They are very comfy and not something you have to "break in". When I got mine I thought to myself, "in about a year or so this nice cloth cover is going to take on the odor of sweaty azz. I had a good size scrap of heavy leather that I cut to match the shape and size of the saddle plus about an inch for overhang. Works great and stays put without velcro or tying it. The unfinished side of the leather against the seat holds it without slipping.

So far it doesn't attract my dog so I can say it passes the "smell" test.:D