Down Under Saddle Supply Australian Saddle, 18.5″, Standard

Description

Down Under Saddle Supply Australian Saddle, 18.5″, Standard

The Australian saddle was designed nearly 200 years ago to deal with dangerous riding conditions, long hours in the saddle, and an unforgiving landscape. We feel that it remains the best saddle available for trail riding, ranch work, and endurance riding.

Improved Rider Comfort

• The Australian saddle naturally puts the rider in a balanced position, with the feet slightly forward of the hips. This results in better weight distribution, with less stress on the knees.
• The 2 ½ inch leathers make it easy to turn the stirrups in the correct position.
• The suspended seat system has far more “give” to it than a Western saddle, making it possible to ride longer in comfort.

Better Comfort And Fit For The Horse

• Most Australian saddles are far lighter and compact than their Western counterparts. In addition to being more comfortable for the horse, the Australian saddle will fit a broader range of horses.
• Australian saddles sit more forward on the horse’s back than traditional Western saddles, with the stirrups in a more forward position. This places the rider’s center of gravity and weight over the load bearing muscles of the horse’s shoulders rather than the middle of the back.
• The serge panels used on most Australian saddles gives extra padding for the horse’s back. These panels will actually conform to the shape of the horse’s back over time, giving a custom fit.

Greater Rider Safety And Security

• The feature that is common to all Australian saddles are the “poleys” or kneepads at the front. When the rider is properly seated in the saddle, the poleys are parallel to the rider’s thighs and about ½ inch away. This makes them close enough to come into play quickly if needed, but far enough away not to rub the rider’s thighs during normal riding. The main purpose of the poleys is to keep the rider in the saddle if the horse moves or stops suddenly. They are also a great help riding in steep terrain.
• The stirrup leathers are hung from steel stirrup bars. If a rider does come off the horse and is hung up in the stirrup, the leather can slide off the stirrup bar.
• A double girthing system is used, with one billet strap sewn to each side of the saddle, and an overgirth strap that goes all the way across the top of the saddle. This effective system helps reduce slippage. Also, if one of the straps break, the overgirth is still holding the saddle on the horse.

Light Weight. In addition to being more comfortable for the horse, the lighter weight of Australian saddles make them easier to lift up onto the horse’s back.

Very lightly used. Excellent condition. Girth included.
5″ gullet. 18.5″ seat measured from pommel to cantle.