Australian Saddle Help ???

First time Australian Saddle user, I ride Western. I bought a new/used Australian Saddle by Snowy River to try it out for people tell me australian saddles are great to ride in. The saddle seems to be brand new, maybe used a few times before I got it. I can barely fit 2 fingers tightly under the gullet and when I am in the saddle it is sitting on the withers, which I know is a big no no. The back of the saddle seems very high and lifted, is it suppose to be like that? Also on the EquinePak website I saw the Roma ProTeck Wither Relief Pad - Front Lift and was wondering if that would help fix the problem or not? I just want to know if I placed it correctly on his back or if it is the wrong fit before I decide to sell it or not. Thanks.

The saddle is definitely pitched forward. I'm thinking that the tree is too wide, but it's hard to tell for sure with the saddle pad there (for saddle fitting it's better to take pictures without a pad) There may or may not also be too much curve in the tree and it looks a bit long for that horse's back.

A wither riser pad might help bring the front up, but it's going to have to be pretty thick and may not solve any other problems with the fit.

I'm not an expert by any means, though, so I'm interested to see what others have to say.

It looks like it is too wide for him, which is causing the back to pop up since it isn't sitting right up front. You could try a wither riser pad, but ideally you would like the saddle to fit well without corrective padding. The other issue is the saddle is a bit long for him as he seems to have a shorter back...it is awfully close to his loin area....

Yep - I see it as too wide also; it could maybe go forward a smidge but that won't change the situation. Are you able to get the gullet adjusted in the saddle by the company? Tell us about your horse, please - how old is he? Breed? Height?

He is a 4yrs, 3/4 Arabian, 1/4 QH stallion. About 15.2hh-15.3hh. He has a short back. Just getting into really starting him undersaddle so he has no riding muscles yet.

I thought it was too wide but I didn't know about too long as well. The saddle did slide back when I was working him (I but the breastcollar on to loose). Where is it suppose to end on his back? Looks like I am going to sell it . Oh well, I can get another one or just get a western saddle like I was going to in the first place lol, I just wanted to try it out :). Thank you everyone for your help!!! :)

If the saddle isn't adjustable and your horse has most of his growing behind him, unfortunately you might have to sell it (or hang on to it for the next horse??). It's not a bad looking saddle though I don't know anything about the company.

I have a Kimberly saddle from the Downunder Saddle Co. - I'm quite pleased with it (and it does feel comfortable); with that one, the company will adjust the gullet to fit the horse when you send them a whither tracing.

Re your question on location of the saddle on the back: I think if the saddle is positioned correctly at the front the back will be where it will be given your guy has a short back.

You can try a riser pad. I've used one a number of times and it worked fine. I suppose I could get the saddle narrowed, but my mare has bony withers and I figure the extra padding in the front makes it more comfortable for her.

I normally use a folded pony blanket in the front now. Used it for so long that I don't think anything about it.

Mayatex San Juan Solids Blanket Pony Size

I have a no name Australian Saddle I use on my short backed, no whither TWH.
I ride with it a little more foreword than you seem to be. I also push the saddle pad up into the saddle in the whither area to 'fake' some whithers on him.
It looks wide for him, but before selling it you may want to try pulling it forward a bit? I hope it works out for you