Damon Mcknight
The Australian stock saddle is a unique type of saddle with a design that sets it apart from other styles. It was developed in the 1700s when England colonized Australia and needed a better tack setup for long hours in the saddle. The Australian saddle sits more forward on a horse's back, with stirrups attached in a forward position, shifting the rider's centre of gravity. When measuring an Australian saddle, you go from the front stitching to the inside rise of the cantle, also measuring the depth of the seat. The seat size is measured from the back of the pommel to the inside back seat. This differs from Western or English saddles, where you measure from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat. As a result, an Australian saddle may be one size larger than a Western saddle. For example, a 15 Western saddle would correspond to a 17 Australian saddle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Saddle fitment | The saddle should sit level on the horse's back, with even contact along the panels at the front. |
| Clearance | There should be 2-4 inches of clearance between the top of the withers and the top of the saddle chamber. |
| Rider's weight distribution | 25% of weight in each stirrup, with the rest in the saddle seat. |
| Rider's position | Rider sits with feet forward and heels down. |
| Stirrups | Attached in a forward position, which moves the rider's centre of gravity forward. |
| Girth | Should be 1-3 inches behind the horse's front legs. |
| Seat measurement | Measured from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat, or from the front stitching to the inside rise of the cantle. |
| Seat depth | Measured by going straight down from the seat. |
| Seat size | Australian saddles typically range from 13-inch to 17-inch. |
| Seat size comparison to Western saddles | Australian saddles are usually one size larger than Western saddles. |
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What You'll Learn
Aussie saddles are available in sizes 13-17 inches
Australian saddles, designed for the Aussie stockman or cowboy, are measured differently from English-style saddles. They are available in various sizes, with Aussie saddles offering five options ranging from 13 to 17 inches. This is in contrast to some English saddles, which can have up to 19-inch seats.
When it comes to selecting the right size, it's important to note that Aussie saddles tend to be larger than traditional Western saddles. For example, if you usually ride with a 16-inch Western saddle, you would need a 15-inch Aussie saddle. The size of the saddle should be stamped on it, but you can also measure from the inside of the swell to the front of the cantle (the raised curved part at the back of the seat).
To ensure a comfortable and secure fit, the rider's backside should rest at the base of the cantle without pressing against it, and there should be about four inches between the front of the rider's body and the swell of the saddle. Additionally, the stirrups on Australian saddles are attached more forward, positioning the rider's centre of gravity and weight further forward than in a Western or English saddle. This makes for a more comfortable ride for the horse and enhances its performance.
When measuring an Australian saddle, you can measure from the front stitching to the inside rise of the cantle, as well as the depth of the seat. It's worth noting that some riders prefer a looser fit, allowing them to stand in the stirrups, while others prefer the kneepads against their thighs for a snug fit.
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Measure from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat
To measure an Australian stock saddle, you need to follow a different process than for a Western or English saddle.
Firstly, the seat size of a saddle is important because it needs to be large enough to accommodate the rider's buttocks and upper thighs, but not so large that they feel insecure. To measure the seat size of an Australian stock saddle, you need to measure from the forepart (the raised section between the pommel and facing) to the inside back of the seat (or cantle). This is slightly different from other types of saddles, where the measurement is taken diagonally.
The gullet width is also important to ensure the saddle fits the horse correctly. The gullet is the space between the bars, and the bars' measurements relate to the angle at which they sit on the horse. The width is measured differently depending on the type of saddle. For an English saddle, the width is measured 'from dot to dot' or between two dots on the inside of the panels. For a Western saddle, the width is measured from concho to concho. It is important to note that saddle makers often have their own unique way of measuring gullets, so it is best to work with an experienced saddle fitter when buying a new saddle.
When fitting an Australian saddle, it is important to ensure that the front of the saddle is not too low, as this will cause the back (cantle) to sit too high. This will result in the rider's weight being transferred to the front half of the saddle, which is uncomfortable for both the rider and the horse. To check if the saddle is level, you can eyeball it, and there should be four fingers of clearance at the front of the saddle and some clearance on each side of the wither.
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Seat depth: measure straight down from the front stitching
Measuring the seat depth of an Australian stock saddle is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide:
Seat Depth Measurement:
To measure the seat depth of an Australian stock saddle, you will need a tape measure. Start by placing the tape measure at the front stitching of the saddle. Ensure that the starting point of the tape measure (mark 0) is precisely at the front stitching. Measure in a straight line down from the front stitching towards the back of the saddle. This measurement will give you the seat depth of the saddle. It is important to maintain a straight line during the measurement to obtain an accurate result.
Factors Influencing Seat Depth:
It is worth noting that the seat depth of Australian saddles can vary depending on the model and brand. Some saddle models, such as those from Down Under, feature a deeper seat design, resulting in a higher cantle and a slightly higher back compared to the front. This variation in seat depth among different saddle models emphasizes the importance of precise measurements.
Comparison with Western and English Saddles:
Australian saddles are distinct from Western and English saddles in terms of their positioning on a horse's back. Australian saddles are designed to sit more forward, with stirrups attached in a forward position. This design positions the rider's center of gravity and weight toward the front, rather than in the middle of the spine. Therefore, when measuring the seat depth of an Australian stock saddle, it is crucial to be aware of these unique characteristics that set it apart from other types of saddles.
Consideration of Rider's Weight Distribution:
When riding with an Australian saddle, the rider's weight distribution plays a crucial role in the horse's comfort. It is recommended that the rider places 25% of their weight in each stirrup and the remaining weight in the saddle seat. Proper weight distribution ensures an even weight load on the horse's back. If the rider's weight is not properly balanced, it can lead to discomfort for both the rider and the horse, potentially causing saddle soreness and the development of white hair on the horse.
Manufacturer's Stamped Size:
While measuring is important, it is also essential to consider the manufacturer's stamped size as a guide. However, it is worth noting that different brands may have unique measurement standards, and some brands may come up larger than others. Therefore, it is advisable to use a combination of measurements and the manufacturer's guide to determine the appropriate seat depth for an Australian stock saddle.
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Kneepad height: from the base to the highest point
The kneepad height of an Australian stock saddle is an important consideration when determining the proper fit. This measurement is taken from the base of the kneepad to the highest point.
Over time, the size of kneepads on Australian stock saddles has increased, with some models offering kneepads up to 6 inches in height. However, the most popular size range for kneepad height is between 3.5 and 4.5 inches.
It is worth noting that the position of the kneepads has also evolved. Initially, kneepads were positioned closer to the knee. Now, they are typically located further up the rider's leg, making contact with the upper part of the thigh. This adjustment enhances the rider's security. In the event of the horse suddenly stopping or the rider being thrown forward, the rider's leg locks in under and behind the kneepad.
When fitting an Australian stock saddle, it is crucial to ensure that the weight distribution is even across the horse's back. The front and back of the saddle should be level, and there should be adequate clearance between the top of the withers and the saddle chamber. Additionally, the stirrups on Australian saddles are attached in a forward position, influencing the rider's centre of gravity and weight distribution.
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The saddle should sit level with even contact along the front panels
When fitting an Australian saddle, it is important to ensure that the saddle sits level with even contact along the front panels. This means that the front and back of the saddle are level, distributing the rider's weight evenly over the horse's back. This is in contrast to Western saddles, where the back of the seat sits higher than the front.
To achieve this level position, there should be two to four inches of clearance between the top of the withers and the top of the saddle chamber. A good rule of thumb is to ensure four fingers of clearance at the front of the saddle and some clearance on each side of the withers. If there is not enough clearance, the front of the saddle will sit too low, causing discomfort for both the rider and the horse.
The Australian saddle sits more forward on the horse's back than traditional Western saddles, with the stirrups attached in a more forward position. This shifts the rider's centre of gravity and weight forward, rather than in the middle of the spine. This position improves horse performance and is more comfortable for the horse.
To ensure a proper fit, it is recommended to seek someone with expertise in fitting Australian saddles. Additionally, before undertaking a long ride with a new saddle, it is advisable to take several shorter rides to allow the padding to conform and adjust to the horse's back.
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Frequently asked questions
To measure an Australian stock saddle, you need to measure from the front of the gullet to the back of the seat. This will give you the proper seat measurement.
Australian saddles are typically one size larger than a traditional western saddle. For example, if you require a 16" western saddle, you would need a 15" Australian saddle.
Australian stock saddles typically come in sizes ranging from 13" to 17".
Australian saddles sit more forward on a horse's back than western saddles. The girth should be 1" to 3" behind the horse's front legs. The stirrups are attached in a more forward position, shifting the rider's centre of gravity and weight forward.
