City of Stirling Library Services

Wild ride, the story of the Australian stock saddle, Fiona Carruthers ; foreword by Michael Drapac ; principal researcher: Janice Gifford

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrationsportraits

index present

non fiction

Wild ride

bibliography

Fiona Carruthers ; foreword by Michael Drapac ; principal researcher: Janice Gifford

the story of the Australian stock saddle

The Australian stock saddle is a triumph of simple, honest bushcraft by skilled masters of the trade. Developed in the 1800s in response to the challenges of riding vast distances - often through thick virgin bush and scrub country - the national saddle has proven its durability and comfort for more than two centuries. The hardy stock saddle is a much-loved symbol of rural life but its story has never been written - until now. Wild Ride captures this colourful tale, involving colonial pioneers and Aboriginal stockmen and women; bushrangers and young horsemen sent to the Boer War. It catalogues the earliest models produced by amateurs sewing kneepads onto traditional English saddles, through to the development of the modern stock fender. The work of both contemporary and early masters is carefully documented - from the likes of Jack Wieneke, J.P. Talty, John Brush, Syd Hill and R.M. Williams, whose brand remains a household name, through to those continuing to practise the trade today, including a growing number of women. All of them adapters and inventors, with an eye for beauty, detail, precision and practicality

adult