What do you think about Australian saddles? I've always ridden in a western saddle but...?

Question

This past weekend I rode in a borrowed aussie saddle and it was wonderful. I am seriously considering purchasing one, especially for long trail rides. Does anyone have any good info on Western vs. Australian? What I should look for in a good aussie saddle and what are their pros and cons? I've never ridden in one before this weekend and I'd like to be fully informed and know what to look for before I go and purchase one.

Answer 1

i've never riden in a western saddle before but have ridden in a aussie stock saddle, the seat is quite deep, and is great to help learners to ride as it helps to minimse falling off. they  can be hard though if not oiled and maintained, maybe get a sheep skin seat saver, to make it softer, and can be heavy the biger you go.

over all i like them but prefer english saddles

thats just my opinion

Answer 2

I don't find Aussie saddles as comfortable as western saddles.. you have to "post" differently in an Aussie saddle vs english/western ones, stirrups in Aussie saddles are towards the "english" type, and they have odd thigh-ridges and a fairly high cantle.

It's just a different sadle to be honest, like english saddles there is a feel of less "leather" between you and your horse, which can be a good or a bad thing depending what you're looking for.  

Western saddles are well designed for longer rides, with the ability to tie things infront and behind the saddle, etc.

Just my thoughts!

Answer 3

I've done both, and honestly I can't really decide between the two. I use my western saddle alot, pretty much for everything but when I ride my arab mare I totally rather use the Aussie saddle. It seems to make her a smoother ride. It pretty much depends on your style, and your horse. For a ride on a trail I think I'd do an aussie saddle, but for any ranch work I'd stick with my western.

Answer 4

I rekon you mean a stock saddle. I'm an aussie and have used them many times before. I prefer them to western anyday. They are extermely comfortable and excellent for young horses as it is almost impossible to come off when the horse rears/bucks/shys, etc. The only con would be that they are heavy. there are many pros, with them they are comfortable, last ages, can be used by any rider at any level.

Answer 5

i didn't like the lack of contact with my horse's back and sold mine a couple years ago.

i did like the stirrups better than on western and i had one without the horn - which i prefer on rough trail rides.  you might want to look at the old mclellen saddles too.  very similar to the aussies, but with more contact [half way between a western & english saddle] no horn and the narrower stirrup leathers [they're also extremely lightweight].

Answer 6

A genuine Australian Saddle is a thing of beauty and wonderfully comfortable for both you and your horse.

I have a Bates Outback Poley without the cair panels (stupid things in my opinion) http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product...

I think the biggest mistake people make is buying a Indian or Asian made stock saddle. They are as different as night and day from the authentic Australian made saddles. You should be prepared to spend some money on a good one. You'll be glad you did.

Answer 7

I have never heard of an Aussie saddle but i love Western saddles the most because they are very confortable. I also love the designes on most of them. If you really like the Aussie saddle you should purchase it. Also if you already have a Western saddle then when you go on long trail drives you could pick which ever one you wanted to use. So i think you sould get the Aussie saddle if you have had past experience riding with it and you like it. Hope i helped! xoxo, Carly

Answer 8

whats an aussie saddle? never heard of one...