The Australian Saddle Difference
FAQ
Why an Australian Made Saddle?
When you buy a genuine made Australian saddle, you are buying a saddle that has been hand crafted by a saddle maker with a minimum of 5 years training. As well, just like a custom made western saddle, it takes as long as 40 hours to complete the saddle. Truly these are a piece of art and great care and attention is put into the process of building the saddle. A good Australian saddle maker not only takes pride in their work, but also uses quality tanned leather from a reputable source such as the US or New Zealand, where only select hides are used. The saddle tree is also a concern, and the Australian made saddles we carry all have a 10 year warranty on the tree. The tree is the base of the saddle, and the quality, strength and shape is designed with the care of both the horse and rider in mind. Remember, an Australian saddle was originally designed for the rough terrain of the Outback. Chasing cattle for long hours on horseback required a secure, close contact saddle that would last for years without damage to the horse or rider's backs. As well as the tree and leather, an Australian made saddle will have quality brass hardware and fittings that are built to last. With proper care, it is not unusual for these saddles to last a lifetime of riding.
Asian made Saddles: If you want the very best, then there is no doubt you should buy one of our Australian made saddles. However, for some people the price is outside their budget, or they would like to try a low cost Australian saddle before making the purchase of a Australian made. That is where we suggest the Kimberley Series (TM) Saddles, and the Down Under Series Saddles.
Asian made Saddles: If you want the very best, then there is no doubt you should buy one of our Australian made saddles. However, for some people the price is outside their budget, or they would like to try a low cost Australian saddle before making the purchase of a Australian made. That is where we suggest the Kimberley Series (TM) Saddles, and the Down Under Series Saddles.
How are our Asian Saddles Different?
Firstly, most catalog and internet companies purchase the lowest price Aussie style saddle out of India. These saddles cost the importer very little and offer no manufacture warranty. These saddles are generally made from a painted (pigmented) leather that is poorly tanned and will not accept the oil. Accordingly, the saddle leather gets much drier over time - this is what is referred to as cardboard leather. As it dries out it tears fairly easily, creating a serious safety issue for the rider. Furthermore, many of these saddles are not rigged correctly, and are difficult if not almost impossible to tighten the girth enough to stop the saddle slipping on the horse. But really, what does one expect for such a low price? Nothing changes when it comes to saddles, you get what you pay for. You can not spend the least and expect the most - quality & satisfaction comes at a certain price. As well, the comfort and support to your horse's muskuloskeletal system must be maintained for their lasting health.
Unfortunately, thousands of these low quality saddles have been sold in North America over the last 20 years, and these saddles seldom work for the purchaser and generally end up being offered in magazine advertisements, generic websites, horse auctions and on-line auctions. These saddles are not comparable to how a properly made Australian saddle will feel and fit your horse.
We do not sell the cheap Asian made saddles that are explained above. Our Kimberley and Down Under saddles are all quality saddles, backed by a 2 year to 10 year , manufacturers tree warranty (depending on the model). Down Under saddles have long term relationships with reputable manufacturers, and these saddles are made exclusively to there strict quality and materials standards. Down Under personally meet with the manufacturers on a consistent basis to work on product improvements and quality control.
The Kimberley Saddles are all hand-made from a soft naked leather, that will further soften after additional oiling and use. The stitching thread is "All American" nylon bonded, to ensure that everything even the stitching, is long lasting and very durable. Our Kimberley Saddles have an extremely high reputation and should serve the customer well for many years. The Down Under Series saddles have even higher quality leather and special attention to detail during production.
The Kimberley Series and Down Under Series saddles are the next best thing to purchasing a genuine Australian made saddle.
Additionally, all of our Kimberley and Down Under saddles have adjustable saddle trees, that we can custom adjust to fit nearly any breed of horse.
Unfortunately, thousands of these low quality saddles have been sold in North America over the last 20 years, and these saddles seldom work for the purchaser and generally end up being offered in magazine advertisements, generic websites, horse auctions and on-line auctions. These saddles are not comparable to how a properly made Australian saddle will feel and fit your horse.
We do not sell the cheap Asian made saddles that are explained above. Our Kimberley and Down Under saddles are all quality saddles, backed by a 2 year to 10 year , manufacturers tree warranty (depending on the model). Down Under saddles have long term relationships with reputable manufacturers, and these saddles are made exclusively to there strict quality and materials standards. Down Under personally meet with the manufacturers on a consistent basis to work on product improvements and quality control.
The Kimberley Saddles are all hand-made from a soft naked leather, that will further soften after additional oiling and use. The stitching thread is "All American" nylon bonded, to ensure that everything even the stitching, is long lasting and very durable. Our Kimberley Saddles have an extremely high reputation and should serve the customer well for many years. The Down Under Series saddles have even higher quality leather and special attention to detail during production.
The Kimberley Series and Down Under Series saddles are the next best thing to purchasing a genuine Australian made saddle.
Additionally, all of our Kimberley and Down Under saddles have adjustable saddle trees, that we can custom adjust to fit nearly any breed of horse.
What is the Difference in Panels?
Serge Panel This kind of panel is self adjusting, the saddle fit keeps improving with each and every ride, until it has conformed to the shape of your horse. This kind of saddle will sit higher on the horse when new, but will lower when the panel begins to conform to your horse. This however, will only work if you have the correct tree width to suit your horse. The stuffing in our saddles is a combination wool flock blend and it is unlikely that you ever need to reawl or restuff the panel, unless you do a tremendous amount of riding. A serge panel saddle is best suited for horses with medium to higher withers, and is ideal for the majority of horses. This is the most popular type of Australian saddle and will provide many years of service.
Fleece Panel Fleece panels are most commonly seen on Western saddles and are fitted to Aussie saddles that are made with extended bars on the saddle tree. The riders weight is spread over a larger area on the horses back (due to the extended bars), amounting to less pounds per square inch of weight on the horses back. However, this kind of panel is best suited for horses that have a long wide flat back. If you use this kind of saddle on a horse with a short back, the extended panels may irritate/rub the horse, additionally if your horse has any curve to its back, this kind of panel will cause a bridging effect, whereby all the riders weight will be at four points on the horse’s back (either side at the front and either side at the back). However, if your horse has a wide flat back, this panel is an excellent choice.....
Fleece Panel Fleece panels are most commonly seen on Western saddles and are fitted to Aussie saddles that are made with extended bars on the saddle tree. The riders weight is spread over a larger area on the horses back (due to the extended bars), amounting to less pounds per square inch of weight on the horses back. However, this kind of panel is best suited for horses that have a long wide flat back. If you use this kind of saddle on a horse with a short back, the extended panels may irritate/rub the horse, additionally if your horse has any curve to its back, this kind of panel will cause a bridging effect, whereby all the riders weight will be at four points on the horse’s back (either side at the front and either side at the back). However, if your horse has a wide flat back, this panel is an excellent choice.....
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