BAREBACK LEATHER SADDLE
A 12-lb bareback saddle made of solid leather, on a tree that moves with the horse, has been released by The Australian Stock Saddle Company of Malibu, California.
The leather is from Australia and the tree is twin lexanne plates positioned independently on either side of the spine. The plates equalize rider weight and eliminates pressure points. The underside is solid wool felt. The Big D Western-style girth ring is secured with heavy-duty webbing.
The girthing system uses a tackaberry buckle on the near side, and a securing strap on the offside. Incorporated in this webbing are securing rings for stirrup leathers, in the dressage position, and loops for saddle bags and a back cinch.
The saddle is called The Sarmatian, inspired by the culture credited with making the first saddle (in Sarmatia) in 500 BC. There is also a model built on Merino sheepskin, with solid leather “poleys” and cantle.
“I loved the comfort and look of this saddle,” wrote longtime riding instructor Heidi Melocco, in a review for The Trail Rider Magazine. “It felt great and provided lots of ‘feel.’ It’s perfect for active riders to ride in all day and for any rider to use for short rides to promote balance and active riding.”
Melocco also praised the girthing system, noting that the saddle felt secure, while the close contact allowed her to feel her horse’s “every leg placement,” adding:”With the saddle’s plates, the stirrups felt secure, and the saddle’s seat seemed to stay put.”
Cost of either model, mounted ready to ride, is $995. For more information, visit www.aussiesaddle.com, or call (818) 8896988
Colin Dangaard, The Australian stock Saddle Company,
184 N. Kanan Dume Road, Malibu, Ca., 909265 (818) 8896988
