History

• English settlers brought their horses and saddles with them to Australia in the late 1700s. The settlers altered their saddles to make them stronger and more durable in Australia's hot, dry climate.
  
  

Features

• Australian saddles feature kneepads, called poleys, and a stirrup bar. These saddles attach to horses with a double girthing system.
  
  

Functions

• The kneepads keep the rider seated when going up or down an incline, while the double girthing system eliminates saddle slippage. The stirrup bar releases riders so they won't be dragged in case of a fall.
  
  

Size

• Australian saddle seats tend to be wider than on those on other saddle types, typically ranging from 14 to 22 inches. These saddles weigh between 14 and 26 pounds.
  
  

Benefits

• Australian saddles are more comfortable for both the rider and the horse. The balanced seating position also gives the rider better control over their horse.