We recommend trying both before you buy either to make sure you know what suits you the best. For polocrosse we recommend a swinging fender, while a traditional style stock saddle is perfectly fine if you only do pleasure riding or arena work. If you are unsure and on the fence on whether to go for a traditional style stock saddle or a swinging fender half breed saddle - it depends what you want to use it for. They would obviously not be suitable for a rider that needs more freedom, such as showjumpers or racing. And as you never need to stand up in the saddle when using a stock saddle, they are never in the way. The Aussie's solved this problem by added extra large knee blocks to stop this from happening. The high knee blocks (poleys) also gives extra confidence and security for the rider, as rugged terrain or a scared horse can rock you out of balance and you can easily fall off in a non secure english saddle. The Aussie saddle trend and following started in Australia but has extended worldwide now and particularly growing in popularity in USA, Canada and Europe. It is often referred to as the perfect blend of a dressage and western saddle - as it has taken the best features from both worlds. You will get the same benefits as an english dressage saddles with the secure deep seat, which puts the rider in the correct position, but also the added comfort from its padded seat ang high knee blocks. Benefits of an Australian Saddleĭue to its durability (at least the old reputable Australian saddle makers), the aussie saddles are popular for a range of disciplines including pleasure riding, cattle work, endurance riding, polocrosse, arena work and trail riding. Your legs will also be further forward with your heels down in an Aussie saddle rather than a Western Saddle. If you have just changed from english or western riding to a stock saddle - you will need to change your rider seat and position slightly. Again, make sure you confirm any changes with correctional saddle pads with your saddle fitter first. If the saddle is leaning back or forward, this can be adjusted with a suitable saddle riser.

As a general rule - there should be four fingers between the horse's wither and the saddle when the saddle is resting on the horse's back (with no rider). Make sure you use a saddle fitter that is experienced with stock saddles to ensure the perfect fit. Sitting further forward on the horse can give the rider a closer connection with the horse by sinking down in the saddle more (following the sway on the back) and being closer to the horse's head.Īustralian stock saddles are also fitted slightly different than a standard western saddle. The Aussie saddle does also not have a horn, and the rigging dee position on a western saddle puts it further back on the horse than an Australian stock saddle. The swinging fender saddle looks similar to a western saddle, the main difference is the high knee blocks and the stirrups are further forward on an Australian saddle than a western saddle.

The swinging fenders is the more modern way of saddle making for Australian saddles. This allow extra movement in the saddle for the rider. The half breed saddle design has got 'swinging fenders' rather than solid plain flaps. Half Breed Saddle & Swinging Fender Saddles You can browse all of our Australian stock saddles here. Even though all australian saddles have the poleys, only some designs use it as a reference name. The poley is another word for the knee blocks. These saddles are often also referred to as a 'Stock poley saddle'. Alot of people still prefer it as it keeps you secure and your legs don't pinch through the stirrup leathers. This plain flap design is the old school/traditional style of making the Australian saddles. They have a plain flap and look similar to a traditional english dressage saddle. Pictured above is a traditional Australian stock saddle.

Australian endurance saddle