Aussies!

[sublimequine]

My saddle search continues.

I actually just had a thought enter my mind today. I’ve been searching for a western-style saddle basically just because I already have an english saddle that fits, and I like the additional security of the western sometimes. It’s also great for trail with all the rings and such. The main complaint I have with most western saddles though, is they are so dang heavy. I’m a fairly petite person (tall but skinny), so sometimes lugging around the big western saddle can be a pain.

BUT. Wait! Additional security, rings, lightweight, non-english saddle… that’s an Aussie! Instead of a 30 lb western saddle, I could have a 16 lb aussie saddle. AND have all the perks of why I have a western saddle to begin with.

The only real issue is that I’ve never actually sat in an Aussie on a horse before. I’ve sat on ones in tack stores before, but that’s it. :lol:

So, anyone here do trails with Aussies? Like em, hate em? I don’t do long distance, just 1 or 2 hour trail rides at most.

Anyone have experience with the ‘Kimberly’ line of aussie saddles?

[everyequine]

I don’t own one, but I have ridden in them. I had a fiend who loved hers , and asked me if I wanted to try it. Hers was a Kimberley Poley, which is not the best grade leather, and not top of the line, but it was comfortable, and well made. My complaint. Flap was too long for both of us. she knew it was too long when she bought it, and had it cut down after I confirmed it was too long. She’s barely 5 ft tall though. It might be right for you.
They are worth a try.
I don’t like the ones with the horn, but that’s my preference. I feel it’s just in the way. the poleys ( that’s what the “ears” are called, I was told) give enough security for trail riding.
oh, and they measure them like a western saddle, so if you ride in a 17 English, a 15 Au. should work.

I sometimes trail ride in a dressage saddle, big blocks, deep seat, very secure.

[jeano]

I too am a recreational trail rider, although I have delusions of doing and LD someday…I routinely ride 1 to 2 hours and sometimes longer distances, up to 18 miles or thereabouts.

Havent owned or ridden a Kimberly but have and have had other made in India aussie-style saddles and like them fine. There’s a lot of flexibility inherit in them–you can use western or english fenders/leathers/stirrups, lots of nifty hardware on em, and they are tough. Had my horse fall ON me once, “rode the wreck to the ground” and the off poley got smashed instead of me as my mare flipped and rolled over me. The damage to the saddle (stitching ripped out, and the poley’s attachment to the rest of the saddle loosened) wasnt even readily apparent. I wasnt hurt.

The other thing I like is the overgirth rigging system, which can also morph from an English girth to a Western while still giving you the leverage advantage it provides.

I’m not petite but that just means that I need a lighter saddle for my horse’s sake, not to mention that I have trouble tossing a 50 pound saddle up to where it belongs.

The leather in the cheaper, Indian saddles responds well to lots and lots of leather therapy or similar oil-based conditioner.

Since I loathe cleaning leather my dream saddle would be a synthetic aussie but I am not about to give Wintec over a grand for theirs…

[Cielo_Azure]

Why I don’t like Aussie saddles.

My take on the Aussie saddle. The deep seat (positioned in the back of the saddle), throws back your butt into the end of the saddle, making it impossible to ride properly. This causes your legs to come forward (even to the point of being in front of the cinch/girth). It is a “chair” position. Comfortable? Yes, it is for most riders and those poleys, combined with the deap, high seat make it very hard to get thrown from the saddle.

The caveat? You lose a LOT of your ability to feel the horse AND (maybe more importantly) it impedes on your ability to use leg aids. If you like to ride with your heel, hip and head lined up, you will constantly be fighting the “chair” position that the saddle will push you into. If you like using leg aids, what you lose with this saddle in terms of seat and leg aids will be significant.

So, for me. I own two and don’t use them. I have found that the most comfortable saddle for me is my good dressage saddle. B.T.W. the AP english saddles are not good for me for trail riding because they kink my legs up, with the way they position my legs.

Now, I have never tried an endurance saddle for trail riding and I am intrigued by them.

[BigHorseLittleHorse]

I don’t own an Aussie stock saddle, but I rode in one on a trip. We usually rode for 6-8 hours a day, and I have to say, it was hands-down the most comfortable I have ever been on a trail ride.

I do agree with Cielo about the change to your position. I’m a dressage rider, and I found that I couldn’t use the same leg aids that I’m used to because it was harder to get my legs underneath me. However, the horses that I was riding were trained stock horses, and they responded to my thighs and seatbones, so it wasn’t a problem.

Someday, when the budget permits, I’m definintely getting one of my own…

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=Cielo Azure;2766567]
My take on the Aussie saddle. The deep seat (positioned in the back of the saddle), throws back your butt into the end of the saddle, making it impossible to ride properly. This causes your legs to come forward (even to the point of being in front of the cinch/girth). It is a “chair” position. Comfortable? Yes, it is for most riders and those poleys, combined with the deap, high seat make it very hard to get thrown from the saddle.

The caveat? You lose a LOT of your ability to feel the horse AND (maybe more importantly) it impedes on your ability to use leg aids. If you like to ride with your heel, hip and head lined up, you will constantly be fighting the “chair” position that the saddle will push you into. If you like using leg aids, what you lose with this saddle in terms of seat and leg aids will be significant.

So, for me. I own two and don’t use them. I have found that the most comfortable saddle for me is my good dressage saddle. B.T.W. the AP english saddles are not good for me for trail riding because they kink my legs up, with the way they position my legs.

Now, I have never tried an endurance saddle for trail riding and I am intrigued by them.[/QUOTE]

Well if you’re not using em… wanna sell em?

Just kiddin. :lol:

And I’m confused about the sizing in these saddles. Some folks say they measure like English saddles (meaning I’d need a 17). Some say they measure like Western saddles (meaning I’d need a 15).

[Huntertwo]

Abetta Endurance Saddle

Sublimequine,
I just got my Abetta Endurance Saddle on Friday. Tried it out for the first time yesterday and LOVED it! Only 17 lbs…

I have to admit, after having the B.M. for almost a year, a treed saddle felt so much more steady. My mare has mutton withers and the BM rolled on her. Although I loved the saddle and comfort.

The Abetta prices aren’t that bad either. Mine was a little over $400.

[imaginique]

I have an Aussie saddle that I find very comfortable, however, my horse hates it so I don’t use it. I keep it for a spare. It does put you in a chair seat and it’s impossible to post in it, but I did see one advertised that puts you in a balanced seat. Of course I can’t remember where I saw it. :no:

A 17" Aussie is equivalent to a 15" Western. When you sit in the Aussie saddle, you want to be able to slide your hand between your thigh and the poley but you don’t want much more room that that.

If you get one with the stuffed panels be careful the first few rides and check your girth often. Mine compressed and I ended up in a ditch on my face when my horse spooked and the saddle slid sideways. :lol:

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=Huntertwo;2766666]
Sublimequine,
I just got my Abetta Endurance Saddle on Friday. Tried it out for the first time yesterday and LOVED it! Only 17 lbs…

I have to admit, after having the B.M. for almost a year, a treed saddle felt so much more steady. My mare has mutton withers and the BM rolled on her. Although I loved the saddle and comfort.

The Abetta prices aren’t that bad either. Mine was a little over $400.[/QUOTE]

Yep, quite a few people have suggested the Abettas, but I really am not interested in a synthetic at this time. I would really prefer something that will last me a lonnnng time.

imagin; How come your horse doesn’t like it? Does it not fit?

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=everyequine;2766535]
I don’t own one, but I have ridden in them. I had a fiend who loved hers , and asked me if I wanted to try it. Hers was a Kimberley Poley, which is not the best grade leather, and not top of the line, but it was comfortable, and well made. My complaint. Flap was too long for both of us. she knew it was too long when she bought it, and had it cut down after I confirmed it was too long. She’s barely 5 ft tall though. It might be right for you.
They are worth a try.
I don’t like the ones with the horn, but that’s my preference. I feel it’s just in the way. the poleys ( that’s what the “ears” are called, I was told) give enough security for trail riding.
oh, and they measure them like a western saddle, so if you ride in a 17 English, a 15 Au. should work.

I sometimes trail ride in a dressage saddle, big blocks, deep seat, very secure.[/QUOTE]

I’m nearly 5’10" myself so I’d sure hope the flap’s not too long for me! :lol:

[saratoga]

I’ve tried many Aussies (had a friend who was a dealer for awhile and I really wanted to give her some business) but I hate them. Like others have said, terrible position and just about impossible to use your leg aids. Also always felt like I was stuck up there, unable to move around at all.
I dont think its true that synthetic saddles dont last long. I had an Abetta for a long time and it didnt wear out or anything. My Thorowgoods are older and still look good too.

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=saratoga;2767243]
I’ve tried many Aussies (had a friend who was a dealer for awhile and I really wanted to give her some business) but I hate them. Like others have said, terrible position and just about impossible to use your leg aids. Also always felt like I was stuck up there, unable to move around at all.
I dont think its true that synthetic saddles dont last long. I had an Abetta for a long time and it didnt wear out or anything. My Thorowgoods are older and still look good too.[/QUOTE]

I have a Circle Y that’s probably around 20 years old. I have a Barnsby that’s around 40 years old. Both are still completely useable and I’ve trail ridden in both with no issues. If I’m going to invest in a saddle, I want it to last like these have (although the Barnsby’s age is pretty exceptional). I don’t think a synthetic is going to do that.

That’s not to say I’m anti-synthetic. I actually have a Thorowgood myself, and love it to death. But I don’t expect it to last more than 10 years, if that.

[everyequine]

[QUOTE=sublimequine;2767142]
I’m nearly 5’10" myself so I’d sure hope the flap’s not too long for me! :lol:[/QUOTE]

The flaps should be right for you, we looked like Thelwell pony riders kicking flap!!
Some not all, put your weight to the back, and maybe the sizing is starting to become more “English” but make sure you ask before you have one shipped. Would kind of stink if you got the 2 inch difference too big, or too small! Neither one would be a good thing. :lol:

[katarine]

I tried one out on a client’s horse- Hated It. Chaired to the extreme, stuck in a bucket, and couldn’t effectively communicate with obstinate mare, neither of us was thrilled.

Hate 'em. sorry, that’s just been my experience.

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=katarine;2768404]
I tried one out on a client’s horse- Hated It. Chaired to the extreme, stuck in a bucket, and couldn’t effectively communicate with obstinate mare, neither of us was thrilled.

Hate 'em. sorry, that’s just been my experience.[/QUOTE]

Don’t be sorry, it helps me learn more about them hearing the pros and cons.

I did get some good news tonight, though! There’s a boarder at the barn that I know pretty well, who has an older aussie she never uses. She’s gonna let me try it out! I think it’s a bit too big for me, but hey, I can try at least some sort of aussie before going any further. I’m happy.

[sublimequine]

UPDATE; Well I tried the lady’s saddle… didn’t even get as far as girthing it up. It was about a FOOT too narrow. It was almost comical how narrow this thing was compared to my tank horse. I emailed Down Under Saddlery and asked them if they even make Aussies wide enough for my needs. :lol:

[Willobeasty]

I have an aussie - and have had several in the past. You could call me a saddle w***e.

My current most favorite saddle is a Kate’s endurance - monoflap, narrow twist. I like it a lot. And it is adjusted to fit my barrel-shaped mare. I even use the aussie leathers that came with it, though I am highly offended by fenders. 2.5" I can deal with.

Down Under can adjust a saddle to pretty much any horse. They said my mare was 95% wider than most of their clients. I have sat in all the Down Under saddles, and my favorite was the campdraft special. I’ve owned 2 Longreaches - they are great as single-flap saddles but have minimal panels and I like my Kate’s rubberized panels better…

Oh saddles are such an individual thing. Try as many as you can. Australian Connection has Sid Hills you can demo.

Good luck. For me, the search never ends. I love trying saddles.

[spookhorse]

Australian Stock Saddle Co

I have a Classic Jackaroo from ASSC (which is one of their Indian made saddles, but it’s lasted me 9 years, was used when I bought it, and looks to have plenty of life left), and I have a Snowy River Poley from Toowoomba (which gets the ASSC owner’s respect as a brand, too) When I got my Jackaroo, it was literally a perfect fit when I sat in it. The Toowoomba felt a little different at first because I was so used to the Jack, but riding a lot in it this year has gotten me more attuned to it.

I don’t like a Syd Hill, something about them gets my back to hurting. I’ve tried out many and never put my money on them despite the great reputation they have. Both of the saddles I have, I’ve got a decent amount of miles on to know how we get along and we get along great I would stay away from the “cheapie” Aussies you find on eBay and general tack stores, stick to a name brand and buy one of their cheaper versions even if it’s more expensive.

Yes, some Aussies will “chair seat” you, almost all will to a point in which most riders are not used to at first, but the good ones (and ones properly fitted to you and the horse won’t so badly) Mine are not too bad, and since I have gaited horses they tend to be trained for butt pressure to move along in gait :lol: I can still get my heels on the horses, and I have even done a little jumping of crossrails in them in schooling my TWHs a little.

If you are too chair seated by the saddle, it may be too big for you. You should have an inch or so clearance of the poleys and those should run parallel to your thighs with no touching. You should also not feel cramped by the saddle, if you do, get a bigger seat size

For reference:
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n174/spookhorse01/Buddy/100_4778.jpg

[lxt]

I think it’s generally the cheaper saddles that put you in a chair seat IMHO.

You could try a Steve Brady if you can get one over here. It’s built on a dressage tree.

[sublimequine]

[QUOTE=lxt;2771956]
I think it’s generally the cheaper saddles that put you in a chair seat IMHO.

You could try a Steve Brady if you can get one over here. It’s built on a dressage tree.[/QUOTE]

The dressage tree might not work, as I have an extremely wide horse. I’m actually looking at the aussies with fleece panels, because those are most likely to fit her.

Also, my budget eliminates some options. I can’t go over $800, and would much prefer something a lot less expensive than that. I know that’s not much, but I’m a full-time student, so not a lot of income to fund new saddles. :lol: