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Western Saddlemakers Expo 2022

Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo logo text only

Custom Western
Saddlemaker’s Expo 2022

September 2nd – 4th, Stanthorpe Showgrounds

Over a year in the making, this event was a first of its kind for Australia.  It was a showcase of Australia’s best western saddle makers.  

Toowoomba Saddlery are proud to have sponsored this event and it was great to see such fine examples of leather craftsmanship on show.  There were thirteen entries over all, some entrants even travelling from interstate to present their saddle for the competition.  The saddle expo is a brainchild of Mr Trevor Able (a master saddler himself) who was impressed by the quality of craftsmanship on the weekend, seeing “… some very fine saddles and rawhide gear”.

While horsemanship clinics were sadly cancelled due to weather, visitors were not disappointed by the saddle and rawhide competition. Many amazing leather and rawhide creations were on show, kept safe and dry in the pavilion.  Visitors had plenty of space to view pieces from all angles. It was a real feast for the eyes – especially the fully tooled saddles with their intricate leather carvings.  The time and effort that has gone into these pieces must have been phenomenal.

Entry to the public was free and visitors were able to vote for their preferred saddle by placing their tickets in the bucket next to their favourite.  These tickets were counted up to decide the People’s Choice Award.  As well as the competition entries, there were two Hans Van Hees saddles on display and several trade stalls showing hand crafted leather goods and horse gear.

This year, all saddles in the competition were required to be made on a usable roping-style traditional rawhide saddle tree.  To prevent any bias, the entries used a number system, with cover cards placed over any makers marks.  Entries were not allowed to have been shown on social media prior to the competition. Judges could only enter a class that they were not judging. The winners were announced on Saturday and are listed at the end of this article.

Hermann Oak logo

Hermann Oak® leather has long been a favourite among custom saddlers, so it was not surprising to find that many of the saddle entries were using Hermann Oak® leather, including the winner of the Fully Tooled class.  All of them excellent examples of what can be achieved with quality leather and workmanship.  Any one not familiar with Hermann Oak® leather can find out more here: ozsaddle.com/brand/hermann-oak-leather/

Toowoomba Saddlery’s own Managing Director Robert Delbridge presented the awards for first place in each saddle class, who each received generous prize packs including a voucher for one side of premium Hermann Oak® skirting leather (approximate value $435.00 each).  Prizes also included Bob Berg Trophy buckles, ribbons, plaques, and more.

Robert Delbridge presenting the Novice Saddle award

Over all it was a great day out for anyone interested in leather craft or western riding gear.  A big “Well Done!” to the organisers and entrants and a big thank you to everyone who supported this event.  We know there are plans to make next year’s event bigger and better and look forward to seeing what 2023 brings. Anyone who wants to get involved can visit the Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo Facebook event page (opens in new tab) and contact Trevor Able.

Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo 2022 - saddle competition entries img 3
Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo 2022 - saddle competition entries img 2
Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo 2022 - saddle competition entries img 1

Winner’s Circle

Special  congratulations to…

Fully Tooled Saddle
1st in Class
Trevor Able
(Able Custom Saddles)
Full Rough Out Saddle
1st in Class
Ben Morrow
(Morrow Made Saddles)
Winning entry of the Novice Saddle Class with the maker - Damen Lowrie
Novice Saddle
1st in Class
Damen Lowrie
(DVL saddlery)
People's Choice Winner with the maker - Matthew Sue Tin
People’s Choice Award
Matthew Sue Tin
Winning Entry of the Rawhide Section with the maker - Chris Barr
Rawhide Section
Chris Barr
(Dead Ringer Leatherworks)
Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo 2022 banner
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Toowoomba Saddlery Archives

Historical Archives

Toowoomba Saddlery Historical Archives

A lot has changed since Toowoomba Saddlery was first started in 1968. Every so often we come across something to remind us of ‘the good old days’ and we are pleased to share with you these nostalgic stories and memorabilia from our time in business.

QUICKLINKS
Historical Catalogues | Racing Whips | 1970s Barcoo
| 1970s TV ads

Race day flashback

In the lead up to the Melbourne Cup 2021 we found this: a Toowoomba Saddlery racing whip, circa 1970s.

Did you know that for over 30 years, Toowoomba Saddlery was one of the few Australian makers of jockey race whips? Selling over 120,000 whips to buyers in Australia and around the globe. Each fibreglass whip took 17 steps to make, could be assembled in just 6 minutes and each one had to be exact. We no longer make or supply jockey whips and the whip pictured is over 45 years old – a small momento from our time supplying to the racing industry.

Toowoomba Saddlery Racing Whip Circa 1976
Toowoomba Saddlery Racing Whip Circa 1976

Blast from the Past

February 2022: We were recently given a saddle that was originally sold from our Anzac avenue showroom back in the 1970s. The owner has now, sadly, passed on and after many years sitting in a shed it has come back to us, along with the original receipt and some of our old promotional material.

From the receipt, we know that this Australian Made Nothern Barcoo Poley saddle sold for $325.00 in 1977. In today’s market, a similar style saddle would cost you over $3000 brand new.

The Barcoo series of stock saddles were very popular in their day. The Northern Barcoo varied slightly from the standard Barcoo with its higher ‘Northern’ style kneepads. We do not have a photo of the Northern Barcoo saddle in its prime, however in the old (late 1970s?) black and white catalogue that came with it you can see a line drawing which even shows the tooling design that has all but disappeared on the saddle we have here.

In 54 years, Toowoomba Saddlery has sold over 40,000 saddles. Discoveries like this make us wonder what journeys they have all been on and where all those saddles are now.

This saddle was kindly donated by Sarah Edwards, wife of the late Calum Edwards – the saddle’s original owner.


Historical Saddle Catalogues

These catalogues are displayed for historical interest only. The saddles and other products listed are no longer available for sale.

This black and white saddle catalogue is estimated to have been published in the late 1970s and includes descriptions and images of over 70 saddles from a variety of disciplines. It includes stock saddles, dressage saddles, roping saddles and more.

Estimated to have been published around 1980. One of Toowoomba Saddlery’s first, full colour saddle catalogues with 24 Australian Made saddles presented in full colour.


1970s TV advertisements

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New Condamine Junior Drafter

Condamine Junior Drafter Saddle featured image
condamine country landscape background

!! NEW SADDLE FOR 2022 !!

Condamine Junior Drafter

Introducing the Condamine Junior Drafter Saddle, a dependable youth saddle suitable for beginners to the serious competition riders. Great for campdrafting and general riding.

Condamine Junior Drafter saddle - Natural - Side view

Equi-fit logo

#2 YOUTH SADDLE TREE

Strong, light-weight and manufactured in the USA. Equi-fit Classic saddle trees are cut from specially selected southern yellow pine, then reinforced using a composite meshing and resin coating. Fenders hang from stainless steel stirrup bars for safety & maximum leg movement.

BACKED BY A TEN YEAR CONDITIONAL WARRANTY

THE SPECS

Gullet Width: 5 ¾ ” Semi Quarter Horse
Kneepad Height: 3″
Size : 14″ (11 ½” seat)

For more information on saddle measurements please see our article How to measure a Toowoomba Saddlery saddle ►


LEATHER THAT LASTS

Genuine, premium Hermann Oak® saddle skirting leather. Full grain for full strength and character. Vegetable pit tanned in the USA since 1881.
For saddles that oil evenly and well, maintain their shape and rich colour throughout their long life.

Padded dark brown suede seat matches the colour of the felt lining.

Available in three colours: Natural, DN/Chestnut and Brown. This is our first junior saddle available in Natural.

Hermann Oak logo
Condamine Junior Drafter saddle - Natural - Side view
NATURAL
Condamine Junior Drafter saddle - DN/Chestnut - Side view
DN / CHESTNUT
Condamine Junior Drafter saddle - Brown - Side view
BROWN

Condamine Junior Drafter Fender

FENDERS DESIGNED FOR GROWING RIDERS

Slightly longer than the standard youth fenders, these are adjustable from 17 ½” – 24 ½” in length.  

These removable fenders allow you to change to youth or adult size fenders when required (available separately). 


Added Grip

Brady Aluminium ox-bows complete with leather on tread provide extra grip for those tight turns.

Condamine Junior Drafter - DN colour - leather-on-tread stirrup

Condamine Junior Drafter Saddle - DN colour - rigging

VERSATILE RIGGING

3 way rigging plates support multiple girthing options.

Compatible with pull-up straps or loop-on girth points, which can be removed and refitted as required (available separately).


A TOUCH OF STYLE

Not just for performance! This saddle is finished with white thread, leather conchos and stamped fender keepers.

Condamine Junior Drafter Saddle - leather cocho

AMC logo

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

For maximum durability, all Toowoomba Saddlery saddles feature stainless steel hardware, UV stabilised lock-stitched thread and low-maintenance felt lining as standard.


Condamine Junior Drafter saddle - DN/Chestnut - back view
Condamine Junior Drafter Saddle - Brown - front view

Condamine Junior Drafter

Available through Toowoomba Saddlery distributors Australia-wide

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Limited Edition Competition Saddle

Condamine skull stamp
country landscape background

THE LIMITED EDITION

Condamine Drafter Title

Introducing the mighty Condamine Drafter saddle. A striking and durable competition saddle designed to assist your performance for many events to come. Ideal for campdrafting, polocrosse and more…

Condamine Competition Saddle

Equi-fit logo

COMPETITION SADDLE TREE

The new close-contact Equi-Fit saddle tree features large kneepads and an improved cantle angle to keep you in your seat. Fenders hang from stainless steel stirrup bars for maximum leg movement.

Strong, light-weight and manufactured in the USA. Equi-fit Classic saddle trees are cut from specially selected southern yellow pine, then reinforced using a composite meshing and resin coating.

BACKED BY A TEN YEAR CONDITIONAL WARRANTY

THE SPECS

Gullet Width: 6″ Semi Quarter Horse
Kneepad Height: 4 ¼”
Cantle: 3 ¼”
3 Saddle Sizes Available : 15″ (12 ½” seat), 16″ (13 ½” seat) & 17″ (14 ½” seat)

For more information on saddle measurements please see our article How to measure a Toowoomba Saddlery saddle ►


LEATHER THAT LASTS

Genuine, premium Hermann Oak® saddle skirting leather. Full grain for full strength and character. Vegetable pit tanned in the USA since 1881.
For saddles that oil evenly and well, maintain their shape and rich colour throughout their long life.

The Natural coloured leather will age beautifully and the padded dark brown suede seat matches the colour of the felt lining.

Hermann Oak logo

Added Grip

Rough-out knee pads and Platinum series ox-bows complete with Leather on tread provide extra grip in those tight turns.

Condamine Limited saddle - stirrup

Condamine Limited saddle - rigging

VERSATILE RIGGING

3 way rigging plates support multiple girthing options.

Compatible with pull-up straps or loop-on girth points, which can be removed and refitted as required (available separately).


A TOUCH OF STYLE

Not just for performance! This saddle is nicely finished with white thread, leather conchos on the seat flaps and barbed wire keeper stamps.

Condamine Limited saddle - leather conchos

Plus all the standard features of a Toowoomba Saddlery Saddle that make them so popular

AMC logo

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

For maximum durability, all Toowoomba Saddlery saddles feature stainless steel hardware, UV stabilised lock-stitched thread and low-maintenance felt lining as standard.


Condamine Competition Saddle - front view
Condamine Competition Saddle - back view

THE MIGHTY

CONDAMINE DRAFTER SADDLE

This LIMITED EDITION competition saddle is Performance-PLUS – Don’t miss out, order now!

Available through Toowoomba Saddlery distributors Australia-wide FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

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Tanami leather Tack

Tanami Leather gold logo

Tanami Tack products with brass hardware

Tanami Tack | Hand-crafted leather saddles and tack

Breastplates • Bridles • Saddle Bags • Stirrup Leathers • Quart Pot Covers • More…

Exclusively distributed wholesale by Toowoomba Saddlery

Tanami Tack® leather items are hand crafted from carefully selected leathers that are sourced from tanneries  worldwide. 

The leather used in all of the Tanami Tack range is tanned from carefully selected hides, drum tanned then drum dyed to ensure colour depth and fastness while maintaining the natural appearance of the leather. The leather is then hand oiled and finished.

Quality Stainless steel or Solid brass (with or without Polished Chrome-plate finish) hardware is used on the entire Tanami Tack® range.

UV stabilised nylon thread is used in the Tanami Tack® products and will not be affected by leather oils or dressings.

Click here to find your nearest retail distributor

Caring For Your Fine Quality leather Tanami Tack

To maintain the strength and suppleness of your new quality leather Tanami Tack® product, we recommend the following:

BEFORE USE
Apply a light coat of good quality saddle oil or
saddlery leather conditioner, taking care not to over oil.

ONGOING CARE
Store carefully away from moisture. Clean and
condition regularly using a quality leather cleaner,
leather oil and or leather conditioning cream.

Toowoomba Saddlery uses, recommends and distributes the following leather care brands:

Oakwood Leather Care logo
Joseph Lyddy Logo

Explore the range of Tanami saddles and tack:

Click on any of the below products to discover more about the specific item.

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Chahin Leather

Chahin Leather logo
Chahin Leather logo

Chahin Leather

Alum Tanned Latigo • Harness • Bridle

Chahin Tannery is a family-owned business that was founded in 1932, Chahin tannery is known for their full grain vegetable tanned leather but they also produce alum and chrome tanned leather as well as rawhide.

The skills and knowledge that have been acquired over eight decades are part of their heritage and continue to be passed on to future generations. 

Chahin Leather strives to ensure each piece of leather that leaves the tannery meets their standards as well as yours. Consistent quality is important and they want to make sure your projects begin with the best materials possible so they can last a lifetime.

Their slow and time-honoured vegetable tanning process takes nearly 45 days and is what makes vegetable leather much different from leathers produced using other types of tannages.

Through the years, the machinery and technologies used may have changed but they still make their leather using the same artisanal process as in the beginning.


Scenes from the Chahin Tannery

Chahin Hide dehairing
Dehairing the hides
Chahin leather tanning pits
Chahin Tanning Pits
Chahin hides from the tanning pits
Removing hides from the pits
Chahin taking leather from the drum
Leather brought out of the drum
Chahin Leather Drums
Leather dye drums
Chahin leather toggling
Leather toggling
Chahin leather after machining
Finished Leather
Chahin Logo embossed in Leather
The Chahin Logo embossed in leather


If you haven’t tried Chahin Leather – Now is the Time !

Toowoomba Saddlery has been stocking select lines of Chahin leather in Australia for several years now and we have not looked back. See our range of Chahin leathers below. Not sure which leather is suitable for you? Contact us today.

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NEW POLYMER COATED WEBBING

Bronc Web colour logo

NEW POLYMER COATED WEBBING

   ✓Durable    ✓UV and Water resistant   
✓Leather grain texture    ✓Flexible in cold temperatures

!! EXCLUSIVE TO TOOWOOMBA SADDLERY !!

A woven polyester core with a durable polymer coating. Easy maintenance: just wipe clean with soapy water. Excellent coating adhesion makes it easy to punch clean holes and slots every time.

bronc webbing roll cropped

SOLD PER ROLL | 30m/roll – NO JOINS IN ROLLS!

Bronc Coated Webbing colour logo

Bronc Coated Webbing

2.6mm thickness. Suitable for most applications.

Find out more ►

Buffalo Coated Webbing colour logo

Buffalo Coated Webbing

3.9mm thickness. For heavy-duty applications.

Find out more ►

Other colours and sizes to be added at a later date.

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The Moonie Drafter Saddle

Moonie Drafter Saddle article feature

Cover new ground with the

Moonie Drafter saddle

Featuring our NEW Australian Made saddle tree. Ideal for breaking in, competition, campdrafting and stock work.

Moonie Drafter Saddle

Crafted on the new Australian Made Ramtough® Saddle Tree

Tough, high-expansion urethane, reinforced tree made locally in Queensland for Toowoomba Saddlery

‘Jump’ tested, ‘Road’ tested and Lab tested to breaking point!

Strength tested by USQ’s Centre for Future Materials
Gullet strength tested to 947kg 
Stirrup bars tested to 850kg

To prove its strength, the new saddle tree was put through 3 phases of testing, so you can ride on it with complete confidence.
Click here for full test details ►

Australian Made Ramtough Saddle Tree

10 year conditional saddle tree warranty

With these results we are more than confident to back our new saddle tree with a 10 year conditional warranty. This warranty covers breakage and distortion of the saddle tree from normal use. The warranty does not cover accidental damage, misuse, intentional abuse or any alteration from its original shape.

Saddle tree warranty icon

THE SPECS

Gullet Width: 6″ Semi Quarter Horse
Kneepad Height: 3 ¼”
3 Saddle Sizes Available : 15″ (12 ½” seat), 16″ (13 ½” seat) & 17″ (14 ½” seat)

For more information on saddle measurements please see our article How to measure a Toowoomba Saddlery saddle ►


ONE PIECE SEAT

The unpadded one piece seat means business while providing a unique feel for the rider.

Moonie Drafter Top view

Moonie Drafter easy access rigging

EASY ACCESS RIGGING

C-type rigging plates + flank dees.

Compatible with pull-up straps or loop-on girth points, which can be removed and refitted as required (available separately).

Specially shaped girth safe for easy access to the rigging.


LEATHER THAT LASTS

Edge-dyed leather in a contrasting finish – Smooth-out with rough-out saddle flaps and padded suede seat.

Genuine, premium Hermann Oak® saddle skirting leather. Full grain for full strength and character. Vegetable pit tanned in the USA since 1881.
For saddles that oil evenly and well, maintain their shape and rich colour throughout their long life.

Hermann Oak logo

AMC logo

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

For maximum durability, all Toowoomba Saddlery saddles feature stainless steel hardware, UV stabilised lock-stitched thread and low-maintenance felt lining as standard.

For safety, convenience and maximum leg movement the fenders are fully removable and swing from stainless steel stirrup bars.


Moonie Drafter back view
Moonie Drafter Front view

We’ve put it to the test – now it’s your turn!

Cover new ground with Toowoomba Saddlery’s Moonie Drafter saddle…

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The new Ranger Fender Saddle

The Ranger Fender

Blaze a new trail with this ruggedly handsome saddle ideal for competition, campdrafting and more…

Ranger Fender Saddle with pre-turned fenders

The first saddle to be crafted on the new Australian Made Ramtough® Saddle Tree

Tough, high expansion urethane, reinforced tree made locally in Queensland for Toowoomba Saddlery

‘Jump’ tested, ‘Road’ tested and Lab tested to breaking point!

Strength tested by USQ’s Centre for Future Materials
Gullet strength tested to 947kg 
Stirrup bars tested to 850kg

To prove its strength, the new saddle tree was put through 3 phases of testing, so you can ride on it with complete confidence.
Click here for full test details ►

Australian Made Ramtough Saddle Tree

10 year conditional saddle tree warranty

With these results we are more than confident to back our new saddle tree with a 10 year conditional warranty. This warranty covers breakage and distortion of the saddle tree from normal use. The warranty does not cover accidental damage, misuse, intentional abuse or any alteration from its original shape.

Saddle tree warranty icon

THE SPECS

Gullet Width: 6″ Semi Quarter Horse
Kneepad Height: 3 ¼”
3 Saddle Sizes Available : 15″ (12 ½” seat), 16″ (13 ½” seat) & 17″ (14 ½” seat)

For more information on saddle measurements please see our article How to measure a Toowoomba Saddlery saddle ►


PRE-TURNED FENDERS

Fans of turned / twisted fenders talk about it being easier on the ankles and making the mounting process faster and easier.
Having pre-turned fenders saves you time and gets you riding faster.

STIRRUPS WITH GRIP

Platinum series ox-bows complete with Leather on tread provide extra grip in those tight turns.

Ranger fender - fender close up

Ranger Fender saddle easy-access girth safe with 3 way rigging

VERSATILE RIGGING

3 way rigging plates + flank dees support multiple girthing options.

Compatible with pull-up straps or loop-on girth points, which can be removed and refitted as required (available separately).

Specially shaped girth safe for easy access to the rigging.


LEATHER THAT LASTS

Edge-dyed leather in a contrasting finish – Smooth-out with rough-out saddle flaps and padded suede seat.

Genuine, premium Hermann Oak® saddle skirting leather. Full grain for full strength and character. Vegetable pit tanned in the USA since 1881.
For saddles that oil evenly and well, maintain their shape and rich colour throughout their long life.

Hermann Oak logo

AMC logo

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

For maximum durability, all Toowoomba Saddlery saddles feature stainless steel hardware, UV stabilised lock-stitched thread and low-maintenance felt lining as standard.

For safety, convenience and maximum leg movement the fenders are fully removable and swing from stainless steel stirrup bars.


Ranger Fender Saddle Back
Ranger Fender Saddle Front

We’ve put it to the test – now it’s your turn!

Blaze a new trail with Toowoomba Saddlery’s Ranger Fender saddle…

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New TS Pro Series Rope Tack

TS Pro series article featured image

Rope tack hand-spliced locally in QLD, using double braided equestrian rope made in Australia.

ABOUT THE ROPE:

  • UV resistant Polyester resists stretching, shrinking and pilling
  • Soft on your hands, yet impressively strong and hard-wearing
  • Colour-fast and easy to maintain.

Most TS Pro series tack items are available in these 5 standard colours:

TS Pro Series colour swatch - Beige/Brown
Beige/Brown
TS Pro Series colour swatch - Blue/Black
Blue/Black
TS Pro Series colour swatch - Navy/Red/White
Navy/Red/
White
TS Pro Series colour swatch - Red/Black
Red/Black
TS Pro Series colour swatch - Aussie Green/Gold
Aussie Green/Gold

TS Pro Series Knotted Rope Horse Halters

TS Pro Series Rope Halter - Aussie Green/Gold

Light and versatile, suited for groundwork or riding.  A rope halter is made to put pressure on a smaller area than with strap halters and is less likely to break if your horse pulls on it.

8mm Rope.
Available in the 5 standard colours.
2 sizes: Full and Cob.

Click here for further information ►

TS Pro Series Rope Leads

Made using 14mm rope. Complete with leather flickers.

TS Pro series rope lead
TS Pro series Rope training lead with bull snap
TS Pro Series Rope Training lead with Loop End

ROPE LEADS
Length: 7ft (2.15m) 

Click here for further information ►

TRAINING LEADS
Length: 13ft(4m) The extra length keeps you a safe distance from your horse during training.
Only available in one colour: Beige/Brown.

-WITH HEAVY DUTY NICKEL PLATED BULL SNAP
Click here for further information

-WITH LOOP END
Click here for further information

TS Pro Series Split Rope Reins

Made using 14mm Hollow Braided rope. Complete with leather flickers. SOLD PER PAIR.

TS Pro Series Rope reins with slobber straps - Blue/Black

REINS WITH SLOBBER STRAPS
Leather slobber straps add weight and feel to the bit for better communication with your horse. They also take some of the wear and tear that might otherwise be applied directly to the reins.
Length: 7ft (2.15m). Available in the 5 standard colours.

Click here for further information ►

TS Pro Series Rope reins with loop ends Blue/Red/White

REINS WITH LOOP ENDS
Length: 7ft (2.15m). Available in the 5 standard colours.

Click here for further information ►

TS Pro series Aussie rope Campdraft Reins - Brown

AUSSIE CAMPDRAFT REINS
Specially designed for the unique Australian sport with weighted hand part and loop ends for superior balance, complete with leather bit straps and flickers.
Length: 5ft 6″ (1.68m). Available in the 5 standard colours and 2 additional colours.

Click here for further information ►

Get your matching set of rope tack today!

Find your nearest Toowoomba Saddlery distributor