Damon Mcknight
The Australian stock saddle is a popular saddle used worldwide for activities that require long hours in the saddle and a secure seat. The design of the saddle varies depending on its intended use, with some designed for long-distance riding and others for faster work and quicker stopping. The traditional Australian stock saddle was designed for security and comfort in the saddle, with a deep seat, high cantle, and knee pads in the front to create a very secure saddle for riders who ride in rough conditions or spend long hours on a horse. The saddle is kept on with a girth attached to billets under the flaps, and a surcingle passing over the seat provides additional safety. The Australian stock saddle is made from leather and can be quite heavy, but newer models are made from synthetic materials and are more lightweight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Activities requiring long hours in the saddle and a secure seat |
| Ideal for | Cattle work, starting young horses, everyday pleasure riding, trail riding, endurance riding, polocrosse, Australian campdrafting competitions, stockman challenges |
| Design | Stylistic roots from the English saddle in the design of the seat, panels, fenders, and stirrups |
| Seat | Much deeper |
| Cantle | Higher |
| Knee pads | In the front |
| Girth | Attached to billets under the flaps |
| Additional safety | Surcingle passing over the seat of the saddle |
| Rear | Sometimes secured by a crupper |
| Saddle blanket | Used under the saddle to absorb sweat and to protect the back of the horse |
| Weight | Up to 18kg |
| Ladies' stock saddles | Traditionally made with a pigskin seat and with longer, pigskin-covered knee and thigh pads |
| Bates Kimberley Stock Saddle | Traditional look with poley knee pads that mould to your leg |
| Wintec Pro Stock Saddle | Made from synthetic leather and has a grippy yet comfortable seat |
| Compared to Western saddle | Lighter, more comfortable, and secure |
| Compared to English saddle | Offers more support and security |
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What You'll Learn
Design and purpose
The Australian stock saddle is designed for comfort and security, even in harsh conditions. It has stylistic roots in the English saddle, but has been adapted to suit the rugged Australian terrain. The traditional design features a deep seat, high cantle, and knee pads at the front, providing security for riders navigating challenging terrain or spending long hours on horseback.
The knee pads, absent in the English saddle, are a distinctive feature of the Australian stock saddle, protecting the rider's legs from injury when riding through the rough bush of Australia. The knee pads also provide additional security, allowing the rider to slide in under them should any unexpected problems arise. The higher position of the knee pads, closer to the top of the pommel, was popularised by Albert 'Bertie' Cox in the 1920s with his "broken neck" poley design. This design allowed riders to sit more forward under the pads, improving balance during fast cattle work and providing better grip on a bucking horse.
The Australian stock saddle is also characterised by its narrow grip, with the swell and horn of a Western saddle replaced by the aforementioned knee pads. This narrow grip design is a point of pride for Australian stock saddle makers. The saddle is kept in place with a girth attached to billets under the flaps, similar to a dressage saddle, and a surcingle passing over the seat for added safety. The rear of the saddle may also be secured by a crupper, and a breastcollar can be added.
The design of Australian stock saddles can vary depending on their intended use. Some are designed for long-distance riding, featuring a flat flap and traditional seat. Others are built for faster work and quicker stopping, with an angled seat and a swinging fender stirrup setup that allows for more leg movement when riding up and down hills. The swinging fender design puts the rider in a comfortable armchair position, allowing them to sit back and relax, making it a popular choice for trail riders and drovers who spend all day in the saddle.
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Materials
The Australian stock saddle is designed for comfort and security, with a deep seat, high cantle, and knee pads at the front to keep the rider secure and comfortable even in rough conditions or during long hours of riding. The knee pads also allow the rider to slide in under them for added security.
The design of the Australian stock saddle varies depending on its intended use. Some saddles have a flat flap and a traditional seat, which are designed for long-distance riding. Others have a more angled seat and a swinging fender stirrup setup, which allows for more leg movement and are designed for faster work and quicker stopping.
The traditional Australian stock saddle was made of leather and could be quite heavy. Modern stock saddles are available in leather or synthetic materials, with or without a swinging fender. The swinging fender allows for more leg movement and puts the rider in a comfortable armchair position, allowing them to sit back and relax.
The Bates Kimberley Stock Saddle and the Bates Kimberley with Swinging Fender Saddle are two examples of stock saddles. The former has a traditional look with poley knee pads that mould to the rider's leg and a long double girth point for added security. The latter has a swinging fender attached to the tree, giving the rider easy leg movement.
Other materials and features of the Australian stock saddle include:
- A steel hook bar for safety
- A CAIR system that replaces the traditional fillings in the saddle's panel with air
- A lateral flex tree, allowing more flexibility to work with the horse's muscular movement
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Construction
The Australian stock saddle is designed for comfort and security, with a deep seat, high cantle, and knee pads at the front to keep the rider secure and comfortable even in rough conditions or during long hours of riding. The knee pads are designed to follow the rider's leg shape and contour, providing security and allowing the rider to slide in under the kneepads if an unexpected problem arises. The design also includes a girth attached to billets under the flaps, similar to a dressage saddle, and sometimes a surcingle passing over the seat for additional safety. The rear of the saddle may also be secured by a crupper, and a breastcollar can be added. A saddle blanket or numnah is typically placed under the saddle to absorb sweat and protect the horse's back.
The construction of the Australian stock saddle has evolved over time, with the original design influenced by the English saddle in terms of the seat, panels, fenders, and stirrups. However, the Australian stock saddle features distinctive elements such as a deeper seat, higher cantle, and knee pads. The design has been modified to suit the rugged Australian terrain and protect the rider's legs from sweat and injury.
The weight of an Australian stock saddle can vary, typically ranging from 13 to 18 kilograms. The traditional Aussie stock saddles were made of leather and could be quite heavy, but modern versions are available in both leather and synthetic materials, offering a lightweight option. The choice of material depends on the intended use and the rider's preferences.
The design of Australian stock saddles can vary depending on their intended use. Some saddles are designed for long-distance riding and feature a flat flap and traditional seat, while others are built for faster work and quicker stopping, incorporating an angled seat and a swinging fender stirrup setup for greater leg movement. The swinging fender design enhances rider comfort by allowing a more relaxed armchair-like riding position, making it a popular choice for trail riders and drovers who spend long hours in the saddle.
The Bates Kimberley Stock Saddle and the Bates Kimberely with Swinging Fender Saddle are examples of popular designs. The latter features a swinging fender attached to the tree, providing the rider with easier leg movement, making it suitable for long-distance rides. The Bates Kimberley, on the other hand, offers additional security and is preferred for support rather than long-distance riding. The Wintec Pro Stock Saddle, made from synthetic leather, is another option known for its grippy yet comfortable seat and lightweight construction.
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Fitting
When fitting an Australian stock saddle, it is important to consider the size and build of both the rider and the horse. The saddle should provide a secure and comfortable fit for the rider, while also ensuring that the weight is distributed correctly on the horse's back to avoid causing any discomfort or injury.
For the rider, the fit of the saddle should allow for approximately one finger's width between the thigh and the pommel, with the added security of ["wings" or] knee pads at the front for balance and position. The stirrup position on an Australian stock saddle is typically a little more forward than on a Western saddle, and the seat positions the rider's legs in front of their body. This forward position allows for better balance and grip, especially during fast cattle work or when riding a bucking horse.
For the horse, the Australian stock saddle is designed to distribute the rider's weight more over the horse's shoulders, rather than on the backbone and associated skeletal frame. This design feature is not only more comfortable for the horse but also provides an advantage in horse sports by reducing pressure on the weaker areas of the horse's back.
The materials used for the saddle can also impact the fit and comfort for both horse and rider. Traditional Australian stock saddles were made of leather and could be quite heavy, but modern versions are available in both leather and synthetic materials, offering a wider range of weights and fits to suit different needs.
Additionally, the girth of the saddle is an important consideration for a secure fit. Australian stock saddles typically use a one-buckle girth, and the girth is attached to billets under the flaps, similar to a dressage saddle. A surcingle passing over the seat of the saddle can also be used for additional safety.
Finally, it is worth noting that Australian stock saddles are known for their versatility and can be adjusted to suit different needs. Some models feature a swinging fender, which provides more leg movement for the rider, making it a popular choice for trail riders and drovers who spend long hours in the saddle.
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Maintenance
The Australian stock saddle is known for its durability and safety. It is designed for long hours in the saddle and for rugged terrain. The traditional Australian stock saddle was designed for security and comfort in the saddle, no matter how harsh the conditions.
The Australian stock saddle is designed to be durable and to withstand harsh conditions. However, proper maintenance is required to ensure its longevity. Here are some key considerations for maintaining an Australian stock saddle:
- Materials and Stuffing: Traditional Aussie saddles have underpanels made of wool or acrylic, and in some cases, the more expensive saddles may be stuffed with horsehair. The choice of material impacts maintenance requirements. For example, natural fibres like horsehair or wool require more frequent "awling" to prevent the stuffing from hardening. Acrylic flocking, on the other hand, requires less awling and is lighter, but it can still harden over time if left unattended.
- Awling: Awling is the process of using a tool called an awl to adjust the stuffing in a saddle. It is done to balance the saddle and prevent the stuffing from hardening and packing down. If the front of the saddle drops down due to aggressive riding, awling can be used to move the stuffing forward and lift that section. Similarly, if the rear of the saddle drops, awling can be used to adjust the stuffing at the back. Awling can also be used to make the saddle fit better by filling in gaps. However, it is important to note that awling is more like fine-tuning and cannot correct a poorly fitting saddle tree.
- Fit and Horse Condition: It is important to constantly monitor your horse's condition as their shape can change over time due to factors such as diet, exercise, work, and ageing. Ensuring that your saddle fits your horse properly is crucial for their comfort and performance.
- Cleaning and Care: While specific cleaning instructions may vary depending on the materials used, it is important to keep your saddle clean and well-maintained. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of the saddle and maintain its appearance.
The Australian stock saddle is designed to be a durable and long-lasting piece of equipment, and with proper maintenance and care, it can provide many years of comfortable and secure riding.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian stock saddles are traditionally made of leather, but are now also available in synthetic materials.
Australian stock saddles have a deep seat, high cantle, knee pads, and pommel swells. They are designed for comfort and security, particularly in rugged terrain. The knee pads and high cantle help to keep the rider in the saddle.
The Australian stock saddle is designed for comfort and security, making it suitable for long hours in the saddle and rough conditions. It is also lightweight, strong, and perfectly balanced, making it a good option for competitive horse sports.
