-defect guarantee — if the pad fails for any reason related to the manufacturing process, CSI will repair or replace it.
How do I choose the right pad for my saddle?
Per CSI Saddlepads, two Flex-Plates exist:
Western Flex-Plate — fits Western saddles + saddles based on Western trees, including treeless Western, Western flex panel, Aussie with Western design, gaited with Western design, endurance with Western design
English Flex-Plate — fits English saddles + saddles based on English design, including all-purpose English, forward seat, hunter/jumper, event, Aussie with English design, gaited with English design, endurance with English design
Per CSI: once the right Flex-Plate is chosen, pad shape selection is up to rider preference. Step-by-step instructions on the website.
What do customers say?
Per CSI Saddlepads:
Mike Crouch (European Team Roping Champion and Coach, 2011 USTRC Eastern Regional Finals Shoot-out Champion, Professional Trainer): "I tried every possible saddle pad, I bought 4 new saddles and still was having problems with my good heel horse. He was getting hot, mad, and ringing his tail and I knew he had some pain in his back. I bought a CSI Pad and saw an immediate improvement. After a couple weeks he was back to working like before the back pain began. I have been using the CSI on him for the last 2 years and have never had another problem."
Dawn Henderson:"The CSI pad has made the difference between an 'ok' fitting saddle and a 'well' fitting saddle for us and I know my big girl thanks you very much for that."
Pricing varies by pad style, size, and Flex-Plate selection; pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors and material-market conditions — confirm current pricing with CSI Saddlepads directly when ordering.
What is the CSI Flex-Plate®?
The Flex-Plate® is CSI's patented core support system and, in the company's words, "the true heartbeat of our saddle pad." It's built from three overlapping layers of polycarbonate with a 10,000 psi tensile strength, surrounding a layer of military-grade shock-absorbing foam. It increases the contact area of the saddle bars so pressure is spread across the horse's entire top line rather than concentrated in pinch points.
Why do barrel racers prefer CSI Saddle Pads?
The barrel-racing crowd especially likes the Western Show Cut Saddle Pad because it has a smaller footprint and is cut slightly more narrow around the barrel for true close contact. The Flex-Plate® also absorbs the shock of quick stops, tight turns, and explosive departures, protecting the horse's back during the high-impact movements that define the event. Many round-backed barrel horses also do well in the low-profile Marcos Costa Pad.
Which CSI pad is best for barrel racing?
For most barrel racers the Western Show Cut Saddle Pad (from $450.00) is the go-to thanks to its smaller, narrower footprint and close-contact feel. Round-backed horses, mules, calf ropers, and barrel racers also favor the Marcos Costa Pad (from $525.00), a low-profile design that runs flat at the hip with just 1" of contour at the wither. A free phone consultation can help match the right cut to your horse.
What are CSI Saddle Pads made of?
Each pad pairs the polycarbonate-and-foam Flex-Plate® with a removable, Velcro-attached liner. Since 2009 the liners have been 100% all-natural wool felt — CSI switched from PVC foam both because customers wanted natural fibers and because no foam supplier could meet their specification. Liners come in 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses, with Coats and Platinum Fleece upgrades available.
Where are CSI Saddle Pads made?
CSI Saddle Pads are proudly manufactured in the United States — handmade in Missouri by a dedicated crew of equine enthusiasts using domestically sourced materials. As the company puts it, they don't just make the saddle pads; they use them, too.
How much does a CSI Saddle Pad cost?
The Standard Western Cut, Western Show Cut, and Western Round Skirt Saddle Pads all start from $450.00 USD. The low-profile Marcos Costa Pad starts from $525.00. Upgrades such as Hermann Oak leather (+$100), purple/turquoise/pink leather (+$75), a Coats liner (+$50), or a Platinum Fleece liner (+$75) add to the base price.
What sizes do CSI Saddle Pads come in?
Pads come in 30" and 32" lengths, which measure roughly 29.5" and 31.5" respectively. CSI reports that 85% of horses need — and riders choose — the 32" Western pad with a 3/4" liner. Show Cut pads are listed online in the Small size; other sizes and custom sizes for larger saddles are available by phone.
How do I measure my saddle for the right pad length?
Measure from the ground to the end of your saddle skirt to find the length you need, and purchase a pad at least 2" longer than the skirt. CSI offers free phone fitting consultations and you can email photos to [email protected] for a personalized assessment before ordering.
What liner thickness should I choose?
A 3/4" liner creates about 1" of overall thickness and suits most horses and general use; a 1/2" liner creates about 3/4" thickness. Mutton-withered horses doing light work should generally choose the 1/2" option. Liners are removable and reversible once cleaned.
What is the Marcos Costa Pad?
The Marcos Costa Pad is CSI's low-profile model, inspired and helped developed by world champion Marcos Costa. It runs flat at the hip with no contour in the back and only 1" of contour at the wither, and it's identifiable by its royal blue Velcro. It's a close-contact pad ideal for round-backed horses, donkeys, mules, calf ropers, and barrel racers, starting from $525.00.
Does CSI offer a trial or money-back guarantee?
Yes. CSI invites you to "go get it dirty, ride it like you own and return it" within 30 days regardless of condition. Refunds cover the pad price minus shipping and a $15 restocking fee for insert, color, or cut-preference returns. You can call 660-638-4CSI (4274) to request a trial extension if you haven't ridden it within 30 days.
Is there a warranty on the Flex-Plate®?
Yes — the CSI Flex-Plate® and workmanship are guaranteed for three years. CSI provides free repairs or replacement for broken plates or unstitched seams resulting from a manufacturer defect, and repairs are usually made within a week of receipt. Allow 2–4 weeks for any refund processing.
What is excluded from the 30-day guarantee?
Custom pads with embroidery, laser engraving, or specialty leathers do not qualify for the 30-day return guarantee, since they're made to order. The standard three-year Flex-Plate® and workmanship warranty against manufacturing defects still applies to those custom pads.
How do I care for and clean my CSI liner?
The wool felt liner is removable and reversible — just clean it before flipping. Plan to replace liners every one to three years depending on use; a liner is ready for replacement when the compression areas no longer "fluff" back up after cleaning. Vegetative matter in natural wool is normal and can simply be plucked out, and pilling on the loins comes from friction and heat, not a defect.
Will the pad cause hair breakage on my horse?
Long-hair coat breakage is very common with all wool saddle pads and does not indicate the pad is rubbing — the hair simply gets caught in the wool fibers. CSI recommends using baby powder to help prevent further breakage and riding with the back cinch snug against the horse's skin to reduce saddle movement over the loin area.
How does the Flex-Plate® improve a horse's range of motion?
The front section of the Flex-Plate® is enlarged to provide enhanced shoulder protection and freedom of movement, while the foundation distributes evenly across the entire topline to create an orthotic effect. The result is that horses can move more efficiently with less restriction and more comfort, with improved forward and lateral motion — a real advantage when reaching for a barrel turn.
How do I order a CSI Saddle Pad or get fitting help?
You can order online at csisaddlepads.com or call the CSI office Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:00pm CST at 1-877-274-7230 or 660-638-4CSI (4274). Email [email protected] to ask questions, send fitting photos, or request a return form. Free phone fitting consultations are available to help you choose the right cut and liner for your horse.
