From: Bill and Kim Fasser
Bill and Kim Fasser wrote:
Dear Jessica,
Hello, and greetings from Japan! We (a family of 7....4 daughters and a 10 month old son!!!) have lived here nearly 3 "horse-less" years here, so we are anxious to return to the states where our Paint mare is boarded.
My question to you is about the Australian stock saddle. I like the way it looks, because to me it seems to be sort of a cross between an English and Western saddle. I ride western, but would like to do away with some of the bulkiness, and was wondering if you could give me your opinion.
Thank you for your time and patience.........We all look forward to your letters. You have a true gift of teaching others without that "condescending" attitude I see in many "so-called" experts! Sincerely, Kim Fasser
Australian stock saddles are getting very popular in the USA, with good reason. There are a lot of riders who spend most of their time on the trail, and who aren't quite satisfied with either a conventional Western or English saddle for trail rides. This is especially true of riders who have access to challenging trails -- hilly or mountainous trails, rocky trails, wooded trails.... anything that might present a challenge to a rider's balance.
Like real Western stock saddles, Australian stock saddles were designed to be used for ranch work. If you can locate a good-quality saddle that fits your horse, you will have something very useful: a lightweight saddle that allows you to ride all day, up and down steep hills, in a comfortable and secure position.
An Australian stock saddle shares some of the characteristics of a good dressage saddle, notably a wide, flat seat and a narrow twist. The biggest difference that you'll notice with an Australian stock saddle will probably be the source of that security: the "poleys", or pads positioned just below the pommel, in front of the rider's thighs. Some saddles also feature pads in back of the thighs. Saddle fit FOR THE RIDER is important here! You don't want your thighs squeezed by the pads, but you also don't want to be floating around, bouncing between the pads. Take time, try out different models and sizes, and find one that's truly comfortable. You'll enjoy the experience! Extra-wide stirrups give your feet a real place to rest, extra-wide stirrup leathers (2" or more, compared with English 1") are secure and durable, and if you enjoy picnic rides or just like to carry things with you, you'll find lots of convenient rings and attachments already "built in."
You may find that you are suddenly taller in one of these saddles -- they are built a little higher off the horse than most English saddles, and this is deliberate, to create and maintain a good air channel along the horse's spine. They also have quite a lot of stuffing, generally either loose wool or doe hair. These saddles resemble Western saddles in that they distribute the rider's weight over a large area -- again, something that makes it easier for the horse on an all-day ride. Australian stock saddles are available in several different tree widths, so be sure to get the one that suits your horse.
The two most important considerations will be the quality of the saddle that you buy, and its fit. Get advice from the saddlemaker, or from a horseman experienced with these saddles. The position and adjustment of the saddle on the horse's back, the stirrup leather adjustements, and the girthing system (girth AND surcingle) will be different and unfamiliar, whether your previous experience is with Western or English saddles. As for the quality, avoid cheap (and not-so-cheap!) imitations of the real thing. Inferior, ersatz models may LOOK like saddles, but will make both you and your horse miserable. There are several Australian saddlers known for creating genuine, quality items; if your saddle is made by Sidney Hill & Sons, Toowoomba, Trevor James, or Wayne Walker, you can be sure that you're looking at the real thing.
If you've been riding Western, the changeover to a good Australian stock saddle should be an easy one. If you really enjoy having a saddle horn, don't despair, saddlers are making Australian stock saddles for the American market, and you can buy them with or without horns. ;-) You will definitely retain your security and comfort, and have a lighter saddle to lift (useful if your horse is tall!) and less bulk under your legs.
Have fun, and let me know how you like your new saddle!
Jessica
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