Australian horsemen have more than 100 years of rugged cattle chasing and trail riding in their history, which has given rise to an abundance of functional tack, apparel, and natural-fleece tack accessories. Photo courtesy of Outback Trading Company.

Remember The Man From Snowy River? The film’s heart-stopping horse action — including riders charging down a near-vertical cliff — was filmed without special effects and left trail riders all over wishing they were just a little bit Australian.

Of course, the film reflected an equally impressive reality. Aussies have more than 100 years of rugged cattle chasing and trail riding in their history. This experience has given rise to an abundance of functional tack, apparel, and natural-fleece products. If you’re ready for the real thing, check out the tour companies ready to book you onto the ultimate Australian riding vacation.

Practical Tack
The Australian stock saddle is the most famous Aussie contribution to modern riding. First developed 150 years ago to aid cattle drovers in the Outback, the saddle was designed with both the horse and the rider in mind.

Many trail riders, including competitive distance riders, choose the Australian stock saddle for a number of reasons. First, it’s lightweight. Unlike traditional Western saddles that can weigh 25 pounds or more, the Australian stock saddle comes in around 15 pounds, sometimes less. You’ll be able to easily lift the saddle onto your horse’s back, and your horse will have less dead weight to carry on long rides.  

Also, the saddle is famous for its ability to keep the rider on the horse. A deep seat and high knee pads (called Poleys) help you stay on during spooks, spins, and abrupt stops. These features were necessities for Australian Outback riders who faced snakes, crocodiles, and wild pigs as they rode through the country’s steep and varied terrain.

And consider these trail-friendly details: The challenging Australian terrain gave rise to stirrup flexibility — designed to swing freely, the stirrup accommodates your leg position as you go up and down hills. Plus, the saddle typically sports a high pommel but no horn; horns add weight and bulk. (Models with horns are available, if you prefer.) And finally, the saddle is covered with D-rings and brackets for hanging saddlebags and other trail-riding accessories, and for attaching a breastcollar and crupper.   

Note that the Australian stock saddle is traditionally made from leather, although synthetic versions are available; some Australian-made models feature crocodile-skin accents.

Halter/Bridles
Photo courtesy of Australian Stock Saddle Com Photo courtesy of Down Under Saddle Supply Photos courtesy of Down Under Saddle Supply

Here’s a rundown of other Aussie tack and saddle accessories.

Halter/bridle. Australians design tack to be practical, and the combination halter-bridle is classic Aussie. Designed for riding in the bush, the bridle becomes a halter by unclipping the reins from the bit and attaching them to the halter ring. The reins then become a long lead rope that can be tied to trees or other anchored objects. This functional piece of tack traditionally comes in leather, although modern Australians (and those who copy them) make halter-bridles from biothane and other synthetic materials, too.

Saddle pad. No Australian saddle is complete without an Australian saddle pad to go with it. These pads are shaped to fit Australian stock saddles and often come with built-in saddlebags. Traditionally made from natural fleece, they help protect your horse’s back from saddle sores.

Breastcollar/crupper. Breastcollars and cruppers are another specialty of Australians, who put their own twist on these classic trail riding accessories. Designed to keep the saddle in place during steep climbs and treacherous descents, Australian breastcollars and cruppers feature interesting nuances in design. Some breastcollars, for example, come with water bottle holders attached, while others are made almost exclusively of crocodile skin. Some Australian cruppers come with soft, padded docks to protect the underside of your horse’s tail during steep descents.

Saddlebags. Made from leather in a classic pouch style, traditional Aussie saddlebags have a distinct look reminiscent of the cavalry days. These include cantle bags, flank bags, and wither bags. Some are made from waterproof oilskin.

Saddles
Photos courtesy of Down Under Saddle Supply

The Australian Stock Saddle
Saddles are born of necessity, and the Australian stock saddle is no exception. Designed for the kind of hard riding that only Australian drovers can do, the Australian stock saddle works to keep the rider comfortable and safely on the horse.

The first version of the Australian stock saddle was developed in the mid-1800s. Adapted from the dressage saddle, it featured a deep seat and larger knee roll to help the rider maintain his or her position in the saddle while working livestock and riding through difficult terrain. The tree was made of carved timber with a steel framework. Original Australian saddles featured an English-style stirrup.

In time, the fender developed. Knee rolls became knee pads (called Poleys) and grew to a height of six inches for even more stability. It was then moved away from the knee, farther up the front of the saddle to the position we see today. This location helped support the rider’s upper thigh, an innovation that came in handy when a horse made a sudden stop and the rider was thrown forward. Poleys help even the most unbalanced rider stay in place. (Fit tip: Poleys should be parallel to and sit about three-quarters of an inch away from your thighs.)

When Australian saddlemakers discovered the benefits of using fiberglass to make saddle trees in the 1960s, the Australian stock saddle became popular worldwide. The increased flexibility and strength of the saddle’s tree achieved with this new material was hard to beat.

In the 1980s, the Australian stock saddle became a staple of trail riders. Its light weight and trail-savvy design made it a natural choice for those who spent hours on the trail. Today, the Australian stock saddle is the model for specially designed endurance saddles around the world.

Rugged Trail Togs
You’re likely acquainted with the Australian oilskin duster or drover coat. (In Australia, a drover is someone who takes cattle over long distances to green grazing land.) Made from dyed cotton canvas and usually treated with linseed oil, or a combination of oils and wax, dusters are the Australian cattle drover’s version of a raincoat. The fabric allows the coat to breathe, and the oilskin repels water. Most come in ankle length and feature a sewn-in cape over the shoulders to help shed rain and snow.

You might enjoy a plain duster, like those worn by the original Aussie drovers. Or, you might prefer such features as leg straps to help keep the coat in place while riding, and the ability to convert the coat’s lower part into chaps. Today’s predominant colors are dark camel, dark brown, and black. In addition to being practical, these coats add an air of cool to any rider that can’t be beat.

Here are more apparel items.
Jackets. Duster or drover jackets are a shorter version of the ankle-length versions, and are often described as duster bomber jackets. They feature the same breathable, water-repellent fabric as the duster, but often include leather cuffs and fleece lining. They often come with hoods to help in rainy weather, and are great at keeping riders warm on chilly days.

Hats. Australian riding hats are different from regular Western hats in the way they’re shaped. With flatter, more flexible brims designed to protect the face from sun (the Outback sun can be brutal), Aussie riding hats are typically made from canvas, waterproof oilskin, straw, or crushable wool. They’re often equipped with stampede straps to keep the hat in place during a good gallop or on a windy day. 

Moleskin shirts/pants. Made from heavy, 100 percent cotton fabric with a soft, velvety finish, moleskin is a traditional material for Australian working apparel. Moleskin shirts and pants are still worn in the Outback by those tending sheep and cattle. Moleskin riding breeches, great for riding, are also considered fashionable streetwear. 

Vests. Aussies are partial to vests, especially those made from oilskin or wool. Vests offer an extra layer of warmth without restricting arm movement while doing chores and riding. Aussie vests in particular sport a variety of pockets, including sewn-in zippered pouches, perfect for carrying trail-riding essentials. Designs include the traditional, open vest look, and high-necked buttoned or zippered models. Some come with special linings, zippers, waist straps, and other accessories.

Riding vests are designed to fall at just the right place, so the vest back won’t catch between your seat and the saddle. Oilskin riding vests are designed to ward off rain and snow while helping to keep you warm. When you’re off your horse, doing ground or camp chores, the lack of sleeves will help you to stay cool.

Ah, Fleece!
Australia is well-known for its sheep production, and wool and fleece are a big part of the country’s heritage. The high quality of wool and fleece isn’t lost on Australian riders, who use both of these materials generously in tack and riding apparel.

Wool in particular is a popular material for saddle pads. Its durability, breathability, absorbency and unsurpassed quality make it the material of choice for many Australian riders. Wool pads have a felt finish and are sometimes referred to as “under pads.” They feature billet straps to help keep the saddle in place.

Fleece can best be described as deep-piled wool with the skin still attached. The skin is tanned, making it similar to a pelt. Fleece from sheep is seen throughout the world of Australian tack and riding apparel because of the popularity of wool Down Under. However, alpaca fleece is also used in Australian products.

Used for saddle pads, saddle seat covers (called seat savers), noseband covers, girth covers, and stirrup-leather covers, fleece helps protect both rider and horse from chafing on long, dusty trails. It absorbs sweat and provides cushioning. Fleece is also a staple in duster bombers, because of its insulating properties.

The Australians came up with the concept of incorporating fleece into their riding equipment more than 100 years ago. Because fleece is expensive (it requires sacrificing the sheep, as opposed to regular wook, which is sheared off), experts ave worked hard to replicate this fabric. However, although faux fleece is inexpensive, it isn't as durable and breathable as the real thing. Synthetic fleece eventually loses it's pile, it fibers, and its usefulness. And besides, no self-respecting Aussie would be caught dead using it. Nothing can substitute for nature when it comes to fleece.

Down Under Riding Adventures
If you want to do more than just ride with Australian tack, consider booking an Australian riding adventure. Using local mounts that are familiar with the terrain, you’ll experience Australia the way few tourists do: on the back of a horse.

When planning your trip, think about your riding abilities and whether your skills are suited to the particular ride. Riding-tour companies can help you decide which trip is right for you based on your riding experience. Here’s a sampling to get you started. 

Australian Beach & Bush Ride. This luxurious seven-day riding vacation is headquartered in Noosa, on the subtropical coast of Queensland. You’ll ride through the area’s mountain trails and rainforest as you take in spectacular views of the Australian coast. You’ll also have the chance to ride along the beach near the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island.

Contact: Cross Country International, P.O. Box 1170, Millbrook, NY 12545; (800) 828-8768 or (845) 635-2200; www.equestrianvacations.com.

EquiTrek Australia. This Aussie outfitter offers a number of rides in the Land Down Under. These include four different four- to seven-day rides in Kimberley; four rides around New South Wales; a trek through the Snowy Mountains; and a jaunt on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and North of Cairns.

Contact: EquiTrek Australia, 5 King Road, Ingleside NSW 2101, Australia; (61-2) 9913 9408; www.equitrek.com.au.

Hidden Trails. You’ve got plenty of Australian rides to choose from with Hidden Trails. This riding vacation company offers riding adventures in New South Wales, including the Comboyne Plateau Ride, the Snowy Mountains Lodge Ride, Snowy Mountains Camping, and the Bushranger Ride. In Victoria, equestrians can go on the Bogong High Plains ride, while those wishing to see Western Australia can tour the coast on horseback. For those who prefer to stay in one place rather than trek, the company offers a quieter holiday at a Queensland Outback ranch.

Contact: Hidden Trails, 659A Moberly Rd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V5Z 4B3; (888) 987-2457 or (604) 323-1141; www.hiddentrails.com.

Horse Trek Australia. This 21-day ride includes treks through Australia’s Snowy Mountains. As you ride along the sometimes steep and rocky trails, you’ll visit sites featured in the film, The Man From Snowy River. The ride includes some nights camping and other nights in hotels, and ends in Fiji with a sailboard and snorkeling adventure.

Contact: Lari Shea’s Ricochet Ridge Ranch, 24202 North Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA 95437; (888) 873-5777 or (707) 964-7669; www.horse-vacation.com.

AUSSIE RESOURCE GUIDE Saddles, Tack, & Accessories

The Australian Connection (800) 847-8521; www.theaustralianconnection.us
The Australian Stock Saddle Co. (818) 889-6988: www.aussiesaddle.com
Bates Australia (877) 927-4337:  www.batesaustralia.com.au
Cariboo Outback Saddles & Supplies (866) 832-3565: www.outbacksaddles.com
Down Under Saddle Supply, Inc. (800) 395-8225: www.downunderweb.com
Frontier Equestrian (417) 394-2298: www.frontierequestrian.com
JeffersEquine (800) 533-3377: www.jeffersequine.com
Kate’s Saddle Supply (303) 841-6770; www.kates.net: www.loristack.com
OrthoFlex Saddleworks Inc. (501) 375-7822; www.ortho-flex.com
Sportack (800) 248-TACK [8225]: www.sportack.com
Syd Hill & Sons/Outback Ranch  (800) 686-1417:   www.sydhillsaddles.com
Zilco  www.zilco.com.au

Apparel

Australian Stockman Outfitters  (800) 737-1673
Best of Downunder Ltd.  www.bestofdownunder.com
Cariboo Outback Saddles & Supplies  (250) 620-3678: www.outbacksaddles.com
Classic Country Comforts  (888) 228-9970: www.classiccountrycomforts.com
Down Under Saddle Supply, Inc. (800) 395-8225: www.downunderweb.com
Driza-Bone  www.drizabone.com.au
Kakadu Traders Australia  (800) 852-5288: www.kakaduaustralia.com
Outback Trading Co. Ltd.  (610) 932-5141: www.outbacktrading.com

Fleece

Aussie Skins Direct/Sheepskin Express Australia Pty. Ltd.: www.aussieskinsdirect.com
Cariboo Outback Saddles & Supplies  (250) 620-3678: www.outbacksaddles.com
Chicks Saddlery  www.chicksaddlery.com/tackshop/
Down Under Saddle Supply, Inc. (800) 395-8225: www.downunderweb.com
Fleeceworks  (760) 788-5949: www.fleeceworks.com
Four Winds Saddle Tack Store  (800) 498-0767: www.fourwinds.net/
Freedom Rider  www.freedomrider.com
Frontier Equestrian  (417) 394-2298: www.frontierequestrian.com
Jeffers Equine  (800) 533-3377: www.jeffersequine.com
Just Merino Sheepskin Products  (800) 324-WOOL [9665]: www.justmerinosheepskin.com, www.jmsproductsusa.com
Lori’s Tack  www.loristack.com
Long Riders Gear (888) 420-GEAR [4327]: www.longridersgear.com
Stagecoach West  (800) 648-1121: www.equineusaonline.com