Saddles and Harness

 I have been riding since I was 3 years old and mostly Western.  I have to honestly say that I have switched to the Australian Stock Saddle. I ride out on the trails and the Aussie really helps with the weight on my horse. It is only half the weight of my Western saddle. I feel like it helps my horse move in the shoulders freely with no restriction on his back like the western saddle does. It also is a shorter saddle in length (front to back) and I know with all of the padding of the Australian Stock Saddles that it has to be more comfortable on my short back horse by his kidney area too.
      The fenders are narrower then the western fender so it make it easier on my knees and ankles. I feel like it moves with me so much freer then the western saddle, especially on long rides on the trail.