australian stock saddle riding position help

LovesCobs

LovesCobs

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I've got a Franco australian stock saddle. Having ridden in it for the 1st time I think it's ideal for me and my horse however there are two things I need to sort-
1. the stirrups, I'm used to Sprengers and the large caged stirrups that have come with the saddle I found gave me stiff and sore ankles. i have dropped the length a lot but maybe I'm used to the flex? I may try putting a cage front on the Sprengers?
2. my seat bones! I can really feel them, obviously it's a different position and I really like it and I'm not slim so plenty of padding?! any advise for checking I'm in the right position? maybe the saddle seat needs re-doing?
I do love it but my bottom bones are sore today! :D :D
 
can you not use your Sprengers? we've got the Wintec and use webbers and whatever stirrup suits?
not sure what to add about your poor old bum, have you any pictures to help ? stock saddles are normally pretty comfy and designed for long rides, is the saddle sitting right and not tipping putting you in an armchair position? are your legs correct along the poleys?
 
I didn't put the sprengers on because the fenders mean if my foot got stuck the fenders are attached and wouldn't slide off. I don't have any cages to attach to the sprengers yet.
Position wise I ride shorter in my GP saddle so maybe I have a bad position in general? Tilt my hips or too much curve in my back? With longer leg position (I'm pretty sure my leg is right by the poleys) I'm sat in more dressage possition? I felt very secure and it wasn't strange without knee rolls.
I'll get a photo next time I'm on. It feels really comfortable except for my bottom bone issue! Maybe I'm used to sitting back on my flab!
 
I have ridden in Aussie saddles for years and the problem with most of them, although they are REALLY comfy, is that they put you in a 'Chair Seat' due to the forward position of the stirrups. This, although comfortable to sit on, puts all the pressure on your seat bones, as you are not sat correctly in the 3 point balanced seat. Try sitting on a hard chair with your legs in front - as is the position on most aussie saddles, then move your legs to the side of the chair into a 'Dressage' position. You can feel the weight come off your seat bones immediately. Look for an Australian Stock Saddle that puts you in more of a dressage position and your seat bones won't hurt. x
 
I rode in a stock saddle when I first got my horse, his tendancy to buck was making me a regular at a and e. I found I did have to ride longer , but I put my sprengers on it and used it for the first year. It felt odd at first but it felt just as odd going back to my English saddle once me and the horse sorted out our differences! Mine is a battered old saddle but ive kept it in case I have problems If and when I move on from my old horse. Best thing I ever bought!
 
Yes, stock saddles give you the security that English style saddles never can. No wonder that the Aussies call our English saddles "Self-Emptying Saddles", LOL. If all riders used them for hacking, there wouldn't be a quarter of the riding accidents that end up at A & E. They are great for nervous riders too and Sooo comfy. Hang on to it!
 
I've been trying to sit in different positions and I find if I sit in a dressage position my seat bones hurt. i spoke to Jason Web at your horse and he gave me some tips about the fenders and my position. Sitting further back in the saddle has helped rather than pushing myself into the front. I have now put my sprengers on it with cages on.
 
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