Lots of questions about Australian Stock saddles... help!

[de_Stille_een]

…I was wondering if anyone rides an Australian stock saddle? My boss has completely diverted me from my former hunt seat ways, but I have mechanical issues with my hands that make western saddles not only too heavy for me to lift, but awkward as well.

I love the security and all-day comfort of western saddles for trail riding (which I do a lot of), but I simply can’t ride in mine unless someone is there to first lift the saddle into place for me! I thought that perhaps an Australian-style stock saddle might be a better option- riding wise, it’s more western-like, but design and construction-wise, it’s more English (by the way, I have no problem with English saddles- they’re small enough in weight and mass that I can saddle any of my horses with them).

Does anyone ride an Australian stock seat? What are the advantages and disadvantages as opposed to conventional western or English saddles? Also- I’ve noticed that other pieces of saddlery (the breast collars, girths, etc) are even harder to find than the saddles- can you use western and/or English tack with them? If so… which pieces?

Haha- I ask so many questions. Just a few more. I don’t really know the names of Australian saddles- what are some good brands? Either high or mid-end… preferably less than 800 USD. Where can you find them?

Thanks so much for any advice you might have… :)

[smileypantz1]

my mom just orderd an aussie saddle so im with you girl:)

[tazzle22]

Hi

I had an australian stock saddle and think that if you struggle to lift a western saddle you will struggle with a stock saddle ......... they are quite heavy ....... although great to sit in :)

the girth was also more western like , englsih would not fit it.

I now have an aussie endurance saddle .... a mackinder ... and this is our saddle for life :D It has the depth of the stock saddle but not the rigidity or weight as it is a flexible tree saddle with dense foam in most construction .......

here is link

http://www.mackinderendurance.com/products.htm

[tazzle22]

here is apic of the mackinder

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/tazzle22/Picture526.jpg

[PePpAcOrN]

I have an Aust stock saddle too.. It is heavier than an english saddle but i don't have too much trouble carrying it and can hold it with one hand from the silver bar at the back, but then i don't have any wrist/arm problems/limitations. It is lighter than a western saddle tho (leather) BUT have you considered a lightweight synthetic western? i think Wintec make one..

My stock saddle is very comfy and fits my horse well. Feels very secure and deep to ride in and feels like it *holds* you in. Feels so safe on a spooky horse.

Girth wise, it needs a one buckle girth. Won't take a typical two or three buckle english girth. I still ride in a normal english bridle when i am useing my stock saddle.

It's hard to say what the original stirrup leathers that came with it were like, but one has torn and i transfered my english leathers onto the saddle and just have to have the buckle further down near my shin so it doesn't rub my thigh at the top.

Hope that answeres some of your questions.

I love the idea and look of the Mackinder, i'd definatly give that a shot it looks lovley and light :D

i use a normal square saddle pad under my saddle too, the same as i use with my english one.. andyway have to fly.. late for work! :eek:

[dophi_arno]

.................

[Greentchr]

I have been using Aussies for the past year for the same reason- The westerns are too heavy for myself and my children to lift. We also had fitting problems with westerns, and found that the aussies are easier to fit to the horses because they are adjustable, unlike westerns. I use synthetics that weigh about 22 lbs (OOPS- that is not right: they are about 18 pounds!) with everything on them.

I bought both from Kates Saddle supply in Colorado. They have everything you need: saddles and all the additional stuff. Kates website has a lot of information on it that will help you understand all the differences.

http://www.kates.net/cart/customer/home.php

They were really helpful with the fitting, and when I had a problem with the first saddle not fitting right they made it right at no charge. I was very impressed with their service. Both of my saddles were around $600 with all the extras I added in. I bought both out of their clearance section and have been happy with both. Be sure you ask a lot of questions and understand the strapping system. My first one had a strap that was internal, the second one has an external (over the seat) strap that pinches if you do not ride correctly. Also be sure you understand the sizing system as it is not the same as the Western.

I would not go back to the westerns after riding in these- they are so much more comfortable and secure!

[Greentchr]

Here are a couple of pictures. The first one is my first saddle. The stirrups are not on in this picture as I was lunging her at the time (that is my daughter holding her:) ) It is a nice advantage being able to remove the stirrups. Note that I chose to have horns added- they are optional. I like them because like you I do mostly trail riding, and I like the security of being able to hang a water bottle over the horn -or grabbing it when needed:o

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/greentchr/Kona1-058.jpg

This second one is the newer saddle (without the saddle balanket as we were taking photos for fitting purposes). Note the strap over the seat. I prefer the first one with the internal strap as this one pinches the thighs- I think it is because of the way we ride (the kids are just learning), but I would not have an external strap one again.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/greentchr/Neeka-saddlefitting.jpg

One other thing- you can buy adapters so that you can use western cinches, etc. They are not standard fittings. The cinch on the first saddle does not work on the second saddle because they have a different buckle system.

[miggy]

Tazzle-that looks lovely. Did you get it from Australia?

[tazzle22]

hi miggy

yes I did get it sent over from australia .... and have never regretted taking the gamble :D . Everyone who has ridden it says it is soooo comfy ..... once those who ride english get used to the more dressage / western style leg position it put rider in.;)

[PePpAcOrN]

We used to ride (at a trail riding place) In A.S.Saddles that had the *external strappy thing*. It's called a surcingle, You can pretty much add them to any stock saddle, and you can take yours off your saddle,Greentchr :) (If you wanted too). It's not designed to be tight, just for security. What we used to do with them was stuff a pillow or folded up towel under the surcingle on the seat of the saddle... very comfy :p. Thats only for all day rides/two day rides tho, when your bum could get realllyy sore :p.

Go nuts here : http://www.bwc.com.au/trading/products/saddles.html

So many saddles! :D Didn't look to see if they shipped tho. have fun in your hunt for a saddle thats right for you de_Stille_een!.

Edited to add.... Greentchr, your horses look SOoooo cute in their saddles, they really suit them. And the saddles are lovley. I like the idea of adding a horn to it too! :)(so handy for carrying *stuff* hehe.)

[Greentchr]

[QUOTE=PePpAcOrN] the *external strappy thing*. .. and you can take yours off your saddle....What we used to do with them was stuff a pillow or folded up towel under the surcingle on the seat of the saddle... . Greentchr, your horses look SOoooo cute in their saddles QUOTE]

Why, thank you:) !

When looking at the strap, it seems to be a vital part of the cinch system... I will have to call and ask if I can alter it- I do like your idea of stuffing a pillow under it- or we have thought of just putting a cloth over it so it can't pinch :)

[shaiarabians]

dont get a leather one get a synthetic one and you wont look back.

good luck
Liesl
shai Arabians
Australia

[PePpAcOrN]

Ahh ok, all the ones i have had experiance with had buckles;). So if it's a cinch system i couldn't be sure. With ours, the girth gets done up, then the surcingle gets done up loosley a bit further back than the girth or just over the top of it. I hope you can get it off.. for your comfort. :):p


OoooOOh, heres a cheap (i think.. canadian price) Synthetic A.S.S. : http://www.tack-wholesale.com/Australian/Aussie_Synthetic_Saddle.html

There were a couple more on that site too, brown ones...

And : http://www.saylessaddlery.com/australian-saddles.htm

[Sea Spirit]

Synthetic Aussie Stock Saddles are very light, easy to lift, easy to look after, etc. The Wintec Pro Stock Saddle is probably the best of the synthetics out there. The overgirth on Aussie saddles just takes a litttle getting used to. Tip: remember not to try and grip with your legs! The idea is to be soft, relaxed and pretty laid-back in the saddle, using the stirrups a bit more for balance than you would in an English saddle. If you keep your legs soft and relaxed (and keep any leather overgirth really well-oiled!) You should find it okay. Using it to tether a piece of natural sheepskin onto the seat makes for a very comfortable ride without the thickness of a cushion!