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  Discussion on Australian saddles?
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Posted on Friday, May 19, 2000 - 3:28 am:

Help!
I am looking for a new western type saddle for my Arabian Mare. The saddle I have now is too narrow and pinches. I need the saddle for trail riding and light gaming (pole bending etc.) I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, so I have been looking at the synthetic type saddles, and a friend mentioned looking into an Australian Stock saddle.
I ride English quite a bit, and enjoy it and I like the concept of a Western/ English hybrid. I'm not sure if this style of saddle would be suitable for gaming but it looks very secure. I have never seen anyone use them for gaming, but I understand this style is very popular for polocrosse, so I don't see why not. I like the fact that they custom fit the saddle to your horses back, which they generally don't do with the synthetic western saddles and the weight and price is reasonable $500 and up.
I would appreciate any comments you might have about them, as I have never ridden in one. Also, I am currently looking at a Big Horn cordura saddle, with Arabian bars. Anyone know anything about this brand or others that might fit a wide Arabian?

Thanks--Amber

Posted on Friday, May 19, 2000 - 3:54 am:

Hi, Amber. I have ridden in an Australian Stock Saddle when I was toying with the idea of playing polo crosse with The Monster. They are, to coin a phrase TO DIE FOR, DOLL.


Your position is the same as it would be with a dressage saddle - deep seat, long leg - but the funny jobbies (forget what they're called) on the pommel help you to retain your position when you are playing polo-crosse, so you have additional safety there. Not easy to jump in, however, so if you are thinking of jumping, I would advise against it. And you can ride ALLLLLLLLL DAY in one, with zero pain afterwards.

Also, because of the fit, you minimize the risk of damage to your horse's back.

Dont' know about the brand you mentioned, but I can heartily recommend a Stock Saddle of any description. The Monster is very wide and also extremely difficult to fit and the saddle I rode in was fine. Good luck

Posted on Friday, May 19, 2000 - 7:12 am:

Hi Amber.
I have to agree with Tracey: GO AUSTRAILIAN!! I ride dressage while at home, and cannot deal with western saddles on trails...they're WAY too bulky and offer very little contact with the horse. With the Austrailian, you definitely get the best of both worlds: the closeness you desire and the security just in case. They are very comfortable as well, because they're generally pretty form-fitting. I"m actually looking for #2 because I want to get rid of the old western I have....might I suggest the folks at www.aussiesaddle.com? They make CUSTOM aussie saddles that take in your measurements as well as your horse's for LESS THAN $1000 (the one I'm looking at is like $695.00 and is well worth it because the craftsmanship is great - as soon as I sell my western it's mine!). Good luck and happy trails! Dawn ;O)

Posted on Friday, May 19, 2000 - 5:19 pm:

Hi Amber,

I use an Arabian-fit western saddle made by American Saddlery (you can check out their website -- just do a search for American Saddlery) on my Arabs. The great thing is it fits my wide Arab as well as my slim Arab. It's under $500 US and is extremely comfortable and light. The skirts are cut back and it could easily be used for gaming. I can't imagine hacking in anything else.

My boarder uses an Australian stock saddle on her horse (Aztecan) who is wide, and she loves her saddle. But it is bulky so I wouldn't think it would be good for gaming.

Just more ideas to add to the pot! Happy saddle hunting!

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2000 - 12:40 am:

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the advice. It's good to hear that this style of saddle is well liked. I agree that Western Saddles feel to bulky. I admit they do serve their purposes, but as far as contact goes, it's hard to communicate through all that leather.

I ran into a gal today, who rides her andalusian in an australian saddle and she is going to bring it down to the barn and let me try it out. She loves it too! I can't wait.

In the meantime I am going to look into the American Saddlery and check out the arab saddles. I have found some "Arab Trees" that have not fit my horse, so I just have to try them out. I tend to be a little impulsive, so I want to be sure I try several saddles to find the best fit for both of us.

I have to admit that I kind of just want an australian saddle. Ever just want something and kind of get it stuck in your mind and can't think about anything else until you just go and get it? My husband accuses me of this and I can't imagine why. Ha! Ha! Anyway, I am trying to be wise about this purchase and make an educated decision.

Sheila-You mentioned you thought the australian might be too bulky for gaming? How do you mean. Length, build, weight? Just curious.. Anyone else feel this way?

Dawn--You mentioned the Aussie saddle co. I have been looking at their saddles and also saddles from Downunder co. They both carry the Authentic Australian saddle co. line. One of them-I can't remember which one right now, has a clearance going on. I am looking at a Kimberley Poley for $399 that has minor dents and scratches. So if I decide australian is the way to go, I might jump on that saddle, otherwise, I will probably buy from one of those two places anyway. I haven't heard any good things on the cheaply made versions and I would rather pay a little more for a quality saddle. I've been through that before and learned my lesson.

Thanks for your help! Have to run!
Amber

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2000 - 1:32 am:

Hi Amber,

I have been riding in a Australian Stock Saddle, the "Somerset" for the last five years, and would not trade it for any other saddle.

I can ride for hours with no discomfort to me or my horses. It takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable as you have to get used to the knee pads which help to "keep you in". You will find it is a fairly close fit.

I do a lot of serious trail riding in Eastern Washington, mostly in the North Cascade Mountains. Lots of hilly terrain. As I have a Missouri Foxtrotter with low withers and a round back, I use a breastcollar and crupper when riding in the hills. When at home, I do not use them, and the saddle stays in place even with a loose cinch. That must say something for my balance also!

I really am pleased with my saddle, and am going to purchase a 2nd one for my other horse as my riding guests always want to ride mine once they have tried it out.

I have some very informative articles on fitting the Australian Stock Saddle to your horse, and will be happy to mail them to you if you want to send me your address.

My E-mail address is: sam@wiredweb.com

Sincerely,

Sharon Mackin

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2000 - 7:58 pm:

Hi Everyone,

I just purchased my new australian saddle from "Down Under Saddle Company." It is A Kimberley Poley. I tried it out the other day for the first time, and noticed that my horse seemed happier and really lengthened her stride out. Must have felt good to have a properly fitting saddle.

I noticed that the forward position of the stirrups felt a little awkward. Others have mentioned that the position is the same as a dressage saddle. It felt to me that the feet went farther forward then a dressage rider, but then I have never ridden dressage.

Also, can anyone tell me the appropriate length of the stirrup. I know the position is longer than that of an English saddle, but when I cantered in a circle I had a hard time keeping my feet in the stirrups. I am not a great rider, but I don't ever have this problem with my western or English tack. I tried shortening them, and it helped, but I am wondering how short is too short.

One other question. What type of pad is best for these saddles? I have been using a doubled over navajo wool pad. It slipped back the first time I rode with it, but I don't think the girth was snug enough, because as soon as it tightened it, the problem went away. I have read that a dressage type pad and any pad that covers the sweat flap is not good for these saddles as, the bottom sweat flap, cannot sweat and conform to the horse, causing mild discomfort and loss of contact. Anyone read this before?

Other than that, I love the saddle! It is very comfortable and easy on my back and legs. Can't wait to hit the trails, after I break it in a little bit.

Amber

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 21, 2000 - 7:39 am:

Hi Amber. I'm glad you're liking your new saddle so far. I'm really in love with mine. You can't beat them on the trail! I noticed on my first Aussie saddle (that is now my fiance's) that the stirrups were more forward than I'm used to in my dressage saddle. I admit it was awkward at first but then I got used to it. My new Aussie saddle, however, keeps the stirrups in perfect position, which is good news for me. :O) I usually keep my stirrups at the dressage length when I'm on pretty level ground, using my seat and legs as I would in dressage. On rougher or hilly ground, however, I shorten them enough to have a good bend in my knee...I don't care how good your seat is, it's uncomfortable and even dangerous to be trekking down steep hills if you're not secure in the saddle...the shorter stirrups seem to help that. My fiance uses a wool saddle pad cut to fit the saddle and I use a fleece one. I've heard that pretty much any type is fine, so long as it is comfortable for the horse. Happy Trails! Dawn

Posted on Friday, Jun 23, 2000 - 10:27 am:

Sadly enough, I just lost my Paso Fino horse last Sunday. Had to have him put down due to colic...However, I was scanning the list, saw this discussion and wanted to add my comments.

I bought my Australian six years ago, minus the saddle horn. I used the traditional overgirth, but went ahead and bought TRADITIONAL English stirrup leathers and stirrups for it...so I've never had the problem with the forward stirrup position you are talking about. I have used traditional dressage saddle pads for it, which seem to work.

It took me a long time to find a nice girth, however. Finally got one out of the Paul's Harness Shop catalog, but haven't seen it since. I guess that, would be my only complaint.

Other than that, I have ridden dressage using this saddle, and of course miles of trail riding. It IS the perfect saddle. Prior to losing my horse, I was just getting ready to search for a new girth and overgirth, since the leathers were really beginning to wear.

And Sharon, I'd be interested in the list you talked about...please publish it!
Enjoy,
Brenda

Posted on Sunday, Jun 25, 2000 - 3:18 pm:

Cannot begin to express how happy I am with my Aussie Saddle. Suffered a severe back injury last year and needed a little extra security while riding. I have used this saddle for six months now and would not consider putting my butt in any other saddle. My knee pain has left me not to mention my back feels much better. My saddle was custom fit to my horse by Maureen Kirk-Detberner phone is 520-498-6465. She spent a great deal of time fitting the saddle for my horse and for my seat. I know of numerous individuals who use these saddles on Arabians. My husband now rides his old roping horse in an Aussie. You will not regret purchasing an Aussie. Three of my friends have purchased Aussies in the past month.

Posted on Monday, Feb 18, 2002 - 5:22 pm:

Glad to hear everyone loves the stock saddles. I am australian and have ridden mostly in all purpose saddles. I am I guess the only one who does not like them. Maybe I rode in a not so good one lol.. Majority wins however. I hope you love it as much as everyone else. Katrina
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