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El Compañero Bareback Rider is a unique interpretation of the pad originally used by Native Americans. Bareback Saddle Pad by El Companero The Bareback Rider by El CompañeroThe Patented design of El Compañero is handmade in the USA from soft-top suede leather varying in shapes and contours making each Bareback Rider unique. A full sized skin is used to drape over your horse's back extending down on both sides reaching the rider's calf. On the reverse or underside is sewn a suede pocket made easily accessible by use of a Velcro strip allowing for a one inch piece of foam to be inserted for added comfort to horse and rider. Between the top skin and pocket is sewn a unique belly girth system constructed of strong reinforced stainless steel "D" rings.The western girth system consists of a nylon billet and cinch strap. The English girth has four billets two on the left and two on the right made of Ohiothane (plastic coated nylon webbing very strong and easy to clean). Additional "D" rings are attached for application of stirrups (stirrups and leathers not included). We recommend English leathers and stirrups. If not using stirrups a "getup" strap is attached to assist in mounting Only. At the top rear of the Bareback Rider are two saddle strings secured by leather and chrome plated conches to secure optional matching saddle bags, providing the Bareback Rider with a beautiful finished look. El Companero can be personalized by utilizing a wood burning tool or acrylic paint or any other creative means of adding a unique and decorative design of your own. Note: Each Bareback Rider is branded across the top front with our trade name El Compañero. To center your Bareback Rider a feather is branded at the front center, this allows you to place the Rider in line with the horse's wither for perfect balance. Our Bareback Riders are available in the following colors: English Toast (Brown), Black, and Turquoise. We recommend the use of a Western blanket or pad under the Bareback Rider. How Did The El Compañero Come To Be?Says Pat Liquori, owner and inventor: Through a great longing to become one in spirit with my Tennessee Walker, Dolcinea, I was inspired to create El Compañero Bareback Rider. As I rode alone in the early morning hours, when the sights and sounds of the wooded trails are peaceful and mystical, and the birds begin to wake, and I felt myself a part of the landscape, the more I felt the need to become one with my companion. This feeling was the origin of the name El Compañero. To create the physical sense of oneness, I had only to think of the Native American, using just a piece of leather to achieve this sense of union. Beth, my partner, friend, and great source of encouragement, though previously an English rider, now with her own Compañero, has experienced a far greater oneness with her Quarter Horse, Tigger. As a life long rider and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Beth reinforced my belief in the value of El Compañero for riders with special needs. Both Beth and I realize how special a gift this is and are very focused on sharing it with disabled, as well as able-bodied riders. How Is El Compañero Different From The Other Bareback Pads On The Market Today? There is simply nothing like it— anywhere! Our Bareback Riders Look more natural— feel more natural— and work in balance with both horse and rider! The close contact and a secure seat , allows the rider to find their center and remain balanced. With close contact, the rider can feel the horse's every move bringing them to a closer physical and emotional connection. This contact is essential for both the horse and rider, as you can ride greater distances being in harmony with your horse. Therapeutic riding programs throughout the US and Canada have recognized the value of the therapeutic properties of El Companero and have incorporated them into their programs. How Does The Horse Benefit?The horse benefits from El Compañero’s construction because the pad is made from a thin piece of leather draped over the horse's back. There is no hard material to constrict the horse's movement or cause injury, allowing the horse to move naturally and freely. Leg and seat aids are more clearly understood, giving your horse explicit direction, therefore less confusion. Saddle fit is complicated with a regular saddle. People have designed all kinds of solutions to help with fit. El Companero is the ultimate solution to saddle fit problems. Our Rider fits every horse perfectly, it molds to their backs. Is It True That I Am Really Secure On the El Compañero Bareback Pad? When El Compañero is Properly Cinched it will not slip, allowing the option to add stirrups. There is a pocket that can be opened on the underside of the pad which houses a 1" piece of foam. Here is where you can customize your ride to each particular horse by having the ability to change that piece of foam to a Gel Pad or any other insert you desire. Also, what you put between El Compañero and your horse can vary on that particular horse's back. You can use a thick Western pad, Navajo blanket or English pad, depending on your horse's back. At the rear of the pad are saddle strings to attach saddle bags and personal items for trail riding. How Do I Clean or Care For My El Compañero Bareback Pad? The El Compañero is Machine Washable!Open the velcro pocket and remove foam and saddle strings. Close velcro pocket and place in washing machine on “Delicate" cycle in cold water with a capful of Woolite and a cap of fabric softener. Let AIR DRY…. do NOT put in the dryer! Note: When almost completely dry, you can place in dryer on warm, with a Bounce sheet, just to fluff it up. El Companero can be personnalized by using a wood burning tool, acrylic paint, or even a Magic Marker. Make it yours and personalize it! What Do Customers Say About Bareback Rider?Lauren B Happy Camp, CA Gary Convery Pleasure Valley, Ontario Canada "The Horse Whisperer Of Canada” Clinician, Trainer, & Horse Lover. I must say that I will never want to ride with my saddle again. I love our El Compañero Bareback Rider!!! A close relationship with your horse has many variables, but trust and communication are paramount. Your horse will be able to feel your every move and he or she will learn to respond better and with less stress as signals are more clear and easily understood.El Companero Bareback Rider gives you the connection and communication you desire with your horse by riding bareback, with the security of maintaining a secure grip for your safety. To learn more about this revolutionary pad, as well as seeing our complete line of products, please call us today. We would love to share our experiences with you and help you on your way to a new, more natural way of riding and communication! Call us today!  What makes the El Compañero Bareback Rider different from an ordinary pad?El Compañero takes its inspiration from American Indians, who would drape a thin piece of leather over their horses to achieve a closer union with their mounts. The patented design uses a full-sized skin that drapes over the horse's back and extends down both sides, reaching all the way to the rider's calf. With no hard, stiff leather separating you from your horse, signals are easily communicated and the rider and horse can anticipate each other's movements through an enhanced sense of touch. Every Bareback Rider is handmade in the USA from soft-top suede leather, and because the leather varies in shape and contour, each pad turns out unique. On the underside, a suede pocket closed by a Velcro strip lets you slip in a one-inch piece of foam for added comfort to both horse and rider. The pad is finished with saddle strings, leather-and-chrome-plated conchos, a "getup" mounting strap, and a feather branding at the center that helps the rider align for balance.  How does the girth and cinch system keep the pad secure?Between the top skin and the foam pocket, El Compañero sews a belly girth system built around strong, reinforced stainless-steel "D" rings. Buyers choose between a Western girth — a nylon billet and cinch strap — or an English girth system that uses four billets of Ohiothane plastic-coated nylon webbing, two on each side. When properly cinched, the company says the pad remains centered and does not slip, even during sudden movement. What does the Bareback Rider do for the horse and rider?The soft suede grips like Velcro, helping the rider keep a firm seat, while continuous knee and calf contact helps prevent saddle sores. The company reports that during spooking incidents, riders on the Bareback Pad stayed mounted while some conventional-saddle riders ended up on the ground. The cowhide also moderates temperature — helping keep you warm in winter and cool in summer — and the lightweight, one-size design even lets you ride in shorts or swim with your horse in warm weather.Who is the Bareback Rider made for?The pad suits riders chasing a natural, centered position that follows the horse's withers and the slope of its back, achieving the centering and balance El Compañero calls "Oneness." A dedicated Therapeutic Bareback Pad is offered for horse-and-rider pairs needing extra support, and the brand has been embraced by close-contact riders, including Parelli students. Riders have told El Compañero they have never experienced such contact and communication between horse and rider.How do you order, and what does it cost? The Western Girth Bareback Pad is $413.00, the English Girth System is $433.00, and the Therapeutic Bareback Pad is $443.00, each with $24.00 shipping. Matching accessories include Saddle Bags at $178.00, a Headstall at $62.00, and Reins at $27.00, and pads come in English Toast (Brown), Black, and Turquoise. El Compañero ships only by regular US Mail (no UPS or FedEx) and backs purchases with a 30-day money-back trial. To order or ask questions, call. |
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