AUSTRALIAN FENDER

The order form is a starting point to help you understand all saddle options available. After filling out the form, it becomes a work in progress until you are satisfied with your choices. An itemized list of your selection and associated costs is mailed to you and me for further discussion. You don't need a credit card.

When measuring Western saddle seats, the traditional method involves measuring from the top of the cantle to the back of the fork. However, this method can be misleading as a change of fork or cantle angle can result in a different seat size measurement without any actual change in the seat. A more accurate way to measure the seat size is by measuring the thigh area from the base of the cantle to the bottom of the swells. To measure your seat size correctly, enter the circumference of the thickest part of your thigh in inches into the first box below. The second box will then compute the suggested thigh width, and we recommend adding 3 inches for wiggle room.

Seat width is calculated by taking thigh circumference divided by 3.14 and adding 3 inches. If you choose a Cutback, English, Endurance, or Wade saddle style, your thighs can slip forward beneath the forks, providing an additional inch of seat space. This is particularly useful for short-backed horses.

The fork or swell, which is the front part of the saddle, not only adds to its style but also provides functionality. We offer swell and slick forks, with and without undercuts or horns. Please note that the saddles shown in the pictures include additional options and may not be representative of the base saddle.

The tree swells above arrive with their respective horns. If you do not want a horn, please let us know; we can remove the horn from any fork.

Increasing the cantle height provides greater security while riding, but makes mounting and dismounting more challenging.

Please choose a finish for the top edge of the cantle.

Bridle leather finishes with a waxy feel and a lovely sheen. Following the vegetable tanning process, the leather is hot stuffed with oils and tallows that penetrate the hides, resulting in a smooth, rich cut that is weather-resistant. Following the tanning process, the leather is drum-dyed for uniform colouring. The artisanal tanning process distinguishes vegetable leather from leather produced by other types of tannages. With vegetable tanning, colours undergo an oxidation process. Their colour will get darker with time, or they can move to a brownish tone, mainly if the items they produce are used outdoors. So please expect a colour variation as time goes by.

Variations in colour, pattern, and style are possible due to the nature of leather. Our leather swatches and photos are only a close representation of the actual leather. We cannot guarantee the cut of our patterned leathers because no two are alike. (All colours are approximations)

Variations in colour, pattern, and style are possible due to the nature of leather. Our leather swatches and photos are only a close representation of the actual leather. We cannot guarantee the cut of our patterned leathers because no two are alike. (All colours are approximations)

Please note that the accent leather colours will be utilized for lacing, saddle strings, buck stitch, skirt reveal, and concho backing. As leather is a natural material, variations in colour, pattern, and style are possible. Our leather swatches and photos provide a close representation of the actual leather, but we cannot guarantee the cut of our patterned leathers since no two are identical. Please bear in mind that all colours are approximations.

When we say rough-out, we are referring to the rough and unfinished side of the leather. This side is better at hiding cuts and scrapes and can provide a better grip in the saddle. To refurbish, you can use a wire brush. Note that all parts will be slick-out unless specified otherwise.

Buck stitching is a continuous laced border around the perimeter of your saddle in your accent colour choice.

A continuous stamped design around the perimeter of your saddle. Add a border in the design of your choice.

In this section, you can choose the amount of tooling that you require. Once done, you can select the pattern that you prefer in the following area. You can use tooling alone or along with the border and buck stitch options you have selected. Please note that tooling is not available for endurance or English saddles.

Choose a tooling design for the tooling area from above- not available on the endurance and english swells

Tooling, carving, and embossing are emphasized by antique finish, especially on lighter leather.

Conchos are adorned with one large black leather rosette and one small leather rosette in your accent leather choice.

We use a stirrup mechanism with a single adjustable strap over top of the tree. The fenders are fixed, so the proper stirrup length is crucial.

Please take a measurement from your crotch to the ground without shoes. Unlike other stirrups, these cannot be adjusted beyond the stated lengths.

We carry a variety of stirrups, or you can use your preferred type.

We use a cable rigging system on our trees. We can add a western-style latigo and off-side billet, as well as an english-style two-strap billet.

Click on the accessory category of interest one ar a time  to see the option.

Measure from the center of your horse's chest to the saddle D rings. The horse's windpipe is just under the skin where the base of the neck meets the center of the chest.

The Tiedown strap is measured from the center of the chest to the ring on the cinch.

Do you want to Pay additional fees for shipping insurance in case of a loss; we do not cover losses once items leave our shop. 

The Order Form is the best method of showing you each custom saddle option. Please fill it out as best as possible; the form will forward copies to you and me to discuss. You have no obligation or cost.

The form shows a summary of your selection upon completion only if a price is attached to each item. I have added a cost of $0.01 to all No Cost Items for clarity. These will be removed from your invoice. 

Something unique or new not covered above, Please give me a call at 403-816-5251