How to Measure Australian Stock Saddles

Australian stock saddles, or Aussie saddles, were developed in Australia for riding in the outback and combine some characteristics of both English and western saddles, though they are closer to English saddles in seat design. Popular with trail riders, Australian stock saddles need to fit the rider correctly to be the most comfortable and secure for long-distance riding. A measurement can be made to figure out what size a saddle is, though the area measured varies a little from how English and western saddles are made.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

  1. Measuring the Seat of an Aussie Saddle

    • 1

      Find the seam on the pommel, or the front of the saddle. This is where you will start your measurement.

    • 2

      Stretch your tape measure from the front seam of the saddle directly across the center of the saddle to just inside of the cantle, or the back of the saddle's seat.

    • 3

      Be aware that the saddle's capacity, which can affect how a person fits in two different 16-inch saddles, is affected by the position and size of the knee rolls, or poleys, on the saddle's flaps depending on where they are placed. The poleys can push you too far back on the seat or keep your thighs from fitting against the saddle's flaps.