We hope this knowledge base will be a valuable resource for those who use and distribute our saddlery and manufacturing products. Learn about new Toowoomba Saddlery products, discover how to choose the right products for you as well as how to use and maintain them. If there is anything you want to see in our blog please contact us.
All of our current catalogues are available for your viewing as online flip books. You can also download them as PDFs to view offline.
*Toowoomba Saddlery endeavours to ensure the information provided in these catalogues is current and correct at time of publication however we do reserve the right to change product specifications without notice. For hand-made items also allow for some minor variation product-to-product. Please be aware that colours may appear differently due to lighting or other factors.
Please note that some products that appear in these catalogues may have been discontinued and are no longer available.
Updated information on over 250 Saddlery and tack products, available through our distributors Australia wide. PLUS we’ve incorporated a Manufacturer’s catalogue with leather, hardware, webbing and other materials used in making saddles, tack and other products.
Manufacturer’s Catalogue 2023 – 2024
A staple catalogue of the Australian saddlery industry. Explore our extensive range of products, raw materials and tools used in saddle-making, rug-making and repair, pouch and belt-making, tack-manufacture and similar projects. Includes Leather, Webbing and a whole lot more. To purchase goods featured in this catalogue please contact Toowoomba Saddlery.
Displaying updated information and pictures of Toowoomba Saddlery’s Australian Made saddles.
Tanami Catalogue 2023
Displaying updated information on the entire range of Tanami hand-crafted leather tack and saddles. This range has been popular since its introduction in 2015 and the range has expanded enormously.
Coming Soon
Toowoomba Saddlery Past Catalogues
Trying to reference an item that is no longer available? Or working out when a piece of second hand gear may have been made? These catalogues may be useful for you. You can view them online or download them as PDFs to view offline.
*Toowoomba Saddlery endeavours to ensure the information provided in these catalogues was current and correct at time of publication however we do reserve the right to change product specifications without notice. For hand-made items also allow for some minor variation product-to-product. Be aware that colours may appear differently due to lighting or other factors.
Some products that appear in these catalogues may have been discontinued and are no longer available.
Saddle strength is primarily determined directly by its bones – the saddle tree. Like any other skeleton the tree provides structure, and helps distribute the rider’s weight across the horse. It is important that these bones are strong enough to endure hours of riding
In 2019, Toowoomba Saddlery worked for months with local manufacturers to develop a brand new saddle tree. The material is a new high-expansion, reinforced Polyurethane-composite with excellent strength characteristics.
We knew this new saddle tree was strong, but the question remained – how strong?
Ramtough Strength Testing Video
Phase 1: Traditional ‘Jump’ Testing
The traditional test of saddle tree strength is quite simple. The saddle tree is placed on the ground and a volunteer proceeds to jump on the saddle tree as hard as they can. What could go wrong? For the saddle tree – not much, it remained in one piece, undamaged, unlike the ankle of our unfortunate volunteer. Always keen to prove the quality of our products, the volunteer for this test was none other than our very own Director Robert Delbridge. With traditional methods proving too unsafe, we began thinking – there must be a better way!
Phase 2: Road testing
Time to ramp it up – cue the four wheel drive ! The concrete of our carpark still bears the scars of this test, the saddle tree however looked no worse for wear. With the weight of a Toyota Landcruiser bearing down on the tree, you can see where it has dragged across the ground, yet it sustains no damage.
Phase 3: Lab testing
Time for something a bit more scientific – something safe and accurate. With the help of the USQ’s Centre for Future Materials, we had the trees mechanically load-tested, and finally obtained the data we were looking for. Each tree was put through 2 tests:
Test 1: Stirrup bar strength test: Each tree tested was fitted with a pair of our standard 6mm stainless steel stirrup bars. Using a Shimadzu Universal Test Machine, increasing pressure is applied to both sides of the saddle tree on the stirrup bars and measured as kilograms of force. As the load increases, we monitor the tree and stirrup bars for bending or damage.
Test 2: Gullet strength test: Using an MTS Insight 100kN electromechanical testing system, the saddle trees are literally tested to breaking point with increasing pressure being applied to the pommel until the tree fails. This pressure is measured as kilograms of force.
Ramtough Saddle Tree Strength Test Results
Stirrup Bar Test: Test stopped at 850k – no movement whatsoever, no visible damage to the tree. Gullet Strength Test: Snapped at 947Kg.
Based on these impressive results we find it unlikely that the tree would be damaged through normal saddle use – or even many accidental mishaps. 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 form.
For now, the new saddle tree is available in semiquarter horse only. The first saddle to be made with the new saddle tree is our brand new Ranger Fender. Find out more about this saddle here: https://ozsaddle.com/product/ranger-fender-saddle/
Saddle trees compared
We took this opportunity to have one of our Equi-fit saddle trees tested as well, we have been confidently using these trees for many years. The Equi-fit tree was put through the same tests as our new high-expansion tree.
Equi-fit Saddle Tree strength testing
Equi-fit Saddle tree stirrup bar test
Equi-fit Saddle tree stirrup gullet strength test
Equi-fit Saddle Tree Strength Test Results
Gullet Strength Test: Snapped at 1710k Stirrup Bar Test: Test stopped at 875k – no movement whatsoever, no visible damage to the tree. The Equi-fit trees are used in many of our saddles, click here to discover more about Equi-fit.
The Equi-fit saddle trees are supplied with a 10 year conditional warranty and with these results it is easy to see why. 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 form.
Please note that with the easing of Covid restrictions, visitor entry is now through the office only (not the shed gate). If the office is unattended, please press the button on the counter for service.
If you are feeling unwell, we recommend placing your orders and enquiries online or over the phone. Social distancing is encouraged. For up-to-date information on QLD Health recommendations, please see the QLD Health website.
UPDATE 05/05/2022
After QLD health guideline changes, visitors are no longer required to check in, and no longer need to wear a mask unless they are a close contact of a positive case. Social distancing is encouraged. For up-to-date information on the continuing changes, please see the QLD Health website.
If you are feeling unwell, we recommend placing your orders and enquiries online or over the phone.
Visitor entry continues to be through the main shed gate, not the office. Press the green button to the right of the shed door for service.
Our delivery partners are still experiencing delays and we thank you for your continued patience.
UPDATE 12/01/2022
For your comfort and assurance, all management and staff of Toowoomba Saddlery are currently double vaccinated for Covid-19.
At this time Covid vaccination status does not affect entry to the premises, however, under QLD health guidelines all visitors are required to wear a mask unless they meet an exemption listed by QLD Health. It is expected that all visitors sign in using the Check in QLD app and maintain social distancing where possible.
Visitor entry remains through the main shed gate, not the office. If you are feeling unwell, we recommend placing your orders and enquiries online or over the phone.
Our delivery partners are still experiencing delays and we thank you for your continued patience.
UPDATE 22/07/2021
Due to extended COVID-19 lockdowns and high parcel volumes, customers may experience delivery delays. Our delivery partner Australia Post is working hard to ensure you receive your items as quickly as possible. The best way to track your deliveries is through Australia Post’s mobile app. Get expected delivery dates, localised service updates and stay notified if things change.
You can also track your parcels on auspost.com.au by using the tracking tool.
Toowoomba Saddlery has registered with the Check in QLD app. If you are visiting our store in person, you can check in by scanning the QR codes we have displayed in store. Using the app can assist with contract-tracing in the event of a local outbreak.
While Toowoomba Saddlery has remained open for online and phone orders with contact-less collection throughout the pandemic, physical entry to the warehouse by visitors has been restricted – until now. In response to the governments stage 2 of easing restrictions, we have decided that now is the right time to re-open our gates to visitors and welcome you inside the warehouse.
You can now visit our warehouse in person to: • Place, collect and pay for your order • Select your leather • View our saddle stock 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday
To protect customers and staff and prevent the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) Toowoomba Saddlery will continue to maintain good hygiene practices and limit personal contact. Visitor entry remains through the main shed gate, not the office.
We do ask that all visitors abide by social distancing rules, use the provided hand sanitiser and follow staff direction as necessary. Cashless payment options are preferred. If you are unwell, please delay visiting until you are feeling better.
If you have any queries or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
UPDATE 27/03/2020
WE ARE OPEN – Access Restricted !
To ensure the safety of our customers and staff we have decided to close the physical office and warehouse to visitors.
We will continue to trade via phone, email and online.
Orders for collection
If you would like to collect an order, payment can be made over the phone and the warehouse will leave the goods in a designated area to ensure zero-contact.
Freighters are asked to call before/on arrival to ensure the gates are opened.
Note that this is a temporary measure and will keep you informed as the situation develops. We thank you for your understanding as we support each other through these challenging times. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
UPDATE 20/03/2020
WE ARE OPEN
Please be reassured that Toowoomba Saddlery is open as usual, 8am – 4pm Weekdays (QLD time) and at this stage all employees of Toowoomba Saddlery retain overall good health and are not known to have, or have been exposed to the Corona Virus.
That being said, the safety of our customers and employees is our priority, and to this end we are employing a number of measures to help prevent the spread of infection.
We’re asking our team members to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, to practise social distancing where possible, to stay home if they are at all unwell, and to self-isolate if required.
If you are unwell or simply wish to be cautious, please place your orders and enquiries via phone, email or website – many of you use these methods already.
Visitor entry is currently through the main shed gate, not the office.
Will the Corona Virus affect orders?
At this stage leather supply is unaffected, if this changes we will be sure to notify you. New shipments of hardware may be delayed, however our current hardware stocks remain plentiful for most items.
Australia Post and Star Track have both advised that there may be delays to their delivery services. They have also made alternative arrangements for services that normally require signature upon delivery: For more information see their update: https://startrack.com.au/alerts
We hope everyone is staying safe and well From the staff and management at Toowoomba Saddlery If you have any queries or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The measurement for belt size is taken from the end of the buckle, to the middle hole. This is different to your pants size.
Measuring yourself for belt size
The general rule of thumb is to add 2 inches (5cm) to your pant size, however, for more accuracy you can take your measurement as follows:
Step 1. Put on your outfit as you would normally wear it with a belt – with pants set at the right height, and shirt tucked in or out as you would normally wear it.
Step 2. Pass a tape measure through your belt loops, pull it close as you would a belt and take the measurement. This should be your approximate belt size.
Belt sizes are set in 2 inch (5cm) increments so if your measurement falls between sizes, round up to the nearest belt size.
Please note, these steps are designed for western and stock girths only (not English), as supplied by Toowoomba Saddlery and the result does not take into account the riding event, stretch characteristics of a girth or the ‘girthiness’ of your horse.
Step 1. Properly position your intended saddle and pad on your horse.
Step 2. Use a tape measure to measure your horses’s girth area (under the horse’s belly – where the girth would sit). Either from the near-side rigging plate to the offside plate -or- take the measurement from the rigging plate to the centre of the horse and multiply that number by 2.
Step 3. Take this measurement and minus 16 inches (40cm). This is the approximate size girth you would need.
Girth sizes are set in 2″ (5cm) increments. If your horse measures in-between sizes, in most cases you would choose the next size up.
Hardware sizes are intended to indicate the maximum strap size to be used. As a general rule, measurements are taken from inside-edge to inside-edge, on the side the strap would pass through. For the examples shown, you would use strapping that is a maximum of 1 inch (25mm) wide.
Measurement taken from inside-shoulder to inside-shoulder. Note: even if this measurement is the same between different types of staples, the hole-centre to hole-centre length or total length may be different.
Equi-Fit® Saddle trees have been manufactured in the USA since 1848. They are manufactured using state of the art machinery to maintain accurate consistency from tree to tree. The tree is cut from specially selected southern yellow pine then reinforced using a composite meshing and resin coating so they are strong and lightweight.
The business is now in its 5th generation and is still 100% owned by the Steele family. Toowoomba Saddlery has an excellent business and personal relationship with the Steele family. We visit their plant in Nashville USA to discuss the ongoing development and the quality of the saddle trees for the Australian market. Not only does Toowoomba Saddlery sell the Equi-Fit® saddle trees which are used by many saddle brands, we use these saddle trees in our regular production of the Toowoomba Saddlery branded saddles which are sold in Australia and also exported internationally.
Equi-fit Saddle Tree Strength
In 2019 we put our Equi-fit saddle trees to the test and with results like this it’s no wonder they are backed by a 10 year conditional warranty.
Stirrup bar strength test: Increasing pressure was applied to both sides of the saddle tree on the stirrup bars. As the load increased, we monitored the tree and stirrup bars for damage. RESULT: Test stopped at 875k – no movement whatsoever, no visible damage to the tree.
Gullet strength test: The saddle trees were literally tested to breaking point with increasing pressure being applied to the pommel until the tree failed. RESULT: The Equi-fit saddle tree withstood an impressive 1710kg of force before caving.
The Equi-fit Classic saddle trees supplied by Toowoomba Saddlery are backed by a 10 year conditional warranty. This warranty covers breakage and distortion of the saddle tree from normal use. This warranty will not cover accidental damage, misuse, intentional abuse or any alteration from its original shape.
Equi-Fit® Saddle Trees stages of production
Lumber is stored in a controlled environment out of the elements until it is ready for the saw shop.
The lumber proceeds to the saw shop where the manufacturing process begins.
Computer assisted machines assist with the correct cutting and shaping of the lumber.
Multiple duplicating machines speed up production while maintaining uniformity of the cut pieces.
The correct cut pieces are then carefully placed in their corresponding pattern jigs and checked to further ensure uniformity.
The trees are then coated and stored in a controlled environment before being sent to the finishing plant.
The reinforcing composite matting being applied to the saddle tree.
Saddle trees packed ready for shipping to Australia.
A shipping container full of saddle trees arrive at the Toowoomba Saddlery warehouse.
Are your saddles made on an Equi-fit Classic Saddle Tree?
Equi-fit Saddle Trees supplied by Toowoomba Saddlery
Click on a saddle tree below to view its specifications.
You may have noticed that bamboo materials have started showing up in a growing number of goods and industries lately. In recent years it has become popular as an alternative to cotton, wood and other fibres in various products, from clothing and bedlinen to dinnerware. Its popularity stems both from the sustainability of bamboo crops compared to alternative fibre sources, and the unique characteristics reputedly held by materials manufactured from this special plant.
Now it is time for this innovative textile to find its place in the equine industry. Introducing the new range of Bamtex™ bamboo cord girths / cinchas, manufactured by Mustang. Both horses and riders will appreciate the benefits of Bamtex™ bamboo girths. Made from bamboo stalk fibres, Bamtex™ cord is not only extremely soft and comfortable; it is the strongest cinch cord available! so the girth will stay in place and not stretch out after use.
Bamboo can be:
Antibacterial
Natural Wicking (pulls moisture away)
Natural UVA protectant
Hypoallergenic
Bamtex bamboo tack products are Stronger, Softer and Stay in Place!
BAMBOO AS A SUSTAINABLE FIBRE SOURCE
Unlike cotton or most timber, bamboo regrows fast after cutting, making it renewable. Bamboo crops are appreciated for their efficiency with space and water. They can have reduced need for pesticides and be grown in a diverse range of climates. As a naturally sourced fibre, it doesn’t hold the same biodegradability concerns as synthetic materials and the plants can produce more oxygen than alternative crops. All these factors together make bamboo crops an ideal choice as a sustainable fibre source.
These amazing new cord girths are now available in Australia through Toowoomba Saddlery and their distributors. Mustang Bamtex girths supplied by Toowoomba Saddlery are made in the USA, and supplied with stainless steel hardware for added durability.
Horse and rider benefit from a light-weight close contact, saddle tree backed by a 10 year conditional warranty
Safety
Fenders will detach to meet some of the enforced safety regulations.
Hermann Oak Leather
Crafted with genuine Hermann Oak® leather. Tanned in the USA since 1881 by four generations of the Hermann family.
Australian Made
Made locally here in Toowoomba, Queensland you are supporting local manufacturing, and we provide you with local, professional service.
Versatility
Loop-on girth points (available separately), can be fitted and removed from any of our saddles as events require.
Durability
Lock-stitched with UV stabilised thread. Manufactured with quality materials including stainless steel rigging, hardware and genuine T.S. leather covered stirrup adjusters.
Because we know that Quality Counts!
We are constantly assessing our saddles and listening to feedback so we can be sure that our saddles are as good as they can be.
When cared for correctly your Toowoomba Saddlery saddle will give you years of service
We craft our saddles to embody the same spirit of endurance that our country towns and their people are renowned for. We salute these amazing communities and their riders by making many of our saddles their namesakes.
Products that succeed in Australian conditions cannot be compromised on quality. That is why Toowoomba Saddlery uses only high quality materials in it’s locally-manufactured saddles, crafted by a team of qualified and experienced saddlers guided by over 50 years of business knowledge. So you can have complete confidence in our products.
Designed for versatility, our current half-breed style saddles are the best of both worlds, combining the balance, feel and precision of a dressage saddle, with the comfort of a western saddle seat and the security of stock saddle knee pads. This makes them excellent all-round saddles suitable for a variety of horse breeds and disciplines, with some riders finding the seating not only comfortable but essential to their riding style. Our saddles are compatible with loop-on girth points and pull-up straps (sold separately) which can be removed and refitted as required for your convenience.
Today Toowoomba Saddlery saddles are used by stockmen and women, campdrafters and leisure riders not just in Australia but around the world. With care, Toowoomba Saddlery saddles will last for many years and their quality assists with good resale value if you ever need to part with one.
How Toowoomba Saddlery keeps its saddles competitive
The buying power and efficient manufacturing processes used, make Toowoomba Saddlery saddles excellent value-for-money. We invest in consistently high quality materials from reliable sources to maximise saddle durability and smooth out the manufacturing process.
We specialise in manufacturing specific styles of leather saddles in specific sizes, allowing us to manage time efficiently, implement batch manufacturing processes, and limit the materials required. Labour time and costs are significantly reduced with the assistance of sewing and cutting machines, although a high level of hands-on craftsmanship remains essential.
N.E. on Stanley Fender Saddle Rode in my new Stanley Fender saddle today, my horse seemed comfortable straight up, it felt like a comfy chair… K.W. on Sunset Drafter Saddle Definitely a comfortable saddle, we have 2. Highly recommend
The Tanami brand has been manufacturing quality leather tack for Toowoomba Saddlery for years now. We work closely with the manufacturers to ensure consistent high quality supply of our existing products and now, following several years in development, Toowoomba Saddlery is proud to introduce Australia and the world to Tanami’s first saddle – the Tanami Junior Comp Fender Saddle.
Hand-crafted using pure vegetable-tanned, drum-dyed, Oak Brown saddle leather, this youth saddle is perfect for young riders just starting out in their chosen discipline.
REMOVABLE FENDERS – As well as being a safety feature, this means that you can switch between youth and adult size fenders, adapting the saddle to children with long legs, or smaller-sized adults.
Padded leather-on-tread youth oxbows (Safety stirrups available as optional extras)
PADDED SUEDE SEAT
Compatible with loop-on girth points or pull-up straps (available separately)
The Leather
This Tanami saddle is hand-crafted using pure vegetable-tanned, drum-dyed, Oak Brown saddle leather, with a padded suede seat and basket weave stamping.
Designed to be ecofriendly leather, special attention has been given on ecology specifications. The liming process is sulphide free, the tanning process is chrome free and the leather does not contain any toxic or hazardous chemicals.
The tannery from which this leather is sourced has been established for over 60 years, holds ISO certification for their quality and environment management systems and international certification for social accountability.
The Tanami Saddle Tree
The saddle tree is covered by a 5 year conditional warranty.
The tree is made from a 6 layer composite crossmatting and resin-finished with extra reinforcing blocks inside the moulded tree where any screws are placed.
Each batch of resin used in these trees is laboratory tested to meet strict 6746 : 1994 standards.
If the resin does not pass all of the strict testing procedures, the resin is rejected and not used in the saddle trees.
RESIN IS TESTED FOR
Appearance
Colour
AV
Viscosity (Brookfield)
Viscosity (Ford Cup 4)
Specific Gravity
Gel Time
Peak Exotherm
Gel Peak
Volatile Matter
The feedback for this saddle has been very positive, and the Tanami Junior Comp saddle looks to be a popular addition to the Tanami range.
Toowoomba Saddlery has a number of saddles in its range, you may be wondering which one is best suited for you and your horse.
The information below will give you a good starting point in helping you choose your saddle. We recommend sitting in the saddle prior to purchase where possible.
Step 1. Decide which saddle tree is most suitable.
The saddle tree is a key component, its size and shape are important to determine how the saddle will fit your horse. A Toowoomba Saddlery saddle will be made on one of four Equi-fit trees, with a 10 year conditional warranty on the saddle tree. #3 trees are wider than #2 trees, while the widest is the #3 Quarter Horse tree. The shape of the pommel area and kneepads also differs between the number #2 and #3 trees.
Specifications of each tree type are listed below, use these to assist you in determining which tree is most suited to your horse. Need further help with this? Contact Toowoomba Saddlery or your local saddlery store. It can be helpful to see photos of your horse from different angles, and/or a wither tracing.
We are frequently asked what is the difference between the #2 and the #3 saddle trees: The #2 is narrower through the gullet, with smaller knee pads that lean back towards the rider and a differently shaped pommel.
Step 2. Compare saddles made with that tree and choose the one which best meets your needs.
Points to check can include:
Configuration of hardware and girth rigging
Seat style and padding
Is the saddle available in the right size?
Do you want extra features like edge dyed leather
Price / budget
Saddles made with the #2 Youth tree
Condamine Junior Drafter
Youth Fender Saddle
Saddles made with the #2 Tree
Stock Fender
Cloncurry Fender
Saddles made with the #3 or #3QH tree
Mareeba Drafter
Dubbo Fender
Sunset Drafter
Stanley Fender
Saddles made with the Australian Made Ramtough® Saddle Tree
Ranger Fender
Moonie Drafter
Step 3. Select your options
You will notice that most saddles are available with different options. Once you have decided which saddle has the features you need and meets your budget, check which options are available with that saddle and decide which ones match your personal preferences. Options may include:
Leather Finish (e.g. smooth-out or rough-out) Some riders prefer a rough-out leather saddle for the extra grip it offers and reduced visibility of scratches, however many prefer the sleek look of smooth-out leather.
Colour Most saddles (except the Stanley Fender and Youth Fender) are available in different colours. Not all saddles are available in all colours. Please note: Appearance may be affected by lighting conditions and other factors. Leather can darken after oiling. The colour of suede seats may vary according to the colour in stock.
Lining All Toowoomba Saddlery saddles are supplied with low-maintenance felt lining as standard, it is possible to have a saddle made with a wool fleece lining. This option may cost extra, and require some lead time as the saddle would be made-to-order.
Size Which size is right for you will depend on your height, leg length, and body proportions. For this reason we recommend where possible, sitting in a saddle to confirm the style and size fits comfortably.
The most common saddle size sold is 16″. Note that seat size is a different measurement to saddle size.
Fender length. The fenders supplied with adult saddles are adjustable, approximately 19″ – 26″ in length. If required, it is possible to order shortened fenders (approximately 17.5″ – 24.5″) instead.
Impressive quality leather accessories at amazing prices!
This new product range is already receiving great feedback from customers and consumers. We have partnered with the manufacturer to bring you quality hand-crafted leather accessories, with the designs perfected over many months and the final products made to Toowoomba Saddlery’s demanding, high quality specifications.
Ideal for horse riders or anyone who spends time outdoors. The new range currently includes a range of leather belts, leather multitool pouches in three sizes and a watch pouch. We look forward to adding to the range as time goes on.
What do people like about Victor leather gear?
Genuine Quality Drum Dyed Leather
Consistently high quality
All hardware is solid brass with a polished lacquer finish, or solid brass with a chrome polish finish
All belts in the range are available up to an extra long 48″ (122cm) length (measured from the end of the buckle to the middle hole).
All pouches are intended for universal fit (can sit horizontally or vertically on a belt).
How do I get Victor leather belts and accessories?
The general public can purchase these great new leather accessories from one of Toowoomba Saddlery’s many distributors. If you have a store and are interested in selling Victor leather goods, please contact us.
Established Trade customers of Toowoomba Saddlery can login here to view wholesale pricing or place orders. For assistance logging in please contact us.
