Syd Hill Drover Poley Half Breed Saddle 16″ Brown

The Syd Hill Drover Poley Half Breed Saddle 16″ Brown is an Australian-made half breed saddle combining the supportive seat and poley knee design associated with Australian stock saddles with a swinging-fender configuration. This pre-owned example has a 16″ stamped seat, an inside-seat measurement of approximately 12.5–13″, and a Semi Quarter Horse tree measured at approximately W-XW. It features a brown leather finish, wool felt panels, swinging fenders and aluminium oxbow irons.

Product Specifications

The measurements above correspond to the specific pre-owned saddle listing. Saddle fit should be assessed against the individual horse’s back rather than relying solely on the stated tree width.

Syd Hill Drover Poley Half Breed Design

The Drover Poley Half Breed combines features of an Australian stock saddle with the freer leg movement associated with a Western-style swinging-fender setup. Syd Hill describes the Half Breed format as combining a supportive seat and poley knee pads with swinging fenders attached to the top bar.

This configuration makes the saddle relevant for riders looking for a versatile setup for general riding, trail riding, stock work and other activities where rider security and freedom of leg movement are important.

16″ Seat with Smaller Measured Riding Area

Although the saddle is stamped 16″, the inside-seat measurement of this particular saddle is approximately 12.5–13″. This distinction is important when comparing Australian stock and half breed saddles with conventional Western or English saddle measurements.

The saddle should therefore be compared using its actual measured seat dimensions as well as the stamped size.

Semi Quarter Horse Tree – W-XW

The tree is measured as Semi Quarter Horse, approximately Wide to Extra Wide (W-XW). This gives the saddle a broader tree configuration intended for horses requiring more room through the tree area.

Tree fit should be professionally checked on the intended horse, particularly because back shape, wither profile and rib-cage width can vary significantly between horses.

Wool Felt Panel

The underside uses a wool felt panel. The supplied listing identifies the panel as wool felt, while Syd Hill’s Half Breed designs use contoured/fleece-lined panel systems to help distribute rider weight across the horse’s back.

The actual condition and compression of the wool felt should be inspected before purchase, particularly on a pre-owned saddle.

Poley Knee Design and Swinging Fenders

The poley configuration provides additional leg support and contributes to the traditional Australian stock-saddle character of the design. The swinging fenders allow the rider’s leg to move more freely than with conventional fixed English-style stirrup arrangements.

This combination can be useful for riders spending extended periods in the saddle or using the saddle across different riding environments.

Aluminium Oxbow Irons

The saddle is fitted with aluminium oxbow irons, providing the traditional stirrup configuration associated with Australian stock and half breed saddles. The specific listing identifies the oxbow irons as part of the saddle.

Brown Leather Construction

This example is finished in brown and uses a traditional leather construction. Syd Hill’s current Half Breed range continues the brand’s Australian saddlery approach, with Half Breed saddles designed for a combination of security, balance and versatility.

Condition and Wear

This is a pre-owned saddle in very good condition. It shows normal signs of use, with some minor moth damage on the underside. Buyers should inspect the underside, wool felt, stitching, billets/rigging, leather and tree before use.

The cosmetic moth damage should be distinguished from structural damage; professional inspection is recommended if there is any concern about the affected area.

Intended Use

The Syd Hill Drover Poley Half Breed can be considered for:

• General riding
• Trail riding
• Australian stock work
• Station riding
• Campdraft-style activities
• Polocrosse and similar disciplines
• Riders wanting a swinging-fender half breed configuration
• Horses requiring a Semi Quarter Horse W-XW tree

Syd Hill identifies Half Breed saddles as suitable across general riding, trail riding, breaking, polocrosse and station work.

Buyer Fit Check

Before purchasing, compare the saddle against the horse’s actual back measurements, especially:

• Wither width and shape
• Rib-cage curvature
• Tree width
• Bearing surface
• Saddle length
• Panel/felt condition
• Balance when placed on the horse

The 16″ stamped size should not be confused with the approximately 12.5–13″ internal seat measurement of this particular saddle.

Short Description

• Syd Hill Drover Poley Half Breed Saddle
• Australian-made saddle
• Pre-owned
• Very good condition
• Brown
• 16″ stamped seat
• Approx. 12.5–13″ measured inside seat
• Semi Quarter Horse tree
• Approx. W-XW tree fit
• 58 cm skirt length
• Wool felt panel
• Poley knee design
• Swinging fenders
• Aluminium oxbow irons
• Normal signs of use
• Minor moth damage underneath
• Suitable for general riding, trail and stock work
• Professional saddle-fit assessment recommended