| The original Australian style stock saddle was designed in the 1800’s to work cattle on. They offer a very secure seat with devices called ‘poleys’ (a type of knee pad), to lock your thighs into if needed. There is little doubt that the movie ‘The Man from Snowy River’ has added to their popularity. Many of the Australian saddles distributed in the United States are being mass-produced in countries over seas like India, so quality varies. Be sure to check the bottom of the saddle because some have very narrow panels that don’t disperse rider weight effectively. The heavier the weight of the rider, the worse narrow panels are for the horse. As well, if you like to be able to move forward in you seat when going up steep hills, it’s very hard to do in an Australian saddle because of the poleys. They generally come in a few different widths just like Western saddles. Even if you get a saddle with the correct width keep in mind that the saddle still might not fit in other areas of the horse’s back. The rock and twist of the panels also have to fit. About 50% of horses can be fit this way without a problem but if your horse has a back that isn’t considered ‘average’ by that saddle maker you may end up with a sore backed horse. |
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