Saddle ideas?

So I know this isn't the quadsuit community, but I was hoping to get some answers considering its more active here

http://i.imgur.com/P3vFd.jpg

I am planning on making Naga from the Legend of Korra Avatar series. She has a saddle. I saw beastcub's idea of putting open celled foam down with fabric on top, which came out nice. But I want more of a leather look without using leather (it sucks to sew). Any ideas? 

Also this is going to be a hell of a lot of padding. What would you guys suggest using? Just the straight up upholstery foam?