Australian stock saddles developed from the cattleman's need for a comfortable saddle for both horse and rider during long cattle drives in the Australian outback. A hybrid of the traditional heavy Western saddle and the lighter-weight English saddle, the stock saddle's ability to evenly distribute the rider's weight over the horse's back means that this saddle can also be used for endurance and trail rides. This versatility proves advantageous to equestrians needing a saddle for different work and sport disciplines.
Seat Comfort
Many riders use Australian stock saddles for all types of trail riding because of the saddle's deep, padded seat. Built on either a laminated wood tree similar to that of the English saddle, or a two-barred tree like that of the Western saddle, stock saddles can be filled with wool, acrylic or doe hair flocking, making them more comfortable for long rides. Some Australian saddles come with small horns on the pommel, or the front of the saddle; others are made with English-style pommels. Both styles have wooden pommel inserts to keep the rider's thigh relaxed and in place while in the saddle.
Leg Comfort
Unlike the traditional Western saddle made with stirrups attached perpendicularly to heavy leather fenders, the stock saddle comes with stirrup leathers and stirrup irons similar to those of the English saddle. This allows the rider's leg to conform to its own angle instead of being forced into an uncomfortable position by thick cowhide. The Australian stirrup irons fit the rider's boot at the instep and permit a trail rider to rotate her heels and feet against the horse's side to alleviate any discomfort. On most stock models, the stirrup bars holding the leathers in place are set far forward, trapping the rider in a chair seat position and putting most of the weight on the rider's buttocks. In "The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book," veterinarian Joyce Harman recommends finding a stock saddle that lets you hang your leg and heel down in the correct, straight position.
Contact With the Horse
The long, narrow saddle flaps of the Australian saddle give the equestrian's thigh, calf and heel full access to the sides of the horse. This close contact improves the rider's ability to use the leg aids to guide the horse forward. The smaller, lighter seat also allows the rider to better feel the back and leg motion of the horse, while using her pelvis and seat aids to work with the movement of the animal and provide a more secure ride. Because stock saddles weigh considerably less than heavy Western saddles, they make long rides easier on the horse, writes Audrey Pavia in "Trail Riding: A Complete Guide."
Faster Gaits
English equestrians typically rise out of the saddle and balance in the stirrups when riding the canter or the faster gallop gait. Because the traditional Western saddle's tall horn is in front of the rider's crotch, equestrians sit the canter, or "lope," and never gallop, being unable to rise out of the saddle's seat. The hybrid Australian saddle provides the equestrian with the ability to post the trot, and rise out of the saddle at both the canter and gallop -- a necessity that developed from the stock man's need to keep up with his cattle herd.
References
- "The Ultimate Book of the Horse and Rider"; Judith Draper, Debby Sly and Sarah Muir; 1999
- "The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book"; Joyce Harman, D.V.M.; 2007
- "Trail Riding: A Complete Guide"; Audrey Pavia; 2005
