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Choosing the Correct Barrel Racing Saddle
An important part of barrel racing is ensuring the saddle is correct. You won't need a fancy saddle but a correctly fitting barrel saddle could make the difference between winning and losing. Some important reasons why saddle selection is critical include fitting the horse and the rider, the correct type, and the price Saddles are expensive but last for years so purchasing the right saddle now will be an excellent investment.
Fitting Your Horse
The most important consideration is the fit. There must be no pressure points to cause pain to the horse and the horse must be able to move freely without interference from the bars of the tree. Some barrel saddles are made with no bars so a misconception has arisen that these saddles can fit any horse. This is untrue as the saddle can cause pain and interfere with movement by sitting too far down the back of the horse. Ensuring a good fit of the saddle for the horse will improve performance by preventing pain, thus eliminating behavioral and performance problems.
To ensure the saddle fits your horse look for these points. After a ride inspect the area under the pad. Dry areas may indicate pressure points. Often the back will be completely wet with sweat apart from a circle on each side. This dry area within the wet area means that the saddle is pressing down at these points with your weight. If this is not corrected the area will become sore and skin damage will result in the hair falling out. Unfortunately this problem cannot be corrected by changing the pads. the saddle design for a while. The only solution is to get a different saddle.
Fitting the Rider
As well as fitting the horse the barrel saddle must also fit the rider. Many different sizes are made and they fit differently depending on size and style. An ill fitting saddle will be uncomfortable and make keeping the balance more difficult. Barrel saddles are generally made with a high cantle in the back and rough leather on fenders and jockeys to ensure you stay in your seat. A taller horn for gripping during rough turns and stirrups to hold feet at a different angle than normal are also variations employed by barrel saddles.
Buying Your Barrel Saddle
May dealers will allow you to try out a saddle after purchase to ensure a good fit. If it doesn't fit your horse you can exchange it or get most of your money back. Barrel saddles are expensive but will last for many years with good care. The most expensive saddles are made from better quality materials and are well worth purchasing if you can afford them.