Customer Feedback

John thought you might like these photos of our 2 year old using a tag along poley.
We got our duaghter, Jade a tag a long poley when she was 18 months and she really likes it here are some pictures of her and my wife take last December.

                 Jeremiah

To: <mail@aussiesaddle.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:34:13 -0800
Subject: Box Sets
Hallo! Product matches the catalogue exactly. If only there was a rating for exceptional! I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the service I will be recommending them to my friends Thanks again you are one of, if not, the best in the business!

This is a letter of appreciation to Colin and the rest of the team for helping me find the right saddle for me and my mare. After several e-mails and phone conversations dealing directly with Colin, I picked a saddle. It wasn't what I was looking for, so I sent it back. Colin graciously exchanged it for a Bronco Poley, with no "restocking fee", no arguments and no problems. I love my new saddle. The Bronco Poley is not only a handsome saddle, but is well made, and comfortable. It fits my horse's back and my bum, both of which had been sore with previous saddles. So, once again, much thanks and kudos to Colin and the team! I am a satisfied customer and would recommend them and do business with them again gladly.

Happy Trails and Goodday Mates!
Cristin DiAndrea
CA

Good morning!!

I wanted to make sure I was in love with this saddle before I got back with you folks...and I am!

Punkie had a knot at her withers and another on her hip from a previous ill-fitting saddle that have been there for a year at least and are now disappearing. Even with the overstuffed Muster Master, I could see no difference in these knots, tho maybe it's just taken all this long.

Anyway, the saddle fits her beautifully, and me as well. I thank you so much for the time and care you have taken with me to assure that I get the saddle of my dreams. You folks are wonderful and I'll certainly be recommending you to all the folks who are even thinking about getting an Australian saddle.

Thank you!

I just returned from 6 days in the Arkansas Hills with my inexperienced little Norwegian Fjord. Let me tell you, our horses slid down hills on their bottoms, we scrambled up hills hanging onto their manes with all our might, and even learned the deep part of the river (oops!), and our gear stayed put. His rig fits him so welll, and looks so good on him, it actually garnered more attention the he himself did, which is very unusual! My stirrups never hurt my knees, my saddle seat felt like it was molded specially for my bottom (you been talking to my husband?). I have nothing but praise for your gear, and I sang it all the way to Arkansas and back, and will continue for as long as anyone will hear me. I know I promised an action shot, and you will get one, I promise. In the meantime, thank you for your execellent attention to detail on your gear-it shows! I'm working on an idea for a saddle bag I want to bend your ear about, will have to work on the design more. In the meantime, thanks so much!
Jody

I received my order just as you emailed me. Thank you so much. Your service and quality is excellent.

White hairs on my horse have disappeared. Fits Great. My wife's saddle also fits her horse.

Thanks for all the help. Really believe it to be above and beyond. Thanks again.

Colin,

I'm so happy with the Barcoo Traditional that I wanted to offer feedback for your Website:

After over 2 years of trying to find an Aussie saddle that fit my horse, purchasing 10 that didn't fit, including 4 from "the experts" which were never adjusted to fit correctly, I finally have found the perfect fit thank's to Colin's fit system that measures the whole back, not just one wither tracing. He was able to adjust the tree to fit both my horses, one with high withers, the other with average withers which is a dream come true!

The Barcoo Traditional is so well made with super soft, pliable leather and I know my horses enjoy the fleece underside. It is the most comfortable and secure saddle I've ridden in. I asked that the horn be removed and was pleasantly surprised to see that Colin had placed a beautiful round brass logo plaque over the horn section that really ads a classy look to this saddle! The stirrup leathers are so soft that I will no longer need stirrup turners. The saddle is so easy on the feet, legs and knees it's great for long trail rides. I could not be happier. When it comes to Aussie saddles, I will never purchase from anyone else!

Linda Osborne

Hey guys!.....

I just received the 6ft. bullwhip that I ordered. It's a beauty!

After I got the video "whip cracking with the masters" a month or so ago I started with a 6ft. stockman's whip and made pretty good progress. That whip (not from you) was okay. I just went outside to "test" the new bullwhip.

Your bullwhip rolls out like a wave and has a good, clean and loud crack with little or no effort on my part. What an amazing difference!

Thanks for offering a quality product. I'll be back for more.

Thanks,

Jim Philips

Hi Colin,
The Muster Master fits my horse perfectly. The forward swinging stirrup leathers also spare my knees. Thanks so much for your help with my saddle fitting problem!

Please tell Colin thanks for talking me into a Tipperary vest: I'm out of the hospital, nothing broken but that would not have been the case if I hadn't had my vest on. ps. I was not using a stock saddle at the time! Learn a lesson the hard way....~Christina

Colin,

Sorry it took so long, but here is the picture of Sabrina riding in the
saddle you guys made for her to go along with the letter she wrote you. She
is still loving it.

Note from Colin: Sabrina Alcala is riding a deep carved Muster Master, that she uses for barrel racing, and high speed cross country riding, with her dad Joe, and her mother Kellie, both of whom ride Southern Cross saddles. Nothing but the best for this riding family in Norco, California!!!.

I rode my new Cordura Maverick today for the first time. Thought you might like to read about my experience.

Jake (the young man who is riding for me) and his mother rode this afternoon. It's hot and VERY windy here. Jake said Doc (my new, young horse) gave a huge spook today. He's never done that with me before. Jake also had to keep Doc off his mother's horse's rear end and Doc reared up a small amount. Also, never done that with me before. When they got back to camp, I put my new Aussie saddle on Doc and rode out with Jake for short while. I felt like everything was fine, so I turned to come back. We were side by side when the wind suddenly came up and birds or something in the brush made a noise at the same time and Doc came unglued. That Aussie saved me. I lost my left stirrup and was canted to the right on him, but I stayed on. A few feet farther, the same thing happened and he gave that huge twisting spook to the left. I again lost my left stirrup. But the Poleys kept me on the horse. That's the only saddle I'll ride with from now on. I got off and led him back to camp. We were close.

I met you at the Springfield, Mass. Equine Affair and thanked you for your help choosing and fitting a saddle for my horse, Whisper, who I ride here in the Adirondack Mountains, NY. Only the most extreme weather keeps us from going out with our good friends, Cindy and Apache. We've still got too much snow and mud in the woods to venture very far, but we're ready! There are miles of back roads to choose from.

You mentioned there (or maybe it was John-thanks to you, too, John!) that I send some photos that you might post on your website.

My Muster Master is close to a year old now, and my horse and I love it!!! I really like the halter bridle as well.

My saddle arrived yesterday 5 minutes after I emailed you!!!
I couldn't wait to try it this AM. It fits both me and Habeebee beautifully and we both were absolutely LOVING it!!!For the first time in his life, I truly believe that he was COMFORTABLE!!! ..and I felt very secure that I could politely make requests of him that could potentially be met with an argument...without the trepidation of hitting the ground. He was very willing...and didn't argue at all. Puts a completely new spin on my relationship with my horse. I think this purchase was the best I've ever made!!!

Thank you and John so much for your time and attention at the Equine Affair in Springfield, MA!!

Just wanted to say thank you for helping me to fit my girth for my saddle. I bought the converters, girth ,and the tackaberry. It works so much better, and it is so easy! Thanks again.

Julie Inversso

I look forward to meeting you and it will be awesome to have the opportunity to show off your products. I enjoy my saddle very much and tell people all the time how enjoyable it is to ride in it. My stallion tripped the other day and went down on his knees. Because of your saddle I stayed with him as he recovered and moved on.

That's April Smith, a trainer at River Run Ranch, in Harrisburg, Pa. "This style of saddle sure give me a lot of advantage. I want to sell them!" says April

Tanner Smith of River Run Ranch, in Harrisburg, Pa., hits the barrel course in his Tagalong Poley. He blew the doors off the competition! Of course, under the watchful eye of his father Scott Smith.

Hi There. My name is Patti and I am from Canada. I lived in Australia for a few years and worked on a Sheep/Cattle Station in NSW. I became a lover of the Australian Stock Saddles and upon returning to Canada I searched them out here. I looked specifically for The Australian Stock Saddle and thought that what I had ordered was exactly that. I have since learnt that what I bought was a stock saddle that claimed to be from The Australian Stock Saddle Co. But it is not. It has a fake logo on it. I was so disappointed when I found out and had spent a great deal of money on this saddle and I am now out that money that I had worked so hard to save. I just want anyone who is looking to buy on, to really check into the buyer that you are dealing with and the authenticity of the saddle that you are buying. Then you will not receive the disappointment that I have. The Australian Stock Saddle Co. makes the best saddle that I have ever ridden in and I really hope that one day I will get the chance to own a real one. Thank you for many years of great riding time while living in your beautiful country. I encourage all my friends out here in Canada to buy your saddles.
Patti - Saskatchewan Canada

You were absolutely right when you said, go ahead, and spend the money (on an Australian-made , 12-plait kangaroo hide whip) The craftsmanship is awesome. The whip makes even me look like I know what's going on. I've watched your video so much it's getting fuzy. Thanks for everything. Donnie Hopkins, Charlotte Hall, MD

                        After three years and 20+ saddles I have finally found the perfect saddle for my 10 year old Missouri Foxtrotter Banjo.   The Southern Cross Poley from The Australian Stock and Saddle Company.
                        I bought my perfect horse three years ago, but because of his very short back and one shoulder being larger than the other, I have had a problem with saddle-fitting. I went so far as to have a saddle custom made, and that didnt even fit properly. It not only did not fit the horse, but it was very uncomfortable for me. I bought umpteen saddles on the Internet, tried them on and sent them back. I bought at least 5 different gaited horse saddles that were way too wide for him (as he is only 14.1 and 750 pounds). I tried endurance, barrel, Arabian, quarter horse and flexible saddles. I tried different saddle pads as well. Pads with built-ups, inserts, etc. The list goes on and on.
                        Not only was my checkbook feeling the pain, my horse and I both were as well. I finally settled on a semi-quarter horse barrel saddle. While it did not fit exactly right, with a special pad I tolerated it, as did my horse. After riding mountain trails for one hour I would have to get off and stretch my legs as I was having knee and back pain. I also noticed Banjo was turning his head a bit to the left when riding on a straight line. After reading an article about saddle-fitting problems, I decided to try the Australian saddle.
                        My sister and two friends and I took a road trip to Malibu to visit Colin and his warehouse of saddles. Wow! Its overwhelming all the different styles and beautiful saddles to choose from. Colin took my wither tracing and showed me a nice used saddle he had that he thought would do quite nicely. Yes, he sells USED saddles too! The price was very reasonable. But, my sister happened to see a Southern Cross Poley on the shelf and said What about this one? Well, needless to say after sitting in it,I decided I might as well get the best for my Banjo. So off we went.
                        I was skeptical. After all, I have had saddles slipping to the right, slipping backwards on the uphill, slipping down onto his neck on the downhill. No kidding. I had one saddle slip backwards so far that I was holding onto his mane going uphill, and yes, I was using a breastcollar! The same saddle went down onto his neck on the downhill. This particular saddle fit him like a glove as along as he was standing still like a statue. As soon as he moved, the problems began. And unfortunately, the saddle shop would not take the saddle back.                         Anyway, back to the Southern Cross We finally rode up and down the steepest trails in Griffith Park this past weekend. I was shocked. The saddle stayed right where it belonged on the uphill and downhill no problems. I thought I might need a crupper, but I dont even need one! I also noticed my horse is moving in a straight line and I know that after a few months his shoulders will even out! After my rides I have absolutely no knee or back pain either! Im no longer walking like an old beat-up rodeo rider after my rides thats what I used to feel like!
                        I am so thrilled with this saddle AND the comfort is second to none. I know its a comfortable saddle and I think of it that way, but every time I get on my horse, I say to myself Wow this is awesome! I cant believe how comfortable this is!! I am one very happy customer and my horse is happy too!!!

DISCLAIMER: This is a TRUE story, and I do NOT work for the Australian Stock and Saddle Company!!!

Thanks Colin,

The saddle arrived here in B.C. Canada a few days ago. It is magnificent. I love the saddle leather. I was impressed how soft and supple the saddle leather was. It even has some tooling.The size you sent me fits me like a glove. I feel like a safe Humpty-Dumpty in my egg-cup.
My riding went up a notch immediately.
Thanks again for your fast and helpful service and mostly for the quality saddle you sent.

Doug

Doug Nuytten and Brenda Timm
Peachland, British Columbia

Colin,
I received my endurance saddle today. Thank you so much for making the repairs. The saddle looks awesome.I think Ill just admire it for awhile before I take the saddle out on the next endurance race on my best Arabian.

Gale Greiner
Salisbury, NH

Hi,

I ordered a Fox Poley from you last year and I just wanted to let you know how much I love it. I have been riding in Australian Saddles for years and love them, but I have never enjoyed a saddle as much as my Fox Poley. To me it is the perfect cross between a western and Australian saddle. Not only is it an extremely attractive looking saddle, but the comfort and security can't be beat.

I'm also crazy about the tackaberry rigging. I use to have to have my husband cinch up my old Australian saddle for me, now I'm completely independent. We ride exclusively in Australian saddles whether we're training, trail riding, or competing.

Thanks again,

Aimee Sumner

Hi Colin!!

I got the saddle on Friday about 5 minutes before we were leaving town! Thank you so much for tracking it down! Today is the first time I got to use it. It fits perfectly! I was so excited when I girthed him up because usually he is girthy and shows displeasure. For a super sweet guy, I knew the saddle I was using didnt fit and I needed to do something. So I watched carefully today and he didnt even flinch!!! I got so excited that Quincy thought his mom lost her mind for a second. But then he remembered that this had happened before and although terribly embarrassing, she did snap out of it. Besides, he learned quickly that if he could give her the Please tell me youre not really my owner look she might be shamed into giving him a few treats. He believes she is smart that way.

So the saddle is super comfortable, rock steady, and beautiful. I had a really GREAT ride today. And I know Quincy really appreciated it too and in fact he wanted me to ask you why it takes owners so long to figure out how to pick a comfortable saddle for their backs. I didnt know exactly how to answer so I promised him I would tell everyone about your saddles. Okay, and I gave him a few treats. He seemed happy. Ill send a picture soon!

Also, David (my husband) wanted to get your girthing system so I believe we will order that on line.

Thanks again Colin!!

Amy Smith
NOTE: Amy, from Augusta, Michigan, purchased a Southern Cross Poley

Hey Colin;

Just wanted to let you know that we recently went on a 5 day ride at Otter Creek Horse Trails in New york State, and I rode about 20 combined hours in my Darwin Drafter saddle. I used to get extremely sore after about three hours in the saddle, but the first day we rode 7 hours straight, and I was so comfortable!! The saddle was also great for my horse! Through winding trails, steep climbs, and down slopes, crossing rivers and jumping fallen trees, the saddle stayed put. If I ever doubted you guys, I apologize! I have enclosed some pictures of Hummer and I enjoying the Darwin Drafter! Feel free to post these on your website!

Alicia Quist Ontario, Canada

Champion shooter Jerry Bestpitch, of Sacramento, California, with his revolving carbine scabbard. Reports Jerry: "It works great. I especially like the system of straps, so the scabbard can be placed just about anywhere on a saddle."

The Revolving Carbine from E.M.F. Co., Inc., Regular Price is $580. Mention you saw it on the TASSC website and it is yours for $530. Buy from a company that is a BIG supporter of Cowboy Mounted Shooting and SASS competition! To buy, contact E.M.F. directly at (800) 430 1310 or http://www.emf-company.com

Cheers to Colin and everyone at the Australian Stock Saddle Company!

My name is Maggie, and I just wanted to let you know how much my person, Sheila, and I love my new Survivor Poley saddle. As soon as she placed it on my back, we both agreed that this saddle fit as if it were custom made. After a few short rides close to home, Sheila took me and my best friends, Duke and Fred, to Mount St. Helens to ride through the forest to the mud flow.

We had a long wonderful ride. We were all in awe, to see first hand the destructive force of this volcano, and also to see the way the land has begun to heal its self.

My back felt great at the end of the day, and Sheila said her back and legs felt great too!

Here I am smiling for the camera, with the Toutle River running through volcano mud in the background. Also, Sheila attached a shot of the volcano that she thought you might like.

Heres to many more great rides!

Carrots & Apples, Maggie

P.S. The Survivor Poley is a great saddle. Your saddle fitters are superb. The leather is very nice, and the little bit of tooling makes it very attractive. I love the close contact feel, and it is ever so comfortable. This is also a very practical saddle for a trail rider. Lots of saddles have D-rings, but this saddle actually had them (lots of them!) right where I need them. My saddle bags actually fit properly and securely, without the elaborate strap & tie mess that I have to use with my other saddle. Ill be using this as my primary saddle from now on. The guests can ride the Tucker! And, by the way, your leather care products are wonderful!

Another very satisfied customer, Sheila Lynam

Dear Colin,

I've been meaning to thank you for helping me pick out a great saddle for my husband, Wayne. As a first time rider, feeling comfortable and safe in a saddle was extremely important. He absolutely loves his Aussie and I know it has contributed to his improved riding skills. I plan to pick up an Aussie for myself in the near future and will certainly be contacting you when the time comes.

Best regards,

Kathleen Kiser

>colin dangaard is there with his saddles. i did some looking but didn't get >to talk to him as he was busy with some other folks. the saddles look very >nice. i'm hoping to go back this weekend and get a chance to talk to him >personally. i just thought i'd ask you if you'd gotten yours yet and if so, >how you like it.
>lisa in ohio

I have 3 of Colin's saddles right now, and have bought/traded in 3 more, plus given him more referrals than you can count. I've found him professional and easy to work with, and I love the saddles as they are comfortable, secure, and fit very well.

We do adjustments that work

Colin...you are the BEST!!!! The saddle adjustment is working out wonderfully. I took a ride today and we boogied right along with no complaints from either of us!!! Thank you so much.

WHIP TALK

Company; I'd would be grateful for a response from you as well if you have the time:

I'm glad you're pleased. My present project has me working with whips of different specifications. While a good whip will perform well in the hands of a proficient practitioner, I personally continue to appreciate and prefer my modifications for both mounted and ground work.

I'm glad you find my methods helpful and working well for you. You're now ready for some fine tuning. The wrist has very little to do with "sending the loop." As a matter of fact, since the loop is above the handle, the whip literally "follows the handle" at whatever angle your grip has set. If you bend your wrist, you will always throw the whip towards the ground and not allow it to fully extend and give you the most efficient and accurate results.

The relaxed grip allows gravity to place the whip in your hand with the loop on top (the most efficient position since it works with the structure of the whip itself). The handle begins behind you in a horizontal position. With a relaxed grip, the loop will form as the handle passes through the vertical position as it moves past your shoulder and the arm extends fully in front of your body. This allows the whip itself to align your entire body with the target (and makes sure your arm and body are INSIDE the railroad track alignment). Then your grip tightens to "send the loop." That is the timing and the secret to making it all flow together in an effective and efficient manner.

The whip has a natural belly (the inner core or skeleton of the whip) that should never be violated. I encourage that belly to soften slightly so the loop forms earlier and flows easier. My loop is always on top of the handle (unless I'm violating the protocol for a specific result) and gravity places the loop in this position naturally if I relax my grip. Don't worry about the color, it's immaterial. Feel the natural belly of the whip and encourage it.

that I practice with it -and if it does have a natural belly in one direction then why would I want to do this?

I do a bit of manual manipulation of the natural belly of the whip to encourage the whip to have "muscle memory" and always flow the same way.

It was an excellent question and makes perfect sense. When you are ready consider contacting me about private instruction at my ranch (www.delongis.com/indalo). You should also check out the whip chapter of my Action reel on line at my web site. My Fight reel is found on his http://www.delongis.com/ADLfightresume.html.

It's broken up into the Introduction and Skill Chapters. Each chapter is located under its heading.

WHIP MASTER shows clips from films that I either performed with the whip or trained others and includes a section at the ranch showing multiple ranges and suggesting a variety of previously unexplored options. This only scratches the surface of what can be done.

More comments on the use of Whips as Weapons

I find your FAQ on thewhipstudio.com very interesting, Gery. But I have to mention a couple things. First, Anthony has actually DONE demonstrations where he asked 2 martial artists (one is James Houston --www.jamesdhouston.net -- who has multiple titles and awards) to charge him with weapons. They wore stunt pads, leather cycle gear over them, and motorcycle helmets. They couldn't come in. Why? Because when you able to focus the tip of the whip on your selected target, in this case a head (you can hit with the fall, too), it is (as James says) like being hit with bat, and you see white light -- this with a motorcycle helmet on. If you get closer, it can still be used as a weapon to pummel, envelop, garrot, etc. Of course, you WOULD have to know some martial arts. We shot some video of this at the ranch and I have asked him to make the video available on Youtube.

The use of selective targeting allows one to slice skin, blind eyes, etc. and take what the perp makes available. It is hard to continue a charge unabated when one has blood pouring from his face or has his hand cut to the bone. I think at that point, the person will drop his knife, spoon, fork, etc. IN INTENSE PAIN. Of course, as you know, this takes skill developed over years of studying the whip - and perhaps also a martial art or two.

I know directly about this. During a Wild West show, our friend Colin's horse spooked in mid-charge, changing the trajectory of Colin's stockwhip. It cut my thumb to the bone. It was intense, blinding pain. I continued the show, but I'll tell you, the blow stood me frozen for a few moments, and a few moments is all one needs to get away to take out an attacker.

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