Australian saddles are a hybrid between English saddle and the Western, taking the strong points of each and blending them together to create a saddle that is multi-functional, safe and extremely comfortable. In reality, the Australian saddle is very similar to an oversized dressage saddle with its stirrups hanging in a dressage position, and free swinging. Some would argue an Australian offers the best of both worlds: the disciplined riding style and lighter saddle form that an English offers, plus the added substance and security that the Western offers.