My take on the Australian saddle

[@gabbieviney2704]

“I started taking lessons with her just so I could spend more time with her” wish my parents did the same... my heart😩❣️❣️

[@LunaEclipse2010]

As an aussie, I approve of this review! I very much agreed with every point you touched on. Happy trails and I hope you enjoy your time in the saddle!

[@TheEmeraldNight]

This is the first Aussie saddle that I have ever seen to have a horn. Besides that, I am glad to see that you get enjoyment and comfort with using a hybrid saddle.

[@LunaEclipse2010]

Trevor Whyatt ive seen a few, but i dont like riding in them, you can't get down on the horses neck if you are going through bush or scrub without copping a horn to the ribcage. Lol not fun. They are great if you aren't doing anything extreme though.

[@TheEmeraldNight]

Except for a handful of times I have only ever ridden in an Aussie stock saddle and besides people that as doing it as a competition I cannot see any reason for having the horn on them. As most of the places I muster are hilly and close packed brush I think I will stay with the original stockie.

[@stephenball4292]

@@TheEmeraldNight ... I love mine, as it keeps my pistol close to hand... I also have cattle, I am not really a roper, but if I actually get a rope around a calf, I have something to dally to... I don't enjoy the ride in my Western saddle...

[@ЖанабаиЖаксыбаев-б9ц]

Сколько стоить доставка другои регион

[@videoholic24]

i love my stock saddle it secures me nicely in the saddle any other saddle i couldnt canter in and id pop straight off when i tried, with my stock i can go for ages and its helped me get my balance back

[@333pinkitty]

I have been riding my horse western and English for the past 20 years. But lately I've been hearing more and more about the Australian saddle. I am from New York and I know the NYPD uses Australian saddles on their horses so I'm just starting to research them and I ended up on your sight. Thank you for the information

[@t.a.barnett3804]

If you get one I'm willing to bet you'll really enjoy it.

[@angelahames5056]

NYPD uses the Bates Kimberly Saddle - an Aussie Stock saddle www.batessaddles.com/the-bates-range/stock-and-specialist-saddles/bates-kimberley-saddle/

[@clairebarker296]

If anyone has issues with hip/knee pain-I highly recommend the replacement of your stirrups with any of the swivel models. I particularly like the Aluminum Endurance Tough-1 swivel stirrup with padded foot. There are two widths available-They release your foot easily-and with their large foot bed-really help with leg and foot fatigue/numbness or pain. You can also get standard "looking" swivel stirrup types that are more "classy"-but I'm more into comfort. Don't go with the stirrup rotators that are "fixed"-then-if you have an odd angle to your foot-like I do-you will be in the same boat-a stirrup that decides where your foot is comfortable instead of the other way around.

[@morganfinke5993]

I’m considering getting almost this exact saddle off Facebook marketplace and this was incredibly helpful to learn more. Thanks for taking the time to record and give your opinions!

[@kellybrazeal4124]

Great Review! I just ordered this exact one for my husband. He doesn't like the wider seats on the western due to bad hips & knees, but he won't ride in an english saddle. Thank you!

[@t.a.barnett3804]

If he is anything like me he should enjoy it. Happy trails

[@Susan-qg9tm]

For those who normally ride in english saddles and are looking for a nice light weight Australian saddle (we call them "stock saddles" in Australia), have a look at the equisuede synthetic one from Wintec. These have an adjustable gullet like the Bates/Wintec english saddles. The synthetic version is the Wintec Stock Saddle and the leather version is the Bates Stock Saddle. There are 2 models in each - a standard stock and a swinging fender. Are these available in the US?

[@BarbaraCarrellasUrbanTantra]

Yes, they are! Thanks so much for the recommendation.

[@Jax453]

I'm in the same predicament, have had my western for 30 odd years, I have bought a new young 5 year old 15hh and am looking at giving her that special saddle, been looking at an Australian saddle now for a few months so really appreciate this video. I think you've made up my mind for me, thank you for that.

[@finklefinklelittlestar]

These are great, as they are lightweight, comfy, and have many rings for attaching things like saddle bags!

[@sabrasandee543]

I have the same saddle that u do , without the horn. Just got it last yr. Love love love it.

[@erynd2524]

I have one coming in the mail in black. I can’t wait for it to come. I was looking for a saddle that had more stability for me having rheumatoid arthritis and a horse that has bucked me off twice.

[@furyxvanity2946]

Some things I can say, I personally find better balance for general riding and roping with a normal western saddle and stock saddles for long journeys or if I'm doing cutting or working with cattle , stock saddles sit differently because the stirrups are hung more forward then on a western, that makes your weight shift more backwards and makes you sit deeper in the seat,like reining saddles too, it helps when your doing very demanding things, like stopping dead and rollbacks and sudden movements, and for polo crosse and western mounted games(gymkhana for Americans) , the one thing is that if you don't fit perfectly in the stock saddle and you thighs have more then 1 or 2 fingers width between the Poleys(those things at your thighs are called Poleys, they are a solid part of the tree that gives you more support like what bucking rolls do their almost the same thing) if you have more then 1 or 2 fingers between the Poleys, your going to feel very off balance because the stirrups will hang too far forward and the Poleys won't work when they have too, this is from my experience,I ride a 15 1/2" or 16" western saddle and a 18" stock saddle , stock saddles are measured 2 inches longer if they don't have horn, if they do have a horn the seat measures the same as a western saddle,English saddles measure 2 1/2" longer, the one time I rode in a 19inch stock and I felt like I have no idea how to ride, if it was a western saddle it wouldn't make a real big difference, western saddles stirrups hang a bit more back which makes your body sit more centrally balanced. Also for a horse that is a bit cinchy, bloats up or moves off when you cinch up, generally you don't immediately crank the cinch up on any saddle, its more for comfort of your horse and its a better way because alot of horses are cinchy because people throw the saddle on and immediately crank that latigo up as tight as humanly possible When you do your first tighten up, you just barely let it nip tight, the back cinch should just touch, it shouldn't be hanging 6 feet off the horses belly and be a disaster waiting to happen getting a leg caught in it, then go walk your horse just 10 or 15 steps, and do circles, if those hind legs don't cross, your horse might be a bit stiff or nervous st something, disengage that hind until they cross their legs,and then you cinch up completely, you should have to get easily 4 fingers under the cinch, back cinch should just be touching or just snug, you generally want your cinch a loose as possible without cutting the horse in half, if your roping or doing reining or gymkhana you generally have a tighter cinch , some people overtighten stock saddle cinches because they sit a bit different, stock saddles on the sides of the cinch their will a small gap you side through but on the underside it will be tight enough, stock saddles you should be able to get 4 fingers under the belly instead of the side of the cinch like a western saddle, and then a little bit into you ride you might go up one or two more holes, general rule I was taught is you never cinch the up less than 2 times, 2 or 3 times is good then your done, if you have good balance and your saddle fits nice you don't need to cut your horse in half Stock saddles are very nice saddles if you don't have a wide very wide horse, their nice saddles for high withered horses because it has a nice high gullet, their also nice endurance saddles, also remember to pull your blanket up into the gullet so it doesn't pinch the withers and gives more breathing. Also why your knees hurt most of the time your stirrups are too short on a western or your knees are compensating for turning the stirrups, and their are a few ways to twist them, like turning the blevins buckles around and then slightly turning the fenders, and wrapping the fender wit a string of leather, there are videos on how to or just simply turning the fenders a few times on the backside. Hope this helps!

[@suemcfarlane4199]

Normally a Aussie stock saddle has a second girth called a sirsingle that goes over the top of t(e saddle completly that and the knee pads make it a saddle that you don’t fall out of easily when chasing cattle or ridding through the bush

[@LunaEclipse2010]

That is what he called the overgirth, that was the surcingle, some stock saddles have it as an entirely separate girth, some have it buckle up to the same girth, depending on whether you get a girth with two buckles or not. Ive ridden in both and the only benefit i can say about having the surcingle on a separate girth is, if you arent very strong, the way the surcingle does up OVER the front girth allows you to tighten the front girth to where it is required. If you do have a separate surcingle it has to be done up sitting over the top of the main girth to prevent rubbing, pinching, and discomfort. Wheras this joined girth eliminates that issue.

[@dvalkerie3411]

I just got my first Aussie! Ive wanted to try it, I have ridden english most of my life and now being older (and somewhat wider) this is much comfortable and I can still enjoy the discipline of english, at least my brain tells me that! Also so true about the knee and ankle tork! THank you for posting!

[@Trapezius8oblique]

These are copies of Australian Saddery but with a horn attached they are manufactured in India. They aren’t manufactured correctly be careful of studs coming through on to the withers

[@scottkinderdine3317]

I went from a western to an aussie like you did..... Apparently you & I work in similar fields... my knees & back hurt all the time. Once I rode in an Aussie saddle I will never look at a Western again.... For me it's like going from a Chevette to a Cadillac. COMFORT all day long in the Aussie saddle.

[@feliciadiamond5086]

The one thing I would add is that it's much more comfortable for the horse too. If someone needs the utilitarian Western saddle on a big quarter horse, fine. Otherwise, you get the stability of western and comfort for the horse with an Aussie.

[@miked7745]

I am currently taking lessons for about 4 months now. I have used both English and Western (I prefer English). I told my instructor that I like aspects of both styles and how come they don't make a hybrid. That's when he told me about Australian saddles. He does not own any so I'm thinking about picking up a used one at some point. I enjoy the lightweight and dexterity of the English, but I like the high back I get with the western.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

I sold my saddle years ago because I stopped riding. If I ever get the chance to pick it back up, rest assured, I will be getting an Australian.

[@finklefinklelittlestar]

I’m not an Aussie but am in a neighbouring country, however I love these saddles.

[@shamoudaraba]

Looks great saddle, been looking for a stock saddle that's light, sadly they don;t ship to the UK

[@Lyndengeo]

they're not light if you compare to UK saddle weights.or are you talking about compared to Western?

[@Lyndengeo]

also, just look on ebay could be posted but probably be expensive from here in Oz

[@tee1529]

Ah I’m Australian and these saddles are my favourite. In a way they’re like a western and English saddle hybrid haha

[@chloemaceachern5917]

I have the same saddle except mine has a rose pattern

[@Mendezfarriercompany306]

Thank you for your thoughts

[@dianestone2029]

Westerns hurt my knees, the Australian saddle is the most comfortable saddle I've used. I usually use a standard stock saddle, I have one just like yours, but black.

[@LuigiCotocea]

Its very comfortable!

[@Gingerwalker.]

I love my Australian saddles. They are so much more light weight, secure and comfortable than an english or western saddle.

[@JeffRiley-tc6cy]

it takes about 3 snuggings to girth up. walk him around between tightning. finish up on your pre mount check they can blow up with an aussie too

[@morganfinke5993]

I have almost this exact saddle. I’m having a real hard time finding any examples (videos or even pictures) of how to properly girth / cinch an Aussie saddle. Would it be possible for you to share how it should fit/ what it should look like under the fenders?

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Sorry, I no longer have that saddle or ride. The little metal D ring i the center of the girth belt needs to be center on the horse chest. You'll just have to play with it till it in position when you're all cinched up.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Watch the video again and pause when I flip the fenders up. That'll let you have a better look of the buckles

[@morganfinke5993]

T.A. Barnett not sure how I missed that last time but YES I found what I was looking for- girth buckles go between the leather fenders! Second time this video has been incredibly helpful. Thanks again!

[@terryes1872]

I used to cut that strap off the, over girth and sow it on were that ring is. This made for a much better fit and less bulk under riders leg. Think the saddle shown is an Indian made copy of an Australian saddle.

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

Transitioning into Western riding. I bought an Aussie, as it's kinda a hybrid between English and Western. Looking forward to riding in it.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

As someone who has always ridden western, I found Aussie a natural and more comfortable fit.

[@JeffRiley-tc6cy]

wet your fenders and store it with a stick in the stirrups. pay attention to the twist let them dry they will set twisted and that relieves the kneww torque

[@jefferyschirm4103]

Great down to earth vid.

[@jaybirdeclipse3971]

That's really cool!! I had no idea there were Australian saddles! Kind of looks a little bit like I cross between a western saddle and an English saddle!

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Jaybird Eclipse it is. And a good mix. A lot of the features of a western so I feel comfortable in what I have ridden my whole life but in a liter package that feels really good.

[@jaybirdeclipse3971]

I actually might see if I can find and try one of these! I've never had any problems with western, but it looks like a really interesting discipline to try!

[@LunaEclipse2010]

Australian stock saddle, the only qualm I have with them is that the stirrups allow riders to ride with their feet stuck forward past the shoulders if the rider is that way inclined. Which many self taught station "cowboys" are. I would prefer a stock saddle with swinging fenders or something similar to a halfbreed saddle. The horn also punches you in the ribs if you're travelling through bush and scrub so you'll see most australians that use them for trails and riding on stations dont have the ones with horns. Those small copper brackets infront of the leg stoppers (not the d rings, they are for a breastplate,) can have a thick braided leather handle attached so you can grab onto if you need some extra stability.

[@krystalroby7260]

What brand and model is this saddle? I would love to find the exact same one you have. Thanks in advance

[@queenB1963]

Any tips where can I purchase a traditional Australian girth like the one shown in this video? Leather.. not neoprene or nylon..

[@queenB1963]

@@t.a.barnett3804 Thanks for this! Colin Dangaard has been some help, too. It's hard to find them in leather...

[@kymharris269]

A traditional Aussie Stock Saddle doesn’t have the horn or rear cinch/girth loops. This one here is like a hybrid.

[@lonniesmith352]

those knee pads have to help with cutting when you gotta turn that hose on a dime keep you straight up in the saddle and help keep you centered in the saddle

[@mollyb2846]

Where did you buy this Saddle from I love these saddles so much and would love to buy one

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Horse.com

[@t.a.barnett3804]

www.horse.com/item/australian-outrider-stock-saddle-with-horn/AKB03/

[@spookiitea4027]

I am an English rider, and have a horse that only knows English, can I ride English in Australia?

[@jenniferharwood4296]

Yes you can ride whatever style you want. We have Western and English clubs.

[@eugenia523]

Is the Aussie saddle lighter than a western? It looks like it is. My husband has to lift my western for me, which is utterly ridiculous.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

YES! mine is about 20 pounds. when I was shopping for a saddle most adult size westerns were about 40 or more. Under the cantle on mine is a metal loop that I guess is attached to the tree (frame). I can hold the saddle with one finger and carry it from the tack barn to the hitching rail, over 100 feet. I would not consider myself as a very strong man either. My daughter when she was 9 was able to carry it with both arms but couldn't get it up enough to get on the horse.

[@eugenia523]

T.A. Barnett , wow, thank you for the info. I'm going to start shopping!

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Eugenia Happy hunting for your new saddle. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

[@sineadbeel1917]

I have two really old fashion ones. They're very heavy. (though otherwise I only use English)

[@hoilst]

Those American saddles look like they were made from solid oak barrels cut in half, aye.

[@The_mare_stare]

I have this exact saddle - how long did it take for the massive amount of stuffing at the back to go down!? It seems massive on mine.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

It never really did deflate that I remember. I got rid of the saddle a few years ago when I had to quit riding. But I will be buying another Australian if I ever pick up riding again. That was by far the most comfortable, secure, pleasurable feeling saddle I had ever redden in.

[@leonenjenny]

Hi there, What brand and type saddle is it I am in the market for a new Aussie saddle

[@t.a.barnett3804]

www.horse.com/item/australian-outrider-stock-saddle-with-horn/AKB03/

[@t.a.barnett3804]

This is the link to where I got it

[@michaelblack4866]

It's made in India,

[@payntpot7623]

Ghastly, cheap looking leather and fittings. Not much integrity to it by the look of it.

[@nof3ar01]

The gum chewing... It's as loud as my horse eating ha, but very informative thank you.

[@rainbowbudgies1129]

Saddle fitting is a science. True proper fit affords your horse the most comfort possible while a “great” saddle fit also provides the rider with the comfort they hope for to enjoy their ride and the time spent with their horse. Many ill fitting saddles can cause behavioral issues from the horse, who is merely trying to relieve himself of discomfort or outright pain. We think, “Yeah, it’s Saturday. I get to go ride.” The horse says, “Oh no, it’s Saturday. I have to wear that thing that hurts me, again!” Blowing up, or inhaling while being girthed up, is a common signal that often signifies the horse is experiencing some sort of saddle discomfort. By your horse’s demeanor in the video, he appears to be a quiet, accepting sort. Just the personality type to internalize what he feels helpless to change. Since you stated you are a paramedic and you took up riding to spend time with your daughter, my impression is you are a compassionate man and would want to see your horse as comfortable as possible. Many folks are simply not aware of the physical and mental distress that a poor fitting saddle can cause. I thought perhaps you would be interested in a link on KZbin that may explain better than I, why saddle fit is so important. He is a German rider who is also a master saddle maker and has studied the science of saddlery and horses. I was overwhelmed at how much there is to know that I did not know. Don’t be discouraged. Watch and listen a few times. It may help. I’m glad you were able to find a saddle style that relieved your knee pain and enhances your enjoyment of riding. Best of luck to you, your daughter and your horse. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5i6qYCLjp6Za8k

[@billybobwombat2231]

Australian saddles don't have roping horns, well authentic ones anyway

[@tomwerner389]

As a saddle maker by trade I'll say that Australian stock saddles with horns have been around since early 1930s. They sometimes came with a detachable horn which could be unscrewed, such as the Humphrey's Breaking Saddle. They were never popular among cattlemen due to the bushman's forward style of riding where the horn would tend to poke into the guts. They also had a heavily reinforced tree for roping wild horses and a rear surcingle or cinch.

[@billybobwombat2231]

@tomwerner389 I grew up next door to John Davis saddles, I remember seeing a few with kind of clip on horns , the pommel needed three dirty great holes in it. My arse was used to check Kerry packer's saddle as it got made.

[@asyajustrussian1778]

Hello. Where do you buy this saddle? Is it Indian production?

[@t.a.barnett3804]

www.horse.com/item/australian-outrider-stock-saddle-with-horn/AKB03/

[@t.a.barnett3804]

I'm not sure where it is made

[@asyajustrussian1778]

@@t.a.barnett3804 Thank you so much

[@The_mare_stare]

It’s from state line tack

[@MrSanteeclaus]

The Aussie saddle looks like a McClellan saddle and a English saddle had a baby. Then some Texan come along and screwed a horn on it for fun.

[@isaiasgomez3988]

ralph

[@elisabethlindsey3108]

😂😂

[@aztib]

My question is does a saddle like this fit on a mule? Do not say YES IT DOES the real mule people know that the back of a mule is totally different then the back of a horse.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

I have no clue. I have not rode a mule before or know someone who does.

[@aztib]

Thank you for your answer, sadly it is very hard to find a fitting saddle for a mule

[@stephenball4292]

@@aztib ... as the proud owner of two mules, it sorta depends on the individual mule... one of my mules is a hinny with the donkey back, the other is a quarter mule with an awesome withers... I have an Aussie for the quarter mule, but it works well for the hinny also...but I also use a 1914 calvary saddle, and it fits both also...I personally feel like the poley's are a real benefit...

[@aztib]

@@stephenball4292 Thank you for your answer, my mule is pure spanish she has a pre as mom and andalusian jack as dad but she is only one of ten big mules in the country where i live so it is very difficult to find an equal and that makes it ver hard to find the right fit saddle for her.

[@samfletcher1617]

It kind of depends on how much you are willing to pay for your saddle. There are a number of saddle makers that custom make saddles in the Aussie style to fit your critter, but the starting cost is around $3,000 American, on up. You send in your measurements plus the measurements of the animal to get the proper fit. Colin Dangaard and James saddlery are a couple that I would start with. Hope this helps. :)

[@jonathanneely4455]

Do- you have horses of your own?

[@t.a.barnett3804]

No, sadly. I live in a subdivision and do not own any land

[@ЖанабаиЖаксыбаев-б9ц]

Сколько стоит достовка есть другои регион

[@andrewcameron1346]

And that my American friends is not even a good Aussie saddle. A knockoff made in India by the looks. A Hyundai of saddles. A good Aussie flap saddle is deeper in the seat, not as high off the horse and no horn. Still the same “ Campdraft” girth system incorporating a surcingle. Also they’re about half the weight of a western saddle. The thigh pads serve the same purpose as bucking rolls on a slick fork western. A good Aussie stock saddle is like sitting in an armchair.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

As much as I enjoyed this saddle, if this is just a cheaper knockoff of a true Australian, I could only imagine how much better a true Australian saddle is.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Don't know if I could give up a western style horn though.

[@andrewcameron1346]

Look up Stockmans Throne. Probably the non plus ultra of Oz Stock saddles. The Rolls Royce but there’s plenty of Mercs and Beemers around as well. The Spanish Rejoneador style saddles are probably the closest thing to Oz Stock Saddles.

[@neicyexercises5509]

@@t.a.barnett3804 have a look at customsaddlery.com.au and there are the true Aust stock saddles, and yes you would never ride in anything else again :-)

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

Hello, you didn't know these saddles when you were young, (nor did I ) as they did not exist. This saddle has its heritage in the Australian Stock Saddle. Your saddle is a hybrid of a stock saddle and a western saddle. Traditionally stock saddles would never have a horn, the knee pads were much smaller, the stirrup leathers were narrow, the girth straps were buckled in the manner of an English saddle, there weren't so many dees on it, and it was completely unadorned. Stockmen and women would muster and drive cattle all day in these saddles, often for days or weeks on end.

[@oldmaidwhovianakanancyg4425]

You don't ride an Aussie saddle like a western saddle, your feet / legs are more forward than a western seat. I know this because I owned and rode an Australian saddle back in the late 80's and took riding lessons from an Australian horseman. If you ride like an American western rider in an Aussie saddle---you're doing it WRONG, and could end up hurting your horses back---FACT. Horses feel pain, fear and confusion just like we do.

[@neicyexercises5509]

Such a shame that you Americans are duped by clever but false marketing in the US. This Is NOT an Aussie stock saddle. It has been made in India and very poorly too. Most are a danger on a horse the way they are put together. No Australian stock saddle in Aust has a horn nor has it ever had a horn. Do some research before you purchase this dangerous piece of equipment. This saddle is degrading to the original Australian stock saddle that is made with care, pride and top class materials.

[@chihiroxmiyazaki]

It's a shame that you feel the need to be so condescending. You could simply say "it's not authentic, take care in use". You just make yourself look puffed up and snotty

[@neicyexercises5509]

@@chihiroxmiyazaki my concern is that people who use this dangerous equipment will find themselves in trouble one day when it lets go. To worry about someone using inferior equipment by being told that it is something else (eg Australian) seems to negate your thoughts on me by being puffed up and snotty.

[@MaryL-vo8mf]

This is bullshit. You are allowed to train your own service dog and ESA.

[@sandysutherland2182]

Get rid of that silly horn!

[@t.a.barnett3804]

Sandy Sutherland, sorry, you can take the boy out of the western but you can't take the western out of the boy.

[@PhysicianWatcher]

Don't chew gum n talk

[@chihiroxmiyazaki]

Mind your business

[@sysublime5091]

When I turned up to my ranch job in Texas everyone laughed at me until i threw that saddle on my Trusty steed. buckled up and I was ready . you are a heavier rider like me or your out for a long time working the cattle you mount doesnt get as tired. Than with a western..

[@sysublime5091]

Not only do you not get as fatigued your horse doesn't either. . Carrying a extra 20lbs of saddle. . I did away with all of my western saddles. I ONLY USE AUSTRALIAN STICK SADDLES.

[@t.a.barnett3804]

If I ever get back to ridding Aussie is the only way for me