Re: Aussie saddles and E-Z ride stirrups

[Chris Paus <paus@micoks.net>]

Judy can probably tell you more about how to look for good quality in an
Aussie saddle. I love mine also. It is wonderfully comfortable for me and
the horse. Look for good quality leather and stitching. The leather on mine
is so thick, it surely will outlast the horse and me. Good quality ones are
also stuffed with wool. They should be well-balanced. It's like any kind of
saddle. Go to a saddle shop and look at the high priced saddles and the low
priced ones and see what the differences are., although price isn't always
a good indicator of quality.

A saddle maker in Kansas City said most saddles now are put together with
staples and tacks rather than wood nails and screws. Even the expensive
ones. And they fall apart faster.

I've been hunting for a pony saddle adn all the ones I've seen, the leather
is so thin adn cheesy, I can't imagine it would last more than a season or
two. I found a handmade one in Okla that has as good a leather as saddles
made for adults.

chris paus and *

At 11:42 PM 3/19/98 PST, Lisa wrote:
>Hi Campers!
>
>I just bought a used Australian stock saddle for endurance.  I find it
extremely comfortable and secure and it seems to fit the horse.  I know
absolutely nothing about these saddles and would like to ask the experts
out there, how can you tell a good quality stock saddle from one of the
cheaper ones?  There are no markings on it at all, but it seems well made.
>I also need one (1) E-Z Ride stirrup (don't ask!).  Anybody out there
holding on to one that might want to sell it?  Please let me know.
>Best regards to you all,
>Lisa <lpopp@pa.net>
>
>
>