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2. Clyde's design has a raised wide curved pommel that is open enough to
grab and will provide security on steep downhill terrain. His sketch
shows an optional little bucking rolls for additional security but we
are debating that at the moment. OF's American Outback shows that
same bucking roll concept.
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Hi,
I am posting as a knowledgeable person on the Australian design. The
so-called bucking rolls on the OF Outback are too far forward to do any good
for the intended purpose, which is for the rider to brace their thigh against
in the downhill, while shooting their legs out, or to put them back to top
off hills. They also put the rider back where they came from in sudden stops
or changes of direction.
There's a law of enertia. You may haveheard of it! It says something like,
a moving mass creates more energy, and you don't want to create more of it!
So, the rolls need to be within an inch of the leg to get you stopped,
sooner. Think of it as a working tool.
The Australians did what they did to guard themselves, chasing wild herds
down the mountains, AND through the trees! shifting weight to turn the horse.
The American answer to the same, was bucking rolls on a western saddle, also
close to the leg, but because the western saddle design does not have a free
swinging stirrup, tended to lock the rider in, and cramp them in a long
ride.. They were just that: bucking rolls to keep them off the horn, and down
deep in the saddle.
OF thought they would take-off on the Australian design, but did not truly
understand the concept. Being closer to the rider does not interfere, but is
an adjunct to security. You still have the upper body freedom in any saddle,
but more in an endurance model, as the pads are straighter and not as deep as
in a stock model. I hope this helps your design thought. I would like to see
a good design. Thoughts. Judy