This puts the rider's center of gravity and weight over the horse's shoulders rather than the middle of the spine. This position is unquestionably far more comfortable for most horses and greatly enhances horse performance. Stirrup leathers hang from the stirrup bars on the saddle tree and are designed for easy release by sliding backwards. Under most circumstances, should a rider take a fall and be dragged, the stirrup leathers will release from the saddle, reducing risk of injury. Quality Australian Saddles are made of bark tanned leather.
Oil is worked into the leather during tanning, leaving the leather more soft and supple.
Wood and steel provide an excellent ride through its suspended seat system. You sit on webbing suspended over the tree, not on the tree itself, this is then covered with padding and leather. The tree can also be reset after the saddle is made to fit virtually any horse. Fibrebond is the ultimate choice. It's unique ability to flex with the horse alleviates pressure points normally associated with rigid saddle trees.