Australian saddles? Is it true that they offer more security to the rider?

Question

1. I have heard that the saddles provide more security for the rider... is this true?

2. Also, does anyone know if it is difficult to learn to ride in an Australian saddle.

3. Do horses have to be trained specificly for an australian saddle?

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer 1

Hi I'm a jockey by trade,have been for the last 26 years and still riding in races.The saddles I buy are all Australian made they range from Bates to Wintec.With most of my saddles the Wintec,if soiled I take them in the shower and scrub with solvel soap and they come up clean as ever.With the points I rub saddle soap into them to soften them up.Horses can be trained in any type of saddle,but doing fast work we usually use a exercise saddle which is much comfortable to ride in.

Answer 2

I rode my Arabian with a hunt-seat saddle, a western saddle, and an Aussie saddle. With regard to your questions:

1. The Aussie saddle does provide a more locked-in seat than a hunt-seat saddle does, but IMO it was somewhat less comfortable for me than a western saddle for precisely this reason. This is probably a personal thing, but I want to be able to dismount quickly if I feel the need to (one of the trainers I work with was very keen on teaching emergency dismount) and it just isn't as easy to do this in an Aussie saddle as it is in a Western saddle or hunt-seat saddle.

A true secure seat comes from lots of wet saddle blankets (time spent in the saddle), and from developiong your horsemanship. I am somewhat concerned that the "security" offered by an Aussie saddle might sucker a green rider into trying to ride more horse than they are capable of handling, or riding into a situation that might be more than they can deal with. This is just personal opinion, but I truly believe that it's important for people who are not expert riders to think conservatively about what they undertake when riding. It is so easy to get hurt when things go wrong.

2. If what you want to do when you're riding involves posting the trot or taking a forward seat or two-point position, as in preparation for jumping and jumping, an Aussie saddle is not for you, because you really can't post effectively and you absolutely cannot jump safely or comfortably. FWIW, if you have aspirations to ride in horse shows, the Aussie saddle is practically useless, because at least here in America there is no venue for competitive show riding that uses the Aussie gear. If you intend to ride western, which is closer to Aussie seat than hunt seat is, you're better off getting a western saddle and getting used to that.

If you're just trail riding and having fun, an Aussie saddle is a good choice if you find one that you're comfortable in that fits your horse.

3. Horses do not have to be trained specifically for an Aussie saddle, although horses that are used to English tack might spook a little at the flaps and irons, and might take some time to get accustomed to the saddle being a bit heavier and the rider being seated a bit farther back than an English saddle. Also, since the rider is going to be sitting the trot rather than posting, this is going to be a bit of a change for most horses.

A well-broke horse can be ridden in any kind of saddle. I could finish a schooling session on my Arabian with an English hunt-seat saddle and a bridle with a French snaffle bit, put a hackamore on him and a western or Aussie saddle, and off we'd go on a trail ride.

Have fun with whatever saddle you choose!

Answer 3

The australian saddle has a bar or raised area in front of each leg allowing you essentially lock yourself into the saddle. The saddle fits much like a larger endurance saddle so no training is necessary but if you do english riding, it might be difficult to post in one. If you're considering one, go to a location and try sitting in one. Also, many locations such as midwest trail rides allow you to ride in the saddle to see if it fits you and your horse before you buy it.

Answer 4

from what ive heard
1.they do provide more security
2.it takes a little adjusting but its not too hard to switch
3.no they dont need to be trained for one