Syd Hill
Suprema Bushmaster Poley
Trail Saddles
Manufacturer: Syd Hill
Model: Suprema Bushmaster Poley
Category: Trail Saddles
Purchase: Bought the saddle from LaVetta at the Outback Ranch in CA. She is parting ways with Syd Hill so I got the saddle for a steal at 1300.00. Expect to pay on average 1800 for this saddle.
We had bought a mid quality used Aussie saddle and I can't gush enough about the comfort Aussie saddles provide not to mention feeling secure at all times. Light weight to boot.
Likes: I was told Syd Hill is the benchmark of Aussie saddles so I was excited when the saddle arrived. Without doubt the reputation of Syd Hill is deserved. The Bushmaster is the deepest seat in the line at 5" so going up steep hills is a breeze and the large "poley's" do not get in the way but add security on descents that is unsurpassed. Did I mention the seat is comfortable? I was worried about the overgirth being exposed across the seat but this was unfounded as the overgirth is located in such a way that is certainly is never felt by the rider.
Dislikes: Sadly this saddle did not fit my horse. Low to no wither, wide flat back will not suit this type of Aussie saddle. Syd hill has two types of panels one is the "serge panel" this is an overstuffed English type panel which over time will conform to your horses back, but a medium to high wither and some shape to the back in needed. The other type of panel is the close contact extended panel. This is what I have just ordered. This should fit my 15.2HH Curly no wither mare just fine. Unfortunately there goes my great discount I thought I had.
But with the saddle itself I can not report one thing I dislike or would change.
Quality: I have yet to see a saddle that has better finish than this Syd Hill. Stitching is even and the thick thread looks like it will last years of hard use. The leather is thick yet pliable. The solid brass d rings are well made & placed. The Poley's have an extra leather patch stitched over the base where it attaches to the saddle so I can only assume they will be secure for the life of the saddle. The seat itself is made with very supple leather yet does not appear to be fragile in any way so hard use surly will not adversely affect it.
Summary: Once you've tried an Aussie Saddle I doubt you will ever want to ride anything different on the trail. Once you've seen a Syd Hill you will see the best money can buy. Be sure to send in a wither tracing to avoid my mistake. I've heard some say they don't like Aussie saddles because the poley's look funny, well if vanity is what drives you OK but honestly on the trail these are the most comfortable and secure saddles I've ever used and nice and light to boot.
Rating: 5
Author: Ray Canuck
Date: 2006-09-03
Usefulness Rating: 3.95775 out of 5.
71 reader(s) voted.
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