Lyla Lindsey
Australian saddles are unique and differ from English or Western saddles. They were designed for the Aussie stockman or cowboy and are made with tougher leather and more fittings to carry gear. They also have kneepads or poleys at the front to keep the rider secure. When measuring an Australian saddle, you should start from the front stitching to the inside rise of the cantle, as well as measuring the depth of the seat. The girth should be 1 to 3 behind the horse's front legs, and there should be even contact along the panels at the front of the saddle. The seat size can be measured from the back of the pommel to the inside back seat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Saddle seat measurement | From the front of the gullet to the back of the seat |
| Seat size measurement | From the back of the pommel to the inside back seat |
| Kneepad height measurement | From the base of the kneepad to the highest point of the kneepad |
| Chamber/Gullet width measurement | Taken from the saddle tree |
| Stirrup position | More forward than traditional western saddles |
| Saddle position | More forward on the horse's back than traditional western saddles |
| Girth position | 1" to 3" behind the horse's front legs |
| Saddle fit | Level with even contact along the panels at the front, with 2-4 inches of clearance between the top of the withers and the saddle chamber |
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What You'll Learn
Measure from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat
When measuring an Australian saddle seat size, it is important to get the proper seat measurement. This can be done by measuring from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat.
To do this, first, find the front of the gullet. This is the connection between the top of the saddle bars and the pommel. Place your tape just below that joint on the inside of the gullet. Now, measure from this point to the back of the seat. This will give you the correct seat measurement for an Australian saddle. It is important to note that the gullet measurement is not taken from the edge of the leather but slightly below the joint.
The Australian saddle is a unique style of saddle that was developed when England colonized Australia in the 1700s. The standard English tack had to evolve to better suit the needs of the Aussie stockman or cowboy, who spent long hours in the saddle. The Australian saddle is designed with tougher leather and more fittings to carry gear. It also features poleys or kneepads at the front to keep the rider secure in mountainous terrain.
When measuring an Australian saddle, it is important to consider your personal preferences for the fit. Some riders like more room in the seat, while others prefer a snug fit with the poleys right against their thigh. A larger seat size can provide more room and allow the rider to post or stand in the stirrups. On the other hand, a close fit will help to hold the rider securely in the saddle.
By following these instructions and considering your individual preferences, you can accurately measure the seat size of an Australian saddle, ensuring a comfortable and secure riding experience.
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Measure the depth of the seat
Measuring the depth of an Australian saddle seat is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and secure riding experience. While traditional saddle measurements have evolved over the years, with modern manufacturing allowing for a wider range of seat shapes and styles, here are some consistent guidelines for determining the depth of an Australian saddle seat:
First, it's important to understand the components of a saddle. The "pommel" is the front, raised part of the saddle, while the "cantle" is the raised, curved part at the back of the seat. The "swell" refers to the front part of the saddle that swells outward. These reference points are crucial for taking accurate measurements.
To measure the depth of the seat, one common method is to use a ruler or straight edge. Place one end of the ruler at the pommel, which is typically the highest point of the saddle, and extend it towards the cantle at the back. The distance between these two points represents the depth of the seat. This measurement provides an indication of the size and curvature of the seat.
Another approach to measuring depth is to focus on the distance from the swell to the cantle. Measure from the inside of the swell, which is the front part that swells outward, to the front of the cantle. This measurement helps determine the size of the saddle and ensures a well-fitted seat. A general rule is to allow for about 4 inches between the rider's body and the swell when seated.
It's worth noting that saddle sizes can vary, and some manufacturers use terms like "Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large." Additionally, a rider's preference for a close or loose fit can influence the perceived depth of the seat. A snug fit may provide more security, while a looser fit allows for more movement.
When measuring and selecting a saddle, it is always recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified saddle fitter. They can provide guidance on finding the right size and style of saddle for both the rider and their horse, ensuring comfort and security during rides.
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Positioning the saddle on the horse
The correct positioning of the saddle on a horse's back is essential for the health, comfort, and performance of the horse. An incorrectly placed saddle can cause harm, hinder the horse's movement, and create pressure on sensitive areas of the horse's back. It can also affect the rider's position and comfort. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the saddle is placed correctly. Here are the steps to position a saddle on a horse:
Step 1: Locate the Scapula
Locate the back edge of the horse's scapula (shoulder blade) by gently but firmly using your fingertips while the horse is standing still. You should be able to locate the muscle-covered edge of this bone as it drops off towards the rear. Curl your fingers over it and make a mental note of its position.
Step 2: Place the Saddle
Place your saddle and shimmed pad on top of the horse, ensuring that the placement is correct for the type of saddle you are using. For a Western saddle, the front concho should be located right on top of or in line with the area where your fingers curled over the back edge of the scapula. For an English saddle, the front edge should be located right behind where your fingers curled over the edge. It is important to note that saddles with forward-shaped flaps, such as jumping saddles, may have slightly different placement requirements.
Step 3: Double-Check the Position
Double-check the position of your saddle by noting the position of the cinch as you tighten it. There should be a gap of about a hand's breadth between the horse's elbow and the front edge of the cinch. Additionally, reach under the saddle pad to ensure there is room for the horse's shoulder to bulge or swing under the front of the saddle. Make sure that the saddle is not tilted too high by feeling underneath the back of it when you are mounted and the horse is walking.
Step 4: Evaluate Balance
To evaluate the balance of your saddle, place it without a pad and tighten the girth normally. Step back a few paces to assess the saddle's position and balance. New panels may initially appear slightly "high" until they conform to your horse's back shape. A shim pad can help address saddle balance issues by adding shims to the front or back to prevent rocking.
Step 5: Final Checks
Ensure that the saddle is placed between the 8th and 18th thoracic vertebrae of the horse. The saddle tree attachment points should align with the 8th vertebra, which is located 2 to 3 fingers behind the scapula. The saddle should not interfere with the movement of the shoulder and should not create any pressure points. The gullet's opening and shape should be adapted to your horse, and you should be able to pass 2 to 3 fingers under the pommel, depending on the horse's morphology. The saddle must sit level on the horse's back, with the panels conforming uniformly without touching the spine.
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Determining the right fit
Firstly, it's important to measure the saddle itself accurately. The standard method is to measure from the front of the gullet or pommel to the back of the seat. This measurement provides the seat size, which is typically how saddles are sized. For example, a 17" Australian saddle will fit similarly to a 17" English saddle. However, some riders may prefer a size up to allow for more room in the seat or between their thigh and the kneepads.
It's also worth noting that some saddle models may have deeper seats or higher cantles, affecting the saddle's position. When measuring, ensure the saddle is level, and check the depth of the seat by measuring straight down. You can also measure the kneepad height and the chamber or gullet width for a comprehensive understanding of the saddle's fit.
Now, let's discuss how the Australian saddle should sit on the horse. Australian saddles are designed to sit further forward on the horse's back compared to traditional Western saddles. This positioning shifts the rider's centre of gravity and weight forward, away from the middle of the spine. The stirrups are also attached in a more forward position, reflecting this weight distribution.
To ensure a comfortable and proper fit, there should be even contact along the panels at the front of the saddle when it is level. Additionally, there ought to be a clearance of two to four inches between the top of the withers and the top of the saddle chamber. A good rule of thumb is to ensure you can fit four fingers between these two points. Insufficient clearance will result in the front of the saddle sitting too low, causing discomfort to both the rider and the horse.
In summary, determining the right fit for an Australian saddle involves accurate measurements of the saddle itself, understanding the desired level of roominess or snugness, and ensuring the saddle sits correctly on the horse with the proper clearances and weight distribution.
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Comparing to other saddle styles
The Australian stock saddle is distinct from other saddle styles, such as the English and Western saddles. It combines features from both styles to suit the needs of riders navigating Australia's rugged terrain.
The Australian saddle prioritises security and comfort, featuring a deep seat, high cantle, and knee pads or "poleys" at the front. These design elements provide stability and balance, particularly in rough conditions or when working with cattle. The high cantle and pommel, along with the forward stirrup position, ensure the rider's weight is distributed comfortably over the horse's shoulders.
In contrast, the English saddle, from which the Australian saddle draws stylistic roots, may offer less support and security. The English saddle typically has a flat seat and short flaps, lacking the added security of the front wings found on Australian saddles.
The Western saddle, on the other hand, is designed for roping cattle and features a horn for this purpose. Western saddles also have rigging dees set at the front and a flank girth at the rear, ensuring the saddle stays firmly in place during roping. While some modern Australian saddles incorporate Western elements like the swinging fender and saddle horn, traditional Australian saddles do not have horns.
The "half breed" or "cross breed" saddles are modern hybrids that blend the characteristics of Australian and Western saddles. They offer the best of both worlds, combining the compactness and flat seat of a Western saddle with the swinging fender and knee pads of an Australian saddle.
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Frequently asked questions
To measure an Australian saddle seat size, you need to measure from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat.
The size of the saddle will depend on the rider's preference. Some riders like more room in their seat and will choose one size larger than normal. Having a larger seat size will allow you to post in your saddle if you tend to stand in your stirrups.
Australian saddles sit more forward on a horse's back than traditional Western saddles. The stirrups are also attached in a more forward position, which puts the rider's centre of gravity and weight towards the front rather than the middle of the spine.
English saddles tend to have a deeper seat and higher cantle, so the back of the seat will sit slightly higher than the front.
