Does anyone know what this saddle is? I think it’s well over 100 years old, because of where I got it from. I also picked up a civil war era military saddle and a ladies side saddle. It’s like an Australian saddle, but no horn. Also, it’s stuffed with horse hair for the flocking 
A horn on an Aussie saddle is an American thing. I would guess that this is an old, authentic Aussie saddle.
1 Like
It looks to me like an old plantation or Buena Vista saddle except I’ve never seen one before with thise blocks. Maybe they were added onto the original order.
2 Likes
custom plantation saddle
https://www.hillcrestsaddlery.com/plantation-saddles.php
It doesn’t look like an Australian saddle. It doesn’t have poleys, like this one does:
vintage camp poley stock saddle:
1 Like
This is an old plantation saddle, sort of like the one I rode in 50-odd years ago:
1 Like
My 1897 Sears catalog has a Men’s Kentucky Spring Seat Saddle similar to yours, but there are no decorated rolls in front of the thigh, just on the pommel and cantle, extending partly behind the thigh. It also has a decorated quilted calfskin seat.
Stirrups are all leather covered wood, western style. 1 1/4 inch stirrup leathers. Girth is 3 inches wide fabric, cotton back band.
It’s by far one of their most expensive saddles at $15.50.
What you call blocks they call rolls. An English saddle for $5.80 has knee and thigh “puffs.”
4 Likes
Thanks everyone! I agree it’s a type of plantation saddle. I wonder why they added such big blocks, but I’ll never know 
1 Like
Are you going to use it? Just curious.
No, it’s in rough shape. I’ll be selling it. I assume it will end up as decor.
The whole underside is ripped out. I assume some mice made their home in it for a while. Someone with a lot of skill could probably fix it, but I am not that person.
2 Likes
Thanks, I was curious what it feels like to sit in. I don’t care for saddles that hold my leg in a spot.
1 Like
It would definitely put the rider in a tipped forward position. The pommel is extremely low so I think it would feel a bit like you’re falling forward all the time.
1 Like
