Outback Saddles: Tough, Durable, and Perfect for Rugged Terrain
An Outback saddle is a type of saddle designed for use in the Australian outback. While it may not be specifically designed for Western riding, it has several advantages that make it a popular choice for Western riders.
These advantages include comfort, durability, versatility, and a traditional appearance. But, there are also some disadvantages to using an Outback saddle for Western riding, like different riding style, rigging, and horn, as well as limited availability.
In this article, we will explore the features and uses of an Outback saddle in more detail, as well as its pros and cons for Western riding.
What Is An Outback Saddle?
An Outback saddle, also known as an Australian stock saddle or Aussie saddle, is a type of saddle designed specifically for use in the Australian outback.
These saddles are tough and durable, made to withstand the harsh conditions of the bush. They feature a deep seat and high cantle, providing a comfortable and secure ride for the rider, even on rough terrain.
Wide stirrups and a heavy-duty girth help to keep the saddle in place during long rides.
Outback saddles are commonly used for:
Mustering Cattle
Trail Riding
Endurance Riding
Brief History of Outback Saddles
Outback saddles were developed in Australia for use by stockmen and ranchers. They are similar to Western saddles but have a unique design tailored to the needs of Australian riders and the conditions of the outback.
Outback Saddle Construction
Outback saddles typically have a deep seat, high cantle, wide pommel, and deep skirt, which distributes the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back.
They use a surcingle to hold the saddle in place, providing greater stability and security for riders working with cattle or riding over uneven terrain.
Outback saddles are made from high-quality leather and other durable materials to withstand the harsh conditions of the outback. They are also popular among riders outside of Australia who enjoy trail riding, endurance riding, and other outdoor activities.
Outback Saddle Uses
An Outback saddle is used for a variety of purposes, including mustering cattle, trail riding, and endurance riding.
The saddle is designed to provide a comfortable and secure ride for the rider, even over rough terrain, and to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
Outback saddles are often used by ranchers and stockmen who work with cattle, as they provide a secure seat and allow the rider to stay in the saddle for extended periods of time.
The saddle's deep seat and high cantle also make it well-suited for long rides over rough terrain. In addition to its functional uses, the Outback saddle is also often used in horse shows and competitions, where it is prized for its traditional design and rugged appearance.
Advantages of Outback Saddle
While Outback saddles are specifically designed for Australian riding conditions, some Western riders might prefer using them due to their advantages, including:
Security
Outback saddles have a deep seat and high cantle, which provides a secure and comfortable ride for the rider, even over rough terrain. This can help the rider feel more stable in the saddle.
Durability
Outback saddles are built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian bush, which means they are usually made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. This can make them a good choice for riders who spend a lot of time on horseback and need a saddle that can stand up to frequent uses.
Versatility
Outback saddles are designed for use in a variety of situations, from mustering cattle to trail riding and endurance riding. This means they can be used for a range of activities, making them a versatile option for riders who participate in different types of riding.
Comfort
Outback saddles are often designed with the comfort of both the rider and the horse in mind. They have a wide stirrup bar that allows the rider to position their feet comfortably, and they often have a wider gullet than some Western saddles, which can help distribute the rider's weight more evenly across the horse's back.
It's worth noting, however, that while Outback saddles may have some advantages for Western riding, they are not specifically designed for this type of riding and may not be the best choice for every Western rider or discipline.
Disadvantages of Outback Saddles For Western Riding
While Outback saddles are a great choice for certain types of riding, there are some disadvantages to using them for Western riding:
Different Riding Style
Outback saddles are designed for a different riding style than Western saddles. They have a deep seat and high cantle, which provide a secure seat for the rider but can also limit the rider's movement. This can make it more difficult to perform certain Western riding maneuvers, such as sliding stops or quick turns.
Different Rigging
Outback saddles typically have a different rigging system than Western saddles. They are often rigged with a girth that is attached directly to the saddle tree, rather than using a cinch and latigo like Western saddles.
This can affect the fit of the saddle and make it more difficult to adjust the rigging to suit the horse and rider.
Different Horn
Outback saddles have a different type of horn than Western saddles. The horn on an Outback saddle is typically shorter and more upright, which can make it more difficult to dally or tie off when working cattle.
Limited Availability
Outback saddles are not as widely available as Western saddles, particularly in certain regions of the world. This can make it more difficult to find a saddle that fits the rider and horse properly.
While an Outback saddle can be a good choice for certain types of riding, Western riders may find that a traditional Western saddle is a better fit for their needs.
Final Thoughts
The Outback saddle, also known as the Australian stock saddle, is a durable and versatile saddle designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. It provides a comfortable and secure ride for the rider, making it popular among ranchers, stockmen, and equestrians. While it may not be the best choice for Western riding due to its different design and rigging, it can still offer advantages such as comfort, durability, versatility, and a traditional appearance. As with any saddle, it is important to choose the right one for your riding style and needs.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.