Conference noted::equitation

    	One thing I would also like to mention is - that this type of
    	saddle sits higher on the withers than the traditional English
    	or Western saddles.  This puts the rider's center or gravity,
    	and weight over the shoulders rather than the weakest point,	
    	the middles of its spine.                     
    
    	Do you feel that this would make a horse more prone to navicular?
    	(sp?)                                                            
    
    	Susan

    Susan, I was at State Line Tack shop yesterday (Plaistow, NH)
    and I think they had one there.  The number is 603-382-4718.
    Don't know about making the horse more prone to navicular though.
    If it did have that much effect, I think they'd stop using them
    or even making them.
    

    	RE: .2
    
    	Thanks....  I will have stop by State Line.  I usually make
    	two "pilgrimages" a year to State Line because it is so far
    	from my humble abode.  I will be due soon...  I am a pansey
    	rider - I "don't do" real cold weather riding.  When my fingers
    	and toes have no feeling - I call it quits until better weather.
    
    	Susan

    Well, I don't own one and I usually use a dressage saddle but the
    riders who are involved in edndurance riding swear by them. I find
    that they are comfortable, the times that I have ridden in them,
    but all in all I prefer the dressage or all purpose saddle as I
    am strictly a short distance rider. If you would send me a mail
    address, I can send you a local catalogue from a tack store so that
    you can compare costs here in the land of oz.
    

    
    	GEE, THAT WOULD BE **SUPER**!!!
    
    	I really would appreciate it!  Sorry I took so long in getting
    	back to you....  I have been on vacation.
    
    	The last long ride I did left my horse's back a little sore...
    	We had done five mountains (in one day whew!) and the total
    	distance was two hundred miles.  I am concerned about his back
    	I have never experienced any soreness with him before.  I really
    	think the 5 mountains were too much for one day - in parts we
    	really had to scramble to make it up hill, and going down another
    	my friend, Joan had her saddle slip half way down her horse's
    	neck!!  Boy, there were hairy moments...
    
    	I really would like to try one of these saddles - but if the
    	cost isn't too great - I would take the chance, as long as I
    	could get the proper size for me and nag.
    
    	My address is:
    
    
    			HAMPSHIRE HYDAWAY FARM
    			U.S.A.
    			R.R. 2, Box 28
    			Antrim, New Hampshire
    
    					03440
                              
    
    	Again, thanks....  I really do appreciate your trouble!
    
    	Susan

    I AM INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT AN AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SADDLE.
    
    I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT IS THE CORRECT NAME OF IT BUT I RODE ON A
    
    FEW TRAIL RIDES WITH THIS OLDER GENTLEMAN AND HE HAD ONE. I GOT
    
    TO TRY IT ONCE AND IT WAS REALLY GREAT. I AM NOW THINKING OF GETTING
    
    ONE AND WOULD LIKE TO TRY ONE AGAIN AND ARE THERE ANY TACK SHOPS
    
    IN NEW ENGLAND THAT CARES THEM?
    
    THANKS ALOT,
    
    TERRY
    
    DOES ANYONE OUT THERE OWN ONE? AND HOW DO YOU LIKE IT.
    

    #1 Please use lower case when entering or replying to notes. It's
       considered shouting to use all capitals.
    
    #2 To answer your questions:
    
    The Australian Stock Saddle has been imported into the US for several
    years ( since all things Aussie became trendy). I would describe
    it as a cross between a cavalry and a dressage saddle. You sit in
    it very straight legged but it has more padding in it than a dressage
    saddle. I have ridden in one and didn't find it any more or less
    comfortable than other types of saddle I have ridden in.
    
    A fairly recent twist is that Australian manufacturers have begun
    using artficial materials in their saddles. Bates Saddlery from
    Perth in Western Australia make the "WINTEC" saddles in a variety
    of styles, including endurance and stock saddles. I believe Miller's
    in NYC are agents for WINTEC saddles. Real leather Australian Stock
    Saddles can cost a great deal more than the WINTEC style. I picked
    up the catalogue of a chain of tack shops while I was in Australia
    and the range and price of stock saddles was as extensive as those
    of western saddles in the US. Before you ask, no, they don't do
    mail order on saddles.
    
    I did see a WINTEC Australian Stock Saddle in a tack store on Saturday
    for $389.99 (without any fittings). But the store was in San Jose,
    California, from where I have just returned on another DEC trip.
    Since the Australian dollar has been climbing against the US dollar,
    I would expect prices to be going up. In the Australian catalogue,
    fully equipped WINTEC stock saddles listed for about A$600 while
    the fancy ones could go for as much as A$1800.

    
    I don't know anything about the saddles myself, but know that Parade
    Acres Tack shop in Concord NH sells them pretty reasonably. Both
    the Wintec and the Australian Stock saddles. There are MANY different
    versions of the Stock saddle. From what I understood, you're supposed
    to order by pretty exact measurement to your horse. Does any one
    else know how they are sized? Parade Acres seemed not to worry about
    that.
    Marianne
    

    Thanks everyone....
    
    I am sorry for shouting at you all, but i work in the fab where
    all the terminals are on capital letters most of the time for us
    to use out dispatch programs. When i use a terminal out in the office
    like this I remember not to use the capital letters. So please
    bare with me.
    
    Thanks for your great information. I say an ad for these stock saddles
    in EQUUS and called the tack shop. They have an indian made one
    on sale for $300.00. Like I said before, I am just looking and need
    to learn about them. I know they come in 16,17, and 18 inch seats.
    
    I will look into the tack shop in N.H. I would love to talk to someone
    who owns one and get their point of view. I must say, the time I
    tried one it was very comfortable to ride in. I ride stock seat
    anyways so it felt the same but not so must saddle under you.
    
    Once again, thanks alot.
    
    terry
    
    

    I saw some of these at the Arabian Nationals.  Sat in one and they
    did seem very comfortable.  They are now accepted in the show ring
    for Arabians.  They even dress them up with a little silver.  A
    friend of ours bought one...loves it.  However, his was very
    fancy and I believe around $1200.00.  Will try and find the catalogue
    that I picked up.
    
    Good luck
    

    Yes, I am interested in any information on these saddles. I need
    to know how to fit them properly, get the correct seat size, etc.
    
    I would also like to know more about how they are made now. Such
    as are they using an english tree or a western tree. 
    
    If anyone can give me the name and phone number of people that own
    and use these saddles I would love to talk to them a little to get
    they thoughts on these saddles. 
    
    I am interested in one just for pleasure and trail riding...maybe
    even for those Hunter paces. I ride the flat where my horse is only
    5 and at this time he is just being started over fences. But even
    though he goes over the fences I DON'T. I have a bad disk in my
    back and have all i can do to ride. 
    
    Thanks again for the information. I am going to try and contact
    the tack shop in N.H.
    
    terry

    Hi Terry,
    
    I saw an ad in Equus for these saddles, it says to send $3.00 to:
    
    The Australian Stock Saddle Company
    PO box 987
    Malibu, CA 90265   
    
    Phone #818-889-6988
    
     

    Yes, my friend sent for it already. Thanks alot....
    
    terry

    Hi Terry!
    
    My boyfriend and I have the Catalogue you sent away for, if you
    wanted a sneak preview, maybe we could arrange something.  
    
    I have a friend who owns one, and she has let both my boyfriend and I use
    it...let me tell you, its worth going bareback till I can save up
    an buy one.  They are fantastic!   I am not a very experienced rider
    and was going to take a tumble (if I had been in the saddle I borrow
    from time to time I would have ) but you SIT in this saddle and your
    not going anywhere!  And it is so comfortable (soft, padded...).
    
    We have been watching the prices of these saddles for some time
    now, and they are dropping, possible due to other companies selling
    imiations (SP) and increased popularity.
    
    I want to warn you though, there are a lot of people selling them
    for less money, but most are a cheaper made saddle.  The Aussie co.
    sell them from $400 to $1600, and I believe they are imported from
    Austraila.  Also the Wintek sound nice, I considered buying one, 
    however they are a one size fits all type saddle.  And the 'fenders' 
    don't feel like they are in the proper place on my legs.  Too high 
    and akward(SP?).  But for some I guess it is okay.
    
    If you want to talk off line I can give you more details and the
    name of some dealers we found out about.
    
    Michele
                   

    Sounds good Michele. I would love to talk to you about the saddle.
    I also have a friend that is interested in getting one. She has
    never tried one and would like to sit in one first.
    
    give me a call some time...
    
    dtn 225-5110
    
    terry

    
    	Hi Terry..
    
    	I have an Aussie saddle.... I have been riding in it for 3 years
    	now...  I wouldn't ride another saddle.  It is a saddle that
    	you really sit IN on ON..  I have ridden in it for as long as
    	12 hours and never was sore...  
    
    	If you have any questions that perhaps I could answer, my
    	phone is:  264-3832 in MKO.
    
    	Susan

    
    	RE .5..
    
    
    	Terry,
    	
    	An Aussie saddle really is not a jumping saddle... I know, I
    	know, you watched "The Man from Snowy River" correct?  Well,
    	when I have jumped in this saddle it really has not been by
    	choice..... I had to because there was really no other way
    	around something...  If you do jump - you really need to be
    	up and off the saddle and try to stay off at the landing too.
    	You must be careful not to slam down on the pommel of your saddle
    	because on the Aussie types - they tend to be high.  and OOOOOuch!
    
    	They are a really easy saddle to move in and feel very secure.
    	Altho, I have yet to rip off one of my leathers in full gallop
    	to clobber someone as in the movie...  heh-heh-heh...  my luck
    	would be that someone would just grab the other end and rip
    	me off ma nag!
    
    		Susan

    Terry,
    I have a friend with a very bad back that was told not to ride by
    her doctor. Her solution was to buy a Tenn. Walker and an Assie
    saddle. She rides all day with no discomfort. I got to take her
    horse and saddle for a spin one day and I could not beleive how
    comfortable it was. You get more bouncing riding in a car! She says
    she will never ride an ordinary gaited horse again.
    
    Just some thoughts,
    Sandy
    

    THATS FOR THE INFO ON JUMPING...BUT I RIDE STOCKSEAT AND WESTERN
    SIDE-SADDLE MOSTLY. ALTHOUGH I DO RIDE ENGLISH ON HUNTER PACES.
    MY FRIEND WOULD SHOOT ME IF I WENT STOCK SEAT. BUT ANY WAYS I RIDE
    MAINLY WESTERN, I DO NOT JUMP. I DO HAVE A BASD BACK AND CAN RIDE
    EITHER SIDE SADDLE OR STOCK SEAT NO PROBLEM...BUT ENGLISH KILLS
    ME.
    
    I HAVE RIDDEN IN THE OUTBACK SADDLE ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO JUST ON A
    FRIENDS HORSE OUT ON A 2 HOUR TRAIL RIDE AND FOUND IT GREAT. I THOUGHT
    I WOULD LIKE TO GET ONE NOW JUST FOR PLEASURE RIDING...I ALSO LIKE
    TO COLLECT SADDLE MY HUSBAND SAYS. I AM NOW UP TO 3 STOCKSEAT SADDLES
    DOWN TO 2 ENGLISH, AND ONLY ONE SIDE SADDLE.
    
    I ALSO AN TOSSING BETWEEN GETTING AN OUTBACK SADDLE WITH A WESTERN
    HORN OR WITHOUT. THEY COME EITHER WAY. 
    
    OH WELL, I PROBLEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR A WHILE.
    
    THANKS AGAIN, I AM GOING TO TRY TO FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS IT AND 
    SEE IF I CAN TRY RIDDING IN ONE AGAIN BEFORE I DO ANYTHING.
    
    TERRY

    I know I just read recently about someone buying a saddle from
    the Australian Stock Saddle Co - (I'll be darned if I can find
    who!)  and that she talked with Colin Dangaard...  Due to an 
    accident nag and I had last night - I need a saddle replacement 
    ASAP.  Please write back here or send me mail regarding your choice 
    and your opinion on it - also how long did it tack to get your order??
    
    	I am sending for a catalog and will try to talk to someone 
    	from the company.                  
    
    Thanks for any help on this..
    
    	Susan

    Let's here the opinions on the "Aussie" saddles, is this just a
    new fad or are they really that good.  I've been interested in
    them for awhile now, I understand they range in price from the
    not so good ones of $200-300 and the real thing of $1000-1200.
    Are they as heavy as the standard western saddles?
    What are the advantages?
    I wanted to sit in one, so I went to State Line Tack, but they
    had sold all four that they had just got in within two days.
    From the pictures they look comfortable and not as heavy as the
    Western, and they look like they would give a little more support
    than the all purpose English.
    
    Let's here the opinions.

    Check out notes file #837.... I too have been toying with getting
    an outback saddle. I did not know that State Line carried these
    saddles. Do you know any information on the line of saddles that
    State Line carries? What was the prices? 
    
    I rode in one of these saddle many years ago and it was great. very
    comfortable. But not all folks like them. I must say that since
    I have been thinking about getting one, I have talked to alot of
    people that have one or have used them and I have only heard one
    person say they were not impressed with the saddle.
    
    Happy hunting,
    
    terry
    

    
    	I saw the ones at State line - they were under $400, and said
    	Made in India on them. They looked comparable to the real ones,
    	but I didn't look at it closely...
    
    	Sherry
    

Well from what I read some where, the aust. outback saddles were made
    by Indians. I do not believe that they are made in Austrailar. I
    think the ones you buy from there are Indian made. Does anyone know?
    
    Do you have an "outback saddle Sherry? If so, where did you get
    it?
    
    terry

    
    	I just bought one from The Australian Stock Saddle Company in	
        Calf. and I love it.  It is their Somerset (smooth leather 
    	finish).  I got it in one week.  The folks at the company fit 
    	nag and I just fine.
        
    	This saddle is made in Australia by Trevor James.
    
    	I also have another (aussie) saddle that I bought from Golden Royal.
    	(The company was just that - a ROYAL pain.)  This saddle was
    	made in India - of smooth bridle leather.  I can't really complain
    	about it - it is made well and is very comfortable.
    
    	BUT... the QUALITY of this Somerset is outstanding.  I just
    	can't say enough about it.
                                                           
    
    	Susan
    

    
    	re .3 - No, I don't have an aussie saddle, but I've
    		ridden in Michele Peluso's...the one's at 
    		state line seemed to me to be inferior quality
    		leather, but I like I said, I didn't look too
    		closely...          
    
    		Sherry
    

    I own a Syd Hill saddle that I bought from the Australian Stock Saddle
    Co.  I spoke with Colin Dangaard to determine what saddle would best
    suite my purposes.  I have an arabian that I show hunt seat, but want
    to trail ride competitevly.  I take a size 17" english saddle, but the
    Aussie measurements go by height and weight.  I am 5'9" and weigh about
    120lbs.  I take a man's 14" size Aussie saddle.  Don't go by your
    saddle size in any other style.  Check first with someone who knows the
    saddle. It must fit you as well as the horse.  I was skeptical about
    the size, but it does fit perfectly.  You should feel secure and
    surrounded by it, that's what they mean by sitting in and not on.  This
    saddle because of its narrow twist is more comfortable to ride, and it
    makes it safer to ride a young horse on the trail!  My trainer recently
    fractured his neck, the only saddle he will ride in is my Australian.
    Don't buy anything but a real Australian made saddle.  The Indian
    version is cheap for a good reason.  My Sid Hill is a work of art, and
    I wouldn't sell it for anything!
    
    Stephanie
    

    
    	I'll second that! I have a Trevor James Saddle bought from the
    	Australian Stock Saddle Company - and I LOVE mine!  Cody and I 
    	now reside in Arizona and ride the in the desert and mountains.
    	We are still getting used to the VERY different contry and I really
    	like the security the saddle gives.
    
    	I guess the only BAD thing about 'em is that sometimes they are
    	hard to fall OUT of...  My friend just completed a ride and her
    	horse went down and she couldn't bail out fast enough.  My
    	friend's leg got bruised and her horse cut up some - but they are
    	both ok.  But she did mention that she kinda got "hung-up" on the
    	"ears" of the saddle.
    
    	I have been riding mine for about 4 years (I think) and have
    	not had this happen to me.  I like how you sit "IN" the Aussie.
    
    	Susan

    Hi everyone...
    
    I am interested in purchasing an aussie saddle. I did look in some
    of the other file and read what i could find on them.
    
    What I would like to know from you folks out there is....
    
    What makes are good to go with....
    
    proper fitting of the saddle....(I have BIG appy's)
    
    I want it for trail riding and hunter paces, etc.
    
    I have  several wertern saddles and love them, but my old CHEAP
    english saddle is starting to feel it age. 
    
    Any suggestions from anyone would be great....
    
    I got a catalog yesterday from the Outback Ranch in Ca. they sell
    Sid Hall saddles....
    
    What are good names to buy from.
    
    thanks,
    
    terry

    WHAT ABOUT THE DEPTH OF THE SEAT?
    
    I SAW IN THE CATALOG THEY COME DEEP SEATED OR REGULAR.....
    
    ANY INFORMATION?
    
    TERRY

    if you'd like, you can come to my barn and try mine out.  I'm right 
    down the street from you (okay, about 5 miles or so).
    
    	Michele

    My friend Susan has one for sale, and it's advertised in the for sale
    note.  If you call her, she can tell you alot.  She is negotiable on
    price.  The saddle is a Syd Hill.
    
    The saddle must not only fit the horse, but you as well.  It goes by
    weight and height of the rider.
    
    Mine is also a Syd Hill, I like it very much.  It is hard to post in,
    if not impossible, so we just lope along, or ride in a semi-half seat.
    
    stephanie
    

    
    	The deeper seated saddles are usually about 4 1/2 inches deep.
    	The cantle is very high.  One of the reasons they say you sit
    	IN an Aussie not ON.  This makes for a very secure seat.

    Hi again Everyone....
    
    I picked up a Trever James saddle yesterday from a friends sister
    that she is selling. I brought it home and tried it on my horse
    last night.
    
    I am not to sure of the fit on my horse if it is correct or not.
    It definatly does not fit like a western or an english saddle. With
    all the padding it seems to sit high on the horses withers.
    
    Can anyone tell me if this is correct. The saddle is not broken
    in at all and so the stuffing is still firm and will sit higher
    at this time I know.
    
    Looking from the side the saddle (seat area) is level. It fits me
    great. My horse is very willing and I do not know if he will let
    me know if it is bothering him.
    
    Any comments.....
    
    thanks alot.
    
    terry
    
    PS...the gullet size seems to be 3" and I was told by the Aussie
    Saddle Co. that was a standard size tree, 4" is a wider tree and
    it comes one tree larger.

    Terry-
    
    I just got my new catalogue, and it has a wealth of info on fitting
    the aussie saddle.  I can fax it to you or if you want to pick it up..
    we can arrange it too.
    
    I will most likely be down the barn tuesday nite if you want to see
    my saddle and talk about fit ect.
    
    Michele
    

I am now in the midst of an 'aussie' dilemma. And could use some help.

I was in Triple Crown this seekend and saw the most beautiful saddle - and had
no idea what it was.  Turns out it is an Australian Outback saddle made by Syd
Hill & Sons.  It is unbelievable - stiching, embossing, detail - all not to be
believed.  So naturally, I took it home to try out.

It was like sitting in a easy chair!  With a few minor drawbacks - the stirrups 
were to long and I could not get them short enough due to the fact taht it was
made for someone about 5'8" and I am 5'4"!  But I think that can be remedied.
The next day I went out again for a longer ride and found some problems.  The
fronts of my thighs are bruised from hitting those ears!  And posting is
impossible. I talked to my Western rider friend and found that the posting is
different (slower and lower) so I think that can be fixed.

Now for the questions:
	Does the brusing go away or does the saddle not fit?
	How do you cope with trail riding with friends who ride English and
			post at a much faster clip than I can in this saddle?
	How are these things sized?  (How do I know if it fits me?)

I ride a little bit of everything but trail is my favorite and where I will be
without hesitation all summer long.  I already own an Ainsley International 
Event saddle that is also very comfortable and has given me no problem on
three-four hour rides.  Am I crazy to consider this saddle?

What price ranges have you seen for these?  This one is going for $950 and 
hardly looks used.

What else should I ask?  I feel like I am rambling on but I have never seen such
a beautiful saddle.  Part of me wants it because it is unique but the other part
is telling me this is a very impractical purchase.

Opinions?

    Posting slower?  This will only work if you get your horse to trot at
    a different tempo.  You have to post at the same tempo that your horses
    legs move at; there's not other choice.  Western horses generally have
    slower, lower motion at a trot, and that's why their riders post
    slower.  It is possible, however, for you to post lower, i.e. not move
    your body up so much when you post.  But you'll have to figure out if
    this makes the difference.  Some people have trouble with certain
    deep-seated dressage saddles for the same reason, no matter how low
    they post.  Probably has a lot to do with your anatomy, your horse's
    anatomy and the saddle's anatomy!  If this saddle was made for someone
    taller than you, you may be trying to force a fit that just isn't gonna
    work...
    
    -ellie

    I have one and I love it.  You'll sit differently in the aussie saddle, 
    with your feet more forward.  Since I've started English lessons, I've
    noticed it takes a few minutes to adjust to the aussie, but it's a
    great trail saddle.
    
    You should be able to fit your hand (width wise, like you were laying
    it on your thigh) between the knee roll and your thigh, and 3-4 fingers
    from your behind to the top of the back of the saddle (cantle??).  If
    you can't do this then the saddle isn't fitting you properly.
    
    I can do a modified post in the saddle w/ no problems, no bruising.
    
    Verify the tree size, as they have 3 different widths.  The aussie
    saddle only requires a very thin pad between the horse and saddle. 
    Anything thicker means it won't fit your horse correctly.   

    
    	I have an Aussie, too. It's perfect for me because my Tenn
    	Walker does not trot, so no posting. =)  However, as Michele
    	said, you learn to ride with your legs a little more forward,
    	and have to learn to adjust for when you need to ride a more
    	traditional style, ie for a show. I did use it for a jumping
    	clinic once and the next day I had the most amazingly artistic
    	bruises about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide on my thighs...!!
    
    	The stirrups are customized, you can order new ones from the 
    	Aussie company for your height, or find someone to modify the
    	ones on the saddle. The price they are asking is reasonable, I
    	have seen them for up to 1700+ in some catalogs!! 
    
    	Go through some old notes in here and get the phone number for
    	the Australain Outback Company (Malibu, CA), they would probably
    	be able to answer your questions. 
    
    	Sherry
    

    You don't "post" while riding in a western saddle......
    You sit the trot, (jog in western lingo) so to speak...
    
    L-

    re .10
    
    Yes, you're right.  But many Western riders do actually post if their
    horse's jog is really a trot.  I had a friend who swore she didn't post
    until she saw a video tape of herself!

Thanks for the replies.  I actually know that you don't post to the trot in 
western gear, my horse has not figured that out - we need work 
getting to the jog!

Anyway, I called Australian Outback Saddles in Ca. (Great tip!).  After talking 
with them, we decided the saddle does not fit and would not be a good thing
to buy, so I am returning it.  They are sending me their catalog.

However, I think I am hooked on this style of riding and will be on the lookout
for another stock saddle for my future trail adventures!

Marsha

    I'm considering an Aussie saddle for trail riding and as a saddle for
    when guests ride my horse.  I used to ride western (many moons ago) and
    have considered a western but thought I ought to check out an aussie as
    well.  Theory being it provides a more secure seat for the novice rider
    than my Stuuben Siegfried (yes, I have an older german made one I
    purchased through this notesfile and I LOVE it). I need to know from
    those of you who have an Aussie, particularily anyone who has also
    ridden western, do you find you can feel your horse's back any better
    with an Aussie over a western? How do you see them for comfort vs 
    a western and for beginner riders?
    
    Also, I'd be interested in borrowing one from someone for a couple of
    days just to try it myself if any of you can part with yours for a
    short time.  I could "purchase" (take it home and try it with the
    thought of maybe returning it) a new one but I  can't really try it
    out (read do more than sit on it) and they seem hard to come by used.
    
    	- Jeannie

    
    	Don't know where you are, but there was a used one recently
    	at the Gifted Horse shop in Marlboro, MA. (call before you 
    	go). I think I can feel the back better with the Aussie, but
    	remember your legs will be a little forward of the girth. I
    	find my western EQ saddle is better for off the trail work,
    	the aussie is strictly trail. You can order aussies with a	
    	horn, like a western saddle, if you want it...
    
    	Sherry
    

    I have a friend who is selling one.  She may be willing to work
    something out with you.  SHe's selling it because her hubby bought
    her a mega buck, ultra fancy aussie.  :^)
    
    I have one you are welcome to come see and try at my barn.  I wouldn't
    think of selling it (although I'm becoming more partial to my county).
    The seat is very secure, and you definatly have more contact w/ the
    horse over a western.  You can also post in it w/ out problems.
    
    The only problem I can think of is the seat is deep and snug.  If
    someone needed a little larger seat than you, it might be uncomfortable 
    for them.
    
    My friend has a wintec aussie which is more along the one size fits all
    type saddle.  You could check that one out as well.  The barn is in Grafton.
    

    re: .-1
    
    Thanks for the offer to ride at your farm.  I've ordered some catalogs
    and if I get really intrigued I might take you up on the offer. As it
    is Grafton is about 1hr from my house so it would take a good part of
    a weekend day for me to try it out.  Wouldn't be a bad investment of
    time if I get more serious about trying one.  On the surface it
    seems like I might be happier with a good western saddle and would
    find the saddle more useful for various types of rider's sizes and
    skills.  Does that seem like a fair statement?
    
    Thanks again for the input.
    

    Michele,
    
    re: "the wintec is a one size fits all type saddle."
    
    Are you talking about a particular style of Wintec saddles? I'm sure
    the dressage saddles come in different seat sizes. I think their hunt
    seat & all purpose saddles do too.
    
    John

    re: .19 - wintec is a one size fits all type....
    
    John I guess what I mean is the fit is more generous than the
    traditional aussie saddle.  If you got a average seat size, most people
    would be comfortable in it.  It's the position of the little knee
    flap things plus the deepness of the seat that make the traditional
    saddle more a custom fit. 
    
    You would have to actually sit in both styles of the aussie to 
    understand what I mean about the fit, I just can't put it into words.