Southern Cross Saddlery

Southern Cross Saddlery makes Australian stock, half-breed, swinging fender and western style saddles for riders who want support and comfort across long days in the saddle. Its range includes saddles for work, campdrafting, competition and endurance riding, with choices in tree size, seat size and fender length on selected models.

Are Southern Cross saddles suitable for wide horses?
Southern Cross offers different tree sizes across its range. The important question is how the whole tree sits on your horse: its width, angle and contact along the back all matter. A wide label alone cannot confirm the fit. Saddleworld Devonport currently lists a Southern Cross Endurance Xtra Wide, which is worth assessing for a broader horse that also suits its tree shape.

Can I change the gullet later if my horse changes shape?
Southern Cross saddles should be selected in the appropriate tree size from the outset. They do not have an interchangeable gullet bar like some English saddles. If your horse changes condition, have the fit reassessed to determine whether the existing saddle still distributes weight evenly and clears the withers.

How do I know whether the tree fits?
A suitable tree should sit in balance and make appropriate contact along your horse’s back without concentrating pressure at the front or rear. The withers need clearance, and the saddle should remain balanced with the rider aboard. Southern Cross’s own fitting guidance also highlights that a saddle can look wide enough at the front yet still have poor contact through the rest of the tree.

Is the endurance saddle only for competition?
The Southern Cross swinging fender endurance saddle was developed with endurance riding in mind. Its lighter construction, rider support and rigging choices may also appeal to riders who spend extended time in the saddle. The right use still depends on the fit for your horse and whether the seat and fender position suit you.

What should I check for the rider?
Choose a seat that lets you sit comfortably and in balance, then check that the fender length and stirrup position work for your leg. Selected Southern Cross models offer choices in these measurements. The rider’s preferred seat size must also be considered alongside the length of saddle the horse can comfortably carry.

Will a thicker pad fix a saddle that does not fit?
A pad may help with a minor fitting adjustment when recommended by a knowledgeable fitter, but it cannot make an unsuitable tree fit your horse. If the saddle rocks, bridges, drops onto the withers or creates pressure points, have the tree and the complete saddle assessed.

At Saddleworld Devonport, we can help you compare the Southern Cross options available and identify the measurements to check before you buy. We recommend assessing the saddle on your horse, with the rider aboard, to confirm the final fit.