Australian Saddles?
 

I am thinking of trying an Aussie saddle for my little trail gelding with a short back. Regular western saddles tend to poke his hips. But, I don't really know what to look for. Where can I find a decent quality Aussie saddle that will stand up to daily riding and long trail rides? Any good Aussie brands?

When I rode with an Australian saddle many years ago, I got mine from Down Under Saddle Co. Australian Saddles from Down Under Saddle Supply - Aussie Saddle Specialists I was really pleased with the quality of the saddles and in speaking with them I got quite an education.

As for a Western saddle for your short back horse, have you tried one with a round skirt?

I have tried a few different western saddles, but they tend to be bulky on him. He is 15.3, but he had a very narrow, small frame (and big giant standardbred legs, haha) I have trouble finding a western that doesn't sit on his withers. I will check out those down under saddles!

I've written lost of advice to epople wanting to get a stock saddle. There is some in these threads:

Aussie saddles

Australian Saddles

In the first one, I think we talked about a lot of the saddles from down under saddles co.

Let me know if you would like any more information!

I recently got a saddle from Down Under. The quality is great for the price, but it takes some getting used to.

Thanks, that is REALLY helpful. I'm mostly an english rider, and I'm transitioning from eventing to trail riding. I loooooove my Kieffer english, but it's just not a saddle I want to spend all day in going up and down mountains. I'm actually looking for two new saddles, one for my mare and one for my gelding. The mare is a stocky QH and the gelding is a narrow STB. The mare fits in almost any western saddle, but the gelding is tricky.

Quality is REALLY important (I'm used to riding in a $3000 Kieffer) but at the same time I don't want to spend a huge amount because the gelding is only 3 and might a) roll on it and/or destroy it, or b) grow out of it. I also like to stay on the english side of things - close contact, and I prefer english style girthing.

Also, I am not really sure about seat sizing. I have looked around, and I keep seeing different conversions. I ride in a 17" english saddle, what size should I be looking at for Aussie saddle?

I'm not sure what Bates saddles you get over there, but Bates make a stock saddle with their easy change gullet system, which could be helpful with your growing 3yo. I recently sold my Bates stock saddle... Kind of regretting it... lol.

I'm not sure of the conversions either, btu I think stock saddle seat sizes are smaller than english. So you would be a 16" or 15".

The Down Under website has a chart that shows you what the appropriate "conversion" is for the seat sizes. When you order a saddle, they also ask for your height, weight, and pant size to determine which size will best suit you.