Australian Saddles?

Question

Who uses these and does anyone have experience with the western backed aussie saddles? I have heard they are recommended for shorter backed horses. I have a mule, so longer backed of course, but need something to pull off his shoulders, similar to an english saddle. We have shoulder issues with westerns.

I show him and can get away with a western backed aussie saddle in the shows, so would like opinions on that.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I used a western Australian saddle on my Peruvian for a while. Very comfortable and secure, but not as much contact as I'd like. I switched to a Wintec dressage saddle for trail riding... much lighter weight and easy to maintain. The billets are much easier to fasten than the girth on the Australian, as well. I didn't care for the overgirth at all.

As for an Australian saddle being dangerous, you can still fall free when necessary. The poleys do offer added security, but they don't trap you in the saddle. They can feel a little confining at first, but they're great for unruly horses or tough terrain.

There are half-breed western/Australian saddles that may be better suited to your purposes. Clinton Anderson uses one. Perhaps this is what you were originally referring too, I don't know. They have a skirt with a lining similar to a western saddle rather than the stuffed panels of an Australian. The seat is shaped differently as well with poleys rather than the western swells.

Answer 2

They are officially called Australian Stock Saddles lol because you have been riding western you should find it quite comfy. I was taught first off in a stock saddle and the only problems that I find are with the cheap and nasty saddles that seem to have things to stick into you. other than that they are much nicer on you bum than english saddles and the knee protectors are quite handy for sporting, campdrafting and stock work. also don't change the girthing system it works just fine

Answer 3

"Australian's " No seriously, I do endurance riding and a few people with gaited horses (pasos,Fox trotters and some mules) use them. But for showing,short of a custom fit saddle, have you thought about trying a saddle built for an Arabin horse or maybe a 3/4 bar saddle with extra padding under the saddle.

Answer 4

I love my Australian saddle.
I found one that fit my fjord nicely.
Western saddles I tried rubbed his shoulders as well.

Answer 5

I woul go with an english saddle the aussie saddle can be dangerous if you had to bale you cant on those your stuck in the seat.Its unsafe I bought one & sold it.

Answer 6

supposed to be VERY comfortable the horse