Barrel Racing Saddle

Barrel racing saddles are designed for speed. They are the smallest and lightest of the western saddle types. The well-designed barrel saddle will secure the rider and maximize maneuverability through hard turns and fast sprints. In addition to barrels, these saddles are suitable for a variety of eventing games.

Typical features of a barrel saddle include:

• A deep seat to hold in the rider
• A thin and taller horn for the rider to grab onto during hard turns
• A higher fork with relatively wide swells to secure the rider
• Rough-out seat, fenders, and side jockeys for extra grip
• Relatively high cantle for security
• Free swinging fenders to allow the rider to keep her legs underneath her center of gravity
• Narrow stirrups to hold the foot in place
• Front cinch only. No flank cinch
• In-skirt rigging
• Shorter skirts. Round skirts used to be the norm, but square skirts are now in fashion.
• Lighter weight; usually under 30 pounds

With females comprising the majority of barrel racers, barrel saddles can often have a flashy look with a bold use of color and materials such as ostrich leather. It's all about style, darlin'.

Courts	Circle Y