About Australian Saddles

Have you seen the Australian saddle and ever wondered what made it different from other horse saddles? The Australian saddles became extremely popular after the 1982 movie, “The Man from Snowy River."  Because the saddle was unique in appearance, it stood out in the movie, which created a greater interest in the Australian saddle.

Brief History of the Australian Saddle

The Australian saddle has been around since the late 1700s when English settlers came to Australia. They began to make their saddles more suitable to the harsher environment they found themselves in. They needed a saddle that they could ride in all day and still remain comfortable. Therefore, they looked for ways to make it lightweight but tough to withstand the daily wear it would take during this time period.

What Makes the Australian Saddle Different?

The most interesting difference in the Australian saddle compared to other is it has poleys, which are also known as kneepads directly at the front part of the saddle. It is these poleys that makes it so unique in it appearance and why it gained so much attention after the movie. The poleys are lined up with the rider's thighs in order to keep him or her secure in their seat regardless if they are riding up or down an incline.

This unique design of the Australian saddle still makes it very useful for riders that are exposed to rough terrains. The poleys make it easy for the rider to keep him or herself in the same position without slippage regardless of how steep the incline.