Please click on the + to see the answer to each of our Frequently Asked Questions.
How do I order my Mat Murray saddle?
We’ve written a detailed explanation of each step in our process from ordering to delivery here.
What is the wait-time on a saddle?
Our wait time is dependent on how long our tree makers take to get us your tree. It’s usually about 8 weeks for SQH and about 12 weeks for FQH. If you need a tree custom-made it can take a bit longer but it is worth it to get the fit right. Once we have your tree, it generally takes another 2 weeks for us to craft your saddle. For more info about ordering, visit here.
Do you do ZIP, After-pay or payment plans?
We’ve looked into ZIP and Afterpay. Both have additional charges for merchants. Afterpay for example, charges 4.17%. On one of our standard fenders, such as a “Stockman” or “Classic”, this is $212.
Our profit margins are incredibly small on all of our products which means that if we want to use Afterpay or ZIP, we’d have to raise the cost of all of our products by 4.17% (even for customers not using these services) to stay in business. We want to keep our prices as low as possible so we have chosen not to sign up to these services.
However, payment plans are welcome. We require a non-refundable $1500 deposit on saddle orders with the balance due upon completion. Saddles generally take 10 to 12 weeks to build and you are welcome to make additional payments during this time.
How do I know if the saddle will fit my horse?
The best way to make sure your saddle will fit and be comfortable for your horse is to get the tree right. If the tree is of good quality, it shouldn’t require complicated saddle fitting.
Our saddle trees are made in Australia to suit most modern Australian horses. Our SQH (semi-quarter horse) pattern suits Australian Stockhorses. We also have a FQH (full quarter horse) pattern for heavier Stockhorse types and Quarter horses.
Wire tracings can help us ensure that the tree will fit your horse before we start building your saddle. We can check the measurements against our trees and, if they don’t fit, we can get a tree custom-made.
To make a wire tracing:
- You will need three pieces of old fencing wire or a coat hanger (anything that is flexible and easy to bend)
- Find the measurements shown in the diagrams below.
- Trace the wires onto a piece of cardboard, making sure you label each of the measurements
- Post the cardboard to: Riverina Saddlery, 3/24 Houtman St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
How do I make a wire tracing?
To make a wire tracing:
- You will need three pieces of old fencing wire or a coat hanger (anything that is flexible and easy to bend)
- Find the measurements shown in the diagrams below.
- Trace the wires onto a piece of cardboard, making sure you label each of the measurements
- Post the cardboard to: Riverina Saddlery, 3/24 Houtman St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
What's the difference between a "Classic" and a "Stockman" fender saddle?
Our “Classic” and “Stockman” saddles are both built on our very popular fender pattern. The only difference between them is in the style of the cantle.
The “Stockman” has a traditional Cheyenne roll where the leather comes up over the top of the cantle while the “Classic” has a stylish gullet that sits behind the cantle.
What colour leather can I get in my saddle?
We use top-quality Hermann Oak leather in our fender saddles. We use only the best parts of the leather to ensure long-term strength and durability while also making for a beautiful finish. However, there are variations in colour within each category as it is dependent on the beast that the particular hide has come from, how long the hide had to wait for processing, what season it was processed in, how it takes up the oil and leather conditioner and so forth. Just as every beast in the paddock looks different, all our leather has variations in colour, texture, shape and grain as it is a natural product. The colours available in our fender saddles are Chocolate brown, Redgum and Natural.
Our stock saddles are made from premium bridle leather and are available in Dark Havana which finishes to a rich, dark brown.
What's the difference between a Standard and 3-way rigging and how do I do them up?
Standard rigging includes a single ring where the cinch girth doubles over itself and tightens in a pulley fashion.
3-way rigging includes a stainless steel plate with two slots. The latigo goes from the front slot down through the cinch girth and comes back through the second slot in a v pattern, pulling the saddle down over a wider area.
We recommend 3-way rigging for saddles 14 1/2″ and larger as it allows for more coverage and a better sit to the saddle. It is usually overkill on a smaller saddle but you might find it a good option if you want to use removable girth points for Pony Club, ASHS classes, English girth styles or other sporting requirements.
For videos about how to do up your single or 3-way rigging visit:
Do I need standard or long fenders?
Our standard fenders can be adjusted to between 75 – 85cm in length.
If you need longer fenders, please let us know your measurement and we can make them to suit.
What's the difference between Rollertop oxbows and 4-bar Stockman stirrups?
Our most popular stirrup choices are our 4-bar Stockman stirrups and our Rollertop oxbows with leather tread.
Our 4-bar Stockman stirrups are similar to traditional stirrup irons with a flat bottom that is 5″ wide.
Our Rollertop oxbows are slightly lighter as they are made of aluminium. They have a 4″ tread but the widest part of the oxbow is 5 1/2″ so they’re suited to heavier, wide-soled riding boots. We lace leather to the tread to help provide grip.
