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Comment by Janet Cameron on May 27, 2009 at 11:02pm

My horse rides in 3 saddles, depending on what he does. Outside though I only ride in my Aussie stock saddle. Although I know it's not true since anything can happen...I truly feel that I can not be unseated from this saddle. Since my horse is a tad spooky outside I always use it and save the english saddles for arena work. My Aussie is a Newcombe and is one of the best made in Australia.

Comment by Eileen on May 27, 2009 at 8:12pm

Sure thing Jenny, it is called a Haggis saddle, originated by Jack (father of the present saddle builder Jeff) with the TWH in mind for the field trial people to ride when they followed their dogs during the trials. I had my saddle widened once as my one guy kept getting wider. The fork is made of brass, thus allowing it to be ajusted continually with out compromising the strength of the brass. You can find the saddle on www.dogonpoint.com There is basically only one style, however Jeff is quite willing to tweek some things, like taking the funny "tail" that sticks out from the cantel. I didn't want one on mine so that was no problem. And the seat is sooooo comfortable, just like sitting on a bunch of marshmallows and you can sit in it all day and not feel it when you get off.

Comment by Jenny Hiscox on May 27, 2009 at 4:26pm

That sounds interesting, Eileen. Do they have it on line, and would you send a link? Thanks!

Comment by Eileen on May 27, 2009 at 9:43am

Having spent about 50 years in a western saddle of some sort depending on what era we are talking about, it was a big stretch for me to finally settle on a trooper style saddle about 7 or 8 years ago. It is a Haggis saddle made in the London Ont area. There was a short adjustment period for me, but I would not trade that saddle for anything now. No horn, no skirt, I had the endurance type of stirrups put on it for the comfort of my feet on long rides. I had tried different makes of the Australian saddles but I found them quite uncomfortable for me, I think that they were fine for the horse, but I was part of the team so I opted out of that. I guess your choice of saddle all depends on you and what horse you are saddling. Try them all then make your choice.

Comment by Jenny Hiscox on May 27, 2009 at 7:13am

Oh, and about the English/western - I go both ways. I actually feel more secure in the English saddle because I feel lower, closer to the horse, and with more leg/seat contact. In the western I feel up high and a little out of contact.

Comment by Jenny Hiscox on May 27, 2009 at 7:10am

I wholeheartedly agree with Fiona's statement that you should walk away from any coach that has you pull on the reins. I would add, any coach that has you riding as much with the hands as with the seat and legs.

One of the warm-ups I do with my own horse, and one of the first things I have my beginner kids do, BTW, is tie the reins and leave them on the neck, then ride a serpentine with legs and seat only. (I find it takes a lot of praise for the horse at first if he/she is not used to it, but they soon catch on!)

Comment by Fiona Hill on May 27, 2009 at 6:36am

It's an interesting debate. Being in the UK, the option to be 'taught western' is not so easy, so it's English or nothing, usually. However, I would say that if a coach is teaching you to pull on the reins in ANY kind of riding discipline, then they are not teaching you to ride properly and you should walk away immediately for the benefit of the horses involved! There is a huge difference between the 'contact' needed for English riding and 'pulling' on the horse's mouth. Sadly, this is the way most people start out - kick to go and pull to stop - I know I certainly used to. I still feel terribly guilty for the way I used to ride my old pony - I never realised you needed legs at all! But then I didn't know what I didn't know, even though she tried to tell me by getting her head as high as she could to avoid my 'heavy hands'... Oh dear... I'm learning to forgive myself as time goes by!

Anyway, check out Chris Irwin (he has a blog on here) if you want to find out more about the difference between 'blocking contact' on the rein and pulling. It's very interesting ...

By the way, Barbara, don't worry I'm sure you will have a great time - just remember to breathe and you'll be fine! There are always horror stories of people being injured by horses and it is truly terrible to hear such things are happening. Like you say, though it reminds us of the need to respect them. Don't let it put you off though and think positive thoughts! And good luck with the shoulder treatment.

Comment by Annette Willson on May 27, 2009 at 5:56am

Hi All
I have been reading all the posts here and enjoyed the read. Riders of this age group appear to lack confidence and certainly skill. It also appears riders are intimidated by so called instructors.
I have just finished another post on my blog for your interest have a read. I teach riders "Pilates For Horse Riders "I specialize in the riding posture. For your interest have look at http://horseridingposture.com im happy to help any one who asks

Comment by Barbara Chapel on May 27, 2009 at 5:32am

I know my cousin is a old horse person and a Hunter with the hounds in Caledon and he swears by the Aussie saddle. Hmmmmm, something to think about. Again, thank-you to everyone for your opions and ideas.I am going to get back in the saddle today on the right side and get over my fear. I just heard about a young girl that was nearly 16 who was taken off life support yesterday after being kicked in the head...Oh,boy if that doesn't drive home that horses have to be respected and be very cautious around, I don't know what does! Thanks again. Am having laser tx. on my shoulder, it is the rotator cuff injury. My husband has had that injury and I've been not so supportive, BOY, does God have a way of making you humble! I am saying soooo sorry to Hubby now. He's lapping this up!.......

Comment by winter prosapio on May 27, 2009 at 2:04am

Any opinion on Aussie saddles? They seem to be a hybrid, but I've yet to ride in one...

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