The Rod Campbell Saddle

• Stockwork
• Horse Breaking
• Trekking
• Polocrosse

Mr. Rod Campbell, the designer of these saddles has virtually lived in the saddle himself all his life. From riding to school to being a stockman, drover, horse breaker, and equestrian judge, he was often in the saddle all day long. It is from this background and experience that this saddle has originated.

The need was felt for a saddle to suit his own requirements. He disregarded the tradition of stitched seams which tend to rot, and kneepads that get loose with age. He also wanted a stronger and better shaped tree so thus set about making his own saddle. This of course didn't come easily or quickly but has involved many years of experimenting and perfecting. Many different types of trees were tried and experimented with, including rigid and flexible. Finally a moulded hollow fibreglass tree was chosen as being the most superior. A lot of time and care went into the shaping of this original tree. Finally this tree alone could be strapped to a horse's back and ridden on in comfort for both horse and rider. It was then covered in leather which was laced up and screwed to the tree using no stitching at all. The finished saddle was extremely strong and comfortable, and by using modern materials and a different method of construction could be produced for a very economical figure.

Mr. Campbell was soon getting numerous requests for these saddles and although they were never advertised, word of them soon spread and many saddles were made and sold in the Northland New Zealand area. They have now been well tested and proven for practically all types of farming and riding, and can he recommended by many horsemen.

The background to the saddles

Many years of developing has preceded them being put on the New Zealand market. Finer improvements are still being made and no doubt will continue to be as long as the saddles are being produced.

Tree

These trees are unique in design and are especially made for these saddles. They are manufactured in New Zealand by a person with extensive experience and knowledge in fibreglass technology. The tree is made from Glass Reinforced Plastic with a double layer of matt reinforcing top and bottom and is moulded into one piece by a special technique which gives it tremendous strength to easily withstand anything a saddle could be subjected to. In fact, they are virtually indestructible, they cannot twist and the gullet can never spread. The safety stirrup hook is set in solid reinforced fibreglass in the pommel.

Fit

An important feature is the fit on the horse. Mr. Campbell was well aware of many ill-fitting Australian and New Zealand made saddles and went to a tremendous amount of care and trouble in the shaping of this tree. Practice has proved it to be excellent for the horse and it can be used with confidence on practically any type or breed. They sit well forward and seldom require a breastplate or crupper.

Comfort

Another very popular feature is the extreme comfort which must be tried to be appreciated. The contoured deep seat and kneepads are moulded to fit the rider and can be ridden in with ease and comfort hour after hour. They are a narrow waisted saddle, which is important for balance and close contact with the horse.