Tips for Buying a Barrel Racing Western Horse Saddle
A good barrel racing saddle may be the most important piece of horse equipment that you own. Choosing the right one can make the difference between winning at the rodeo and falling off while maneuvering around a tight barrel. Consider your own physique along with that of your horse to choose the right barrel racing saddle on eBay.
Some considerations when buying a barrel racing saddleIt takes many different parts to make a barrel racing saddle. You may want to think about each of these parts to find the right saddle:
- Seat: The seat on a barrel racing saddle should be rough to provide a better grip. Look for a saddle with a deep seat so that you stay in the saddle.
- Horn: Look for a tall, thin horn because it will be easier to grab when making tight turns. Most riders find a horn tilted slightly forward is easier to grab.
- Fenders and stirrups: Flexible, rough fenders allow you to keep your center of balance over your horse. The stirrups should be narrow to help ensure that you do not hit a barrel. Narrow stirrups also make it easier to stand up when getting back into time with your mount.
- Trees: Choose the style of tree fitting the way your horse is constructed.
You can find many different styles of trees on new and used barrel racing saddles on eBay. A barrel racing saddle’s tree is the base that holds everything together. Different makers use different styles of trees. Manufacturers follow no absolutes when making saddle trees. The most common types include:
- Martha Josey: These trees, like those found on some Circle Y saddles, have very little top slope and straight sides.
- Olin Young: If you lean into your saddle while going around barrels, then this tree may be for you. These barrel racing saddles have a rounded undercut.
- Modified Association: These trees, like those found on some HR Saddlery, have a moderate amount of top slope and a curved undercut to the sides.
- Packer: These trees, like those found on some saddles made by Rod Nickle, have a lot of slope on the top with an exaggerated curve underside.
- Buster Welch: These trees, like those found on some barrel racing saddles made by Burns Saddlery and Teskey’s, round down to the bars. They have a moderate amount of top slope.
Saddles come in a variety of sizes. Generally, petite people need a 14-inch saddle while the average adult needs a 15-inch saddle. Large-boned barrel racers may feel more comfortable in a 16-inch saddle. Riders over 195 pounds may want a 17-inch saddle. See the manufacturer site for details.
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