When Illami (the gorgeous grey stallion that Isolde fell in love with) was staying with us, we asked his owner Paige if it was possible for her to bring out a western saddle for us, as not only are western saddles very expensive in Sweden, but bringing any kind of saddle with us when we fly is really tricky as we do not have that much weight and space for all the things we during the nine month period that we’ll be in Niger. Not bringing much luggage with her back again, Paige was happy to oblige, but she suggested we buy an aussie saddle instead which she had first hand experience with, and so that’s what we ordered!
The saddle arrived in Zinder a week before Hanna arrived, and Anette and I hurried over to the peacecorps hostel to pick it up. It was beautiful. And HUGE! Being accustomed to the slimmer English saddles, I burst out laughing as I was about to put in on our biggest barb mare.
Sahara however was super proud - the proudest we’ve seen her in a long, long while. Normally, it would be Arwen who would be getting all sorts of exclusive attention, but this time, it was her turn. And she adored it. She carried the saddle (which reminds me of a Hausa sultan saddle) with her head held high and with her look fixated on her beloved Anette, as if to say: “See? I always told you I was the grandest looking mare in town!” Not that Anette has ever doubted her - to her Sahara is the most beautiful horse there is, and for me, you all know I appreciate all our animals, but Arwen holds first position in the horse department of my heart.
I only tried it for a brief moment as we were in a rush to finish with our spring cleaning, but here’s what it looked like! It was by far one of the most comfortable saddles I’ve ever sat on. I can’t wait to try it in the bush (and by the looks of it, I don’t think Sahara can either), and if all goes well, that will be today!!
20 users commented in " Our Aussie saddle has arrived! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThe saddle looks beautiful and seems to fit her well. I hope you were able to try it out. Is there anything else you need over there??? I have an abundance of tack that is not being used.
By the way, you did a great job with your house cleaning and I love the room in the photo.
Right now, I am feeling quite proud that you selected an Australian saddle, and that you love it so much! Wooohooo!
And Sahara really does look absolutely wonderful!
Sahara looks great in her new saddle, and proud, too.
We use Aussie saddles and love them. Western saddles are just too heavy, and English saddles are a little too light to successfully attach overnight gear. Aussie is the compromise and they work for us very well.
Not clicking on the links or reading your blog since forever one could think all the volunteer work you girls do is riding horses.
O that is amazing! Sahara does indeed look quite proud and straight-backed. Good for her! I am constantly amazed by how the most unpredictable things have such a huge impact on how we view ourselves.
Glad she liked the saddle!
You both look like you are enjoying it.
Very interesting Aussie connection.
Nice saddle! And Sahara does look as though she’s proud to wear it. Enjoy!
Happy Trails! Sahara looks like a sultan’s queen.
The new saddle does look great on her. That’s great that it fits sight unseen too
Should be very comfortable for riding out in!
Aussie saddle are a great cross of both worlds (English/Western). It is a wonderful saddle for young flighty horses.
Sahara does look very proud to show it off! Have fun!!
The saddle looks comfortable. I really want to try one sometime! I love how the pictures on your blog posts are so large and vibrant, too.
Cool Esther! I have always wanted to try one, without a horn though, I jump far too much for a horn!
Sahara does look very regal in that beautiful Aussie saddle! Gorgeous!
She looks great in that saddle. I hope you both enjoy using it!
Cool saddle! It looks nice on such a pretty horse!
Congrats on the new saddle!! I’ve owned one and they are very comfortable. I ride in an endurance saddle that is the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever ridden in.
Sahara must really like that saddle. I swear she looks taller in the middle photo than the other two! I’ve never heard of an Aussie saddle, but it looks comfortable. Guess I’ll have to take your word since I’m probably not going to find out anytime soon!
Looks like a stock with a horn thrown on the front - can I laugh that I’m Australian and haven’t heard a reference to an Aussie saddle before?
Glad the saddle is so comfy! Best I’ve tried was an endurance/trail saddle in south africa - heaven!
In response to your comment on my blog regarding my endurance saddle:
The endurance saddle that I have is made by Boz Saddlery. I have the swell fork endurance model with sheepskin (http://www.bozsaddlery.com/Boz%20Swell%20Fork%20Saddles.htm). I came across a used one on ebay and I loved it. It was 16 years old (they are stamped with the date made) but super comfortable and still in great shape. I ultimately sold it but saved my money and ordered a new one. Each saddle is hand made to your specifications (really fun to order!) and mine took about 5 months to make. It has my name on a brass plate, my intials tooled in the leather on the pommel and a built-in compass. This is what it looked like right out of the box:
http://ctgponies.blogspot.com/2008/08/its-here-its-here-its-finally-here.html
I don’t ride endurance but I do a lot of trail riding and I wanted a comfortable saddle that would fit a variety of horses. It is the equivalent of a Western saddle without a horn and you post to the trot. I can also order a horn that is removable and can be added or taken off as needed. There are a variety of different types of endurance saddles including some that look more English than Western (like the Aussie saddle).
I had an Aussie saddle that had an adjustable tree. It fit my Quarter Horse gelding really well and was very comfortable for me. I ended up selling it because I really didn’t like the overgirth and undergirth and I didn’t want to pay the extra $100 to convert it to Western type rigging.
I wish you well with your new saddle!
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