|
|
Post by MJ on Jul 17, 2009 19:23:14 GMT -5
I just saw a well oiled, new looking Australian Saddle with horn at a garage sale. I couldn't find a name on it, it was brown and black and appeared to be at least the equivalent of a 16" in Western. It came with a black saddle pad with pockets-with fleece type pading on the top that fit right under the saddle and fleece totally under the pad, it also had a breast collar and a bridle.
They asked me if it was priced well, how would I know? It had no name. It was priced at $300 for the works.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mary Ann on Jul 17, 2009 19:59:01 GMT -5
Does it have a maker's mark? Brand?
There are some awesome Aussie saddles out there; but unfortunately, most of them are cardboardy junk. Others are made of buffalo hide, which is really tough but doesn't hold a dye. Then the dye bleeds out on your clothes.
Also gotta be careful that they're designed for American horses. Australian horses tend to be slimmer with less spring of rib and higher withers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marci on Jul 17, 2009 20:03:33 GMT -5
No with no name I wold say overpriced or a garage sale.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cally on Jul 17, 2009 22:18:46 GMT -5
I agree, overpriced for a no name brand. If it were a well known brand with nice leather, I'd have done it.
I've often thought that you would really like the security of an aussie saddle. The Tucker is definitely great, but you may really like the security of poleys.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cally on Jul 17, 2009 22:24:37 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Yip on Jul 17, 2009 23:52:32 GMT -5
The first one looks exactly like I remember my Downunder Saddlery Kimberly Stock saddle. LOFFED that saddle, except it put my legs forward instead of underneath. Anyone who can ride in a Western saddle would not even notice it. They are only about $325 or so new though. I think LoriB still sells DUS saddles cheaper than their own website.
If a person rides rough terrain or is just looking for security - I'd have to say that's a great saddle for it Your thighs shouldn't touch the poleys until you need them. If downhills make you feel like you're going to fall forward, this saddle will give you more confidence than you ever imagined possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mary Ann on Jul 18, 2009 6:14:57 GMT -5
I used to have a Syd Hill Bushmaster poley. I loved it; it sat like a dressage saddle until you had a hill. That's why I asked about marks-- that one cost like a dressage saddle too. I see they go for about $2300 now.
I was going to say I missed it but I had an epiphany. I thought about trying it again with the horses I have now but I realized that meant I'd be riding in something that was NOT my LJ. Even on steep hills, I prefer my LJ. With an Equipedic underneath, they're still the most comfortable and secure thing I've ever ridden in, hands down.
|
|
|
|
Post by MJ on Jul 18, 2009 7:30:09 GMT -5
Where would the saddle makers mark be? I looked under the flaps, at the back of the saddle, under it, everywhere. Is there someplace I should specifically look?
|
|
|
|
Post by Mary Ann on Jul 18, 2009 8:53:53 GMT -5
You looked in all the placed I'd look, except the nail heads and the near side front spot, close to where breastplates attach. Maker's marks are often on nail heads.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yip on Jul 18, 2009 10:31:36 GMT -5
Those are the places I would have looked too.
About their security - one of the reasons I sold mine was because I had become too secure in it. I was using my saddle for security instead of an independent seat. I had been using Phyllis's kimberly for many months, then switched back to my English saddle on a whim. I had NO balance anymore. I didn't need it in the aussie so I lost it. I had to practice a lot to get it back, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cally on Jul 18, 2009 11:15:26 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by MJ on Jul 18, 2009 21:13:54 GMT -5
Yep, I think I have it just sitting around on my money tree out back, I'll send DH out to get it-oh wait-he can't lift over 10 lbs or climb stairs so I guess we can't get it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trailpal on Jul 18, 2009 23:01:56 GMT -5
From what I've read, "real" Aussie saddles are built on the frame of an English saddle but have bigger panels for weight distribution. They are supposed to let you sit in a dressage seat and be nice and secure. No horns, the Aussies push stock and don't rope it, and their horses are narrower than ours. For awhile, I think in the 80's, there were a bunch made in India, they were carp saddles and did not have maker marks. At some point, Aussie saddles got hybridized with American stock saddles, using a Western style tree and fleece on the bottom instead of stuffed panels, and a horn stuck on it. I guess like any other saddle, see if it fits the horse and if it fits you, then see if you can do the things you want to do with it.  MJ - Too funny about the money tree in the back yard!!! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by noblesseoblige on Jul 19, 2009 1:10:45 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by AmberC on Jul 19, 2009 10:57:01 GMT -5
I don't like them at all. I feel "held in" and I just don't like that. Truly, I wouldn't take an Aussie saddle if it were free and fit my horse. The most recent one I rode in was when I test rode Nib. She offered to sell me the saddle and I said no way! LOL!
|
|
