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Discussion on Clinton Anderson Aussie Western Saddle
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Member:
Juliem
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 - 4:59 pm:
I was on Clinton Anderson's website looking at the Aussie Western Saddle they sell. It looks like just what I'm interested in for trail riding. Does anyone have any experience with this saddle? It looks like a traditional Western saddle without a horn. Has anyone seen one "in person" to judge the quality of workmanship and leather? How about just Clinton Anderson's products in general? Hate to buy a saddle without being able to see, feel, try on and sit in so I'm hoping someone may have some insight for me. Thanks, Julie
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Friday, Feb 27, 2004 - 1:37 pm:
Julie,
I sat in his saddle at a clinic this summer and I have one now. The saddle is comfortable, well made, and looks great. My primary reason for the purchase was fitting a 16.3h Missouri Fox trotter who is thick in the shoulders (and the head at times!). The saddle is built on a full quarter horse tree (you may have a choice in trees, I don't know) with lots of flare up front and has rounded skirts, it has worked very well with him.
The other compelling factor is they make the saddle to your specs. I'm 6'4" and have had trouble finding saddles with stirrup fenders long enough. They asked for my seat size, inseam and if I wanted breast collar D-rings, then they make the saddle (if you hate to wait this can be a problem, I think it took 10-12 weeks to get it). I liked the fact the saddle was somewhat custom and at a good price.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Juliem
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Posted on Friday, Feb 27, 2004 - 4:09 pm:
Alden, thanks so much for the reply. That was just the information I hoped to hear! My main trail horse is 16 hands, broad (mutton?) shouldered with a wide back. I was concerned also about quality and workmanship. Really appreciate your input as I have read and respected many of your posts. Thanks again, Julie Is this a great site or what?
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New Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 - 3:58 pm:
Julie, not sure if you will see this as the post ended a few years back. I'm new to this site so don't know how all this works yet.
Did you end up getting the Clinton Anderson Aussie saddle? I've been eyeing it for about a year now. I love the Australian stock saddle style. Kinda like a cross between the best of English & Western saddles.
I rode English when I learned to ride as a kid and young adult and now (after 10 years hiatus) have 2 Qtr. horses (3 yr. olds) with my husband. We are riding them Western and want to do some cutting & reining for fun & all around pleasure/trail riding. We won't be showing. We bought some inexpensive saddles and are looking at new saddles to buy some time soon. Trouble is, just don't know what to get.
Would love to hear your thoughts, or anyone else's thoughts, on this saddle or any saddles you all recommend.
Thanks!
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 - 5:49 pm:
Wow, this is from a few years back! Welcome to the site! I did get the saddle, but it just never felt right to me. Maybe from too many years in a regular western saddle. They have changed the saddles some since then I think. I only used it a few times and ended up selling it a couple of years ago on ebay for the same amount I paid for it. It was one of the ones that was made by Bob's custom saddles to fit your measurements so was probably a better quality saddle--actually a really well made saddle. I now have a Continental Ladies Reiner that I really like. I can't really give you much input on the CA saddle, I honestly only rode in it a couple of times! Sorry I couldn't be more specific.
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New Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 9:50 am:
Thanks for the reply Julie! All the info. I can get is helpful! I think CA has Martin Saddlery making the saddles now. Didn't see much on custom orders on their site.
Thanks again for your input!
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 10:24 am:
https://www.synergistsaddles.com/used-saddles/discounted_saddles.htm
This is the link to Synergist Saddles - Frank Bell recommends them - they are a centered ride saddle - and that takes some getting use to - Very light weight - very well made - but most of all - they have a fitting kit - it's a piece of plastic type material - you heat it in the over - lay it over the horses back - press it to fit - they fit the saddle to the form - if your horse changes shape - but doesn't go from really narrow to really wide -- you can use the same kit to have the saddle refit - The more I use mine - the more I like it - It fits my horse beautifully - he's sorta a barrel with four legs and a neck stuck on it -
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 3:53 pm:
I have a little human interest story here about the founder of Synergist saddles. Former neighbors knew John Di Pietra personally, rode with him and he was always trying to get them to enter into endurance races (they owned Arabians - nice horses, and very sensible trail horses).
Interestingly, my neighbor owned one of the earliest Synergist saddles and did not like it a whole lot.
Anyway, John moved away and continued developing his saddles. He recently passed away but his son and family are carrying on the business.
I just checked the website and it does not mention John's passing. But, here is a link to the article:
https://tracks.endurance.net/2010/08/world-has-moved-on-john-di-pietra.html
The saddles are expensive but I believe they are worth it.
Lilo
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 8:10 am:
I got mine because Robbers is - shall we say - chubby - I didn't want to have to buy another saddle when he loses weight - I just hope they can really re-size the saddle later if needed. He will always be round - but hopefully a little smaller around
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New Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 10:21 am:
Cheryl - thanks for the link to synergist. looks like a really great option for horse & rider. I'm definitely going to call them. I had no idea something like that existed. the fit kit is such a great idea. i tried those printable measuring kits and it didn't go so well.
interesting that they can refit the saddle if your horse's shape changes.
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 10:35 am:
Shannon - just remember - it is a centered ride saddle - I had never ridden in one - it took me a few rides to get use to it - but it is definitely a well made saddle and the fitting kit is great - they can refit saddles if the horse hasn't gone from a narrow fit to a wide fit - Robbers will never be a narrow fit
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Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 11:55 am:
my 2 AQHA boys aren't narrow at all. 1 is a typical cow horse body and the other is running QH, very tall with quite a bit of girth. I don't think they will every be narrow either.
what is the difference between other saddles as opposed to a centered ride saddle?
I grew up riding English so if it's anything like an English saddle, I'll get used to it in no time.
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 2:33 pm:
Wooo - what I intended to say - and didn't do a very good job of - is that they can refit a wide to extra wide saddle to a wide to extra wide horse or a narrow to medium saddle to a narrow to medium horse - With the centered ride saddle - you are positioned so if the horse and saddle disappeared you would remain standing - in a regular western saddle in the same situation you would end up on your butt - I'm sure Sally Swift has a web site for Centered Riding which might provide you with more info - I did dressage and three day eventing for years - the centered ride is still a different feel - The people at Synergist are great at answering questions - make sure you understand everything about it before you jump - but again - I like my saddle more every time I ride in it.
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