What is an Australian saddle and how is it different from the other types saddle? The Australian saddle has been in use for over a century and here we will look at how the Australian saddle developed and how it is different from other types of saddle.
How Did the Australian Saddle Evolve?
The type of saddle, known nowadays as the Australian Saddle, developed not very long after the English became established in Australia in 1788. When the English came, they carried with them horses, saddles, and many other kinds of equestrian tack. Shortly after they moved there, they established that Australia and their country of origin had quite a few differences. This is what brought about the drive and dedication to turn the English saddle into an item that would work better in this harsher environment.
Their saddles, plus some of the other tack, were changed to best stand up to the arduous, rugged conditions in this new country. In this way the English saddle became the “Australian Saddle.” As it was necessary to to stay in the saddle for long stretches, they needed to produce a saddle that was comfortable for the horse as well as the rider. It had to be easy to girth, but also lightweight, and very strong and hardy, to hold up to the rough environment and very nearly constant use.
In order to be able to to stand up to the rough and tough Australian lands, it was made more durable and stronger. So that riders could carry everything that they needed with them, fittings were attached, such as bridge staples and D rings. A device called a poley was introduced and this is what makes the main difference between an Australian saddle and many other variations. A poley is a variety of knee pad, made to give a safer and secure ride on horseback through areas with many slopes and inclines. The use of poleys is the Australian saddle’s primary difference, from other types of saddles, for example the normal English or Western Saddle.
In What Ways is the Australian Saddle Different From Other Saddles?
An uncomplicated, but very efficient double girthing system is used to fasten the saddle to the horse. A leather strap goes over the the saddle’s top, known as the over girth, and straps called billet straps are attached to the saddle and fasten onto the girth. The rider has the power to girth the saddle much easier which does away with nearly all the slipping. There is better safety afforded by the over girth in the event that the billet strip breaks.
Unlike the earlier saddles, the Western saddle for instance, that put pressure on the spinal column, the Australian riding saddle rides more on the shoulders of the horse. The Australian saddle is placed higher than some other saddles, the stirrups also being in a more forward position. The rider’s body weight, is situated where it can be equally spread out, which lets the horse feel less strain, which results in better performance.
What are Some of The Advantages of the Australian Saddle?
It is has been said by many people, that the Australian riding position, is more comfortable. The knees have less stress placed on them, because the weight of the rider is spread out more, as the rider’s feet are more forward. No difficulties are usually had by people with knee pain that use an Australian saddle, which they may do when using English or Western saddles. One disadvantage though, is because of the position of the poleys that attached to the Australian saddle, it is hard to move up in the seat when riding up steep inclines as a lot of people like to do.
In Conclusion
Australian saddles are becoming more popular because they are lighter in weight than most Western or English saddles, are compact and if fitted correctly they are appropriate for nearly all horses.
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