Australian Stock Saddle Vs. Western Saddle - Which Is Best?

By Author: John
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While some riders enjoy the option of selecting their preferred saddle based on the comfort of their ride, others have to think about the practicality of each aspect an individual saddle offers. If you're planning to work in your saddle, or just need to find out what's available there and what's available, we break it all down for you in this article.

The last thing you'd like to do is get riding the wrong horse, whether it's an enjoyable ride or for an afternoon of work at the range.

Overview of Australian Stock Saddles

This Australian standard saddle is an amalgamation of the English saddle and a Western saddle, but it does not tell you much. What features did it get of the English saddle, and which are from the Western?

And, most importantly, what is the best time to make use of an Australian saddle? We cover everything you should know here.

What Makes Up an Australian Stock Saddle?

Western saddles are more popular for their work, whereas English saddles are focused on performance. While this might be confusing for non-riders, consider it as ...
... follows: English saddles are great for endurance races and speed, in addition, Western saddles are ideal for driving cattle.

The Australian saddle is a combination of both saddles to create a comfortable ride that will traverse rough terrain. It features a low-slung seat and knee pads to give you added safety, and the stirrup is slightly higher from the ground than a Western saddle.

This provides you with a comfortable and comfortable place to rest for a longer time. Nowadays, a few Australian saddles with a stock design will come with a horn, however, this was not a common feature.

When Do You Want an Australian Stock Saddle?

If you're planning on spending a lot of time on your saddle, navigating through difficult terrain, you'll find that the Australian standard saddle would be the optimal option. It will keep you in the same position mile after mile however, it doesn't offer the same flexibility to move about and move around as a Western saddle.

If you're looking for a comfortable ride or if you'll be working in locations that aren't ideal then an Australian standard saddle is the ideal choice. Keep in mind it's not recommended to use stirrups that are large enough your legs may be pinched from time times, and standing in the saddle may be more difficult.

Pros

*The knee pads added to the mix allow for a more comfortable ride.
*The comfort is ideal for long periods of riding
*More comfortable seats with deeper cushions

Cons

*Legs may be pinched if the stirrups aren't wide enough.

Overview of Western Saddle

Although the English saddle was a great choice for events held on parade grounds, American cowboys needed a working saddle that could help them with their cattle and other agricultural events. Therefore, they completely overhauled the English saddle and created something that was more suitable for their area that is it was the Western saddle.
We break down the components that go in these saddles.

What Makes Up a Western Saddle?

It is the Western saddle is heavier than the English and Australian stock saddles, however, it has a design that spreads the weight across the back of the horse so that they remain at ease and fresh. Each Western saddle is equipped with an opening in the front to allow for rope.

These saddles can be customized to meet your needs and is an enormous benefit if you have to perform a variety of jobs. They are equipped with a variety of features that provide comfort to the rider. This ensures you are comfortable for longer durations.

However, even though the deep stirrups allow you to move more freely without risking falling in the event that you begin to fall down, the Western saddle could keep your legs in place.

When Do You Want a Western Saddle?

If you are looking for an appropriate work saddle for your traditional range or when working with cattle, you should consider a Western saddle. It is loaded with options that allow you to carry all your equipment to the job and have the strength that you require to get the job done without falling off your saddle.

While you may comfortably work from the saddle all day long but if you're hoping to take on races that require speed or endurance the extra mass on the Western saddle can quickly become an obstacle.

Pros

*Then spread your weight across an area larger
*Great for long rides
*It is easily customizable
*Makes it easier to sleep.

Cons

*Heavier saddle
*Feet may get caught in the stirrups

What Saddle Is Better for Beginners?

While there's definitely no right or wrong answer, the majority of instructors and riders will suggest that you take lessons in riding or ride an English saddle or a Western saddle, instead rather than one of the Australian saddle.

The reason is that Australian saddles place you in a place that is between what Western, as well as English saddles, have to offer. Although this may not seem like a major issue if you don't be able to handle a saddle, then you'll soon begin to become comfortable in the wrong place.

When you've learned how to ride better you'll be aware of what you should be sitting for and how to correct this even while riding in the Australian saddle. In the end, an Australian saddle can lead the rider into bad habits that will require breaking in the future.

Which Saddle Is More Affordable?

The cost on price of an Australian standard saddle as well as the cost of a Western saddle is comparable and it's all about the features and quality that you'd like to find to have in the saddle. Be prepared for lower-quality Western as well as Australian Stock saddles that are used to be less than $500, while better-quality alternatives can be purchased for several thousand dollars.

Choose a top-quality saddle for the first time and ensure it's taken care of in the future, otherwise, you'll be spending more over the long haul.

Which Saddle Is Safer?

There's no doubt a lot of disagreement The safest saddle is one that doesn't cause you to fall from and that's why we're recommending that Australian saddle. Both saddles are safe but the one in the Western saddle is more likely to have a greater probability of getting your foot stuck if it does happen to fall.

The most effective thing you can do you should only take your time and have a trained instructor provide you with everything you require to know when you move from one level to the next.

Conclusion

Nowadays, the majority of us aren't worried about a trip for a ride to finish the work of a lifetime however, the saddle features and options are still a remnant of the past.

If you're riding in a stable with an established rider you should go with the one you're most comfortable with. If you're unsure of what you're looking for then try both before you spend a lot of dollars on a saddle you may not need.