baskhana, Just a few comments about Aussie saddles: I personally like them for the narrow twist which, to me, is more like bareback. I don't like the "Mickey Mouse ears" on them as they keep me from being able to post the trot efficiently and comfortably, but if you like to stand the trot for long distances, then those little thigh rests come in handy. Some Aussie saddles have been known to sore the backs of certain horses (actually, any saddle that doesn't fit right can do that) because of hard, stuffed panels . . . but not all of the saddles are made the same, and there are so many different kinds of therapeutic saddle pads nowadays, and so much good saddle fitting information available that there's little excuse for a sore-backed horse due to a poor saddle fit. I have heard complaints of certain Aussie saddles having very hard seats which caused very sore tushes. We had one TB, high-withered, dippy-backed gelding at the ranch in CA. Out of the Wintecs, Maxam, Sharon Saare, Billy Cook, and other western saddles we had available (over 30 of them) not ONE fit that gelding . . . but the owners went online to: http://www.kates.net/cart/customer/home.php and got instructions on how to make a template of the gelding's back, and ended up ordering a synthetic Aussie saddle . . . not expensive . . . that fit that horse like a glove and was very comfortable for riding. That was over three years ago, and the owners still have that saddle and still use it on that gelding. I have found that sometimes a saddle will feel good when we first sit on it, but the real test comes after a 2+ hour trail ride . . . resulting soreness can sometimes take more than 24 hours to materialize. If you can borrow a few different sizes and makes of Aussie saddles to test out, that will be ideal for you and for the horse.

Great. Thanks for the reply. Will continue checking them out.

Hey Bask, I have been riding in an aussie saddle w/no horn for 3 years now and I love it. It fits my mustang like a dream and is SO comfy!! The one I got that I use on my mustang I actually got off of ebay and it fits him perfectly.He's the bay in my profile if you want to have a look. I order most of my stuff from the australian stock saddle company offline. they can send you a free catalog if you want. here is the link, they are my favorite company and super nice people http://aussiesaddle.com/ There are plenty of styles to choose from so I am sure you'll find what you like. I usually ride 3-6 hrs at a time and am trying to get ready for endurance racing and I will use an aussie saddle for this. Good luck in your search.

I am considering getting an Aussie saddle. Anyone have any experience with them? Pros/Cons? Which models etc? Is it better to go to a store and sit on some or is mail ordering adequate? Thanks for any input.