Barrel Racing saddles-bear trap v.s. no bear trap? Which do you prefer?

Question

In case you dont know what I mean, a bear trap is something like this:

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/295201.JPG

as opposed to a barrel saddle like this, that doesn't have the bear trap style:

http://www.dencities.com/denmall/saddles/conniecombs-1.jpg

Answer 1

It depends on your level of racing and your feelings of overall security. The bear traps offer an extra level of security because they will support you on your turns and really hold you in the saddle.

I have a bear trap and like mine!

Answer 2

I have also ridden in both types of saddles. I owned a bear trap saddle, but my friend's saddle did not have one. I never really had a preference either way, but after an incident with my bear trap saddle, I would say non-bear trap.

My horse spooked (bucked then reared) and my legs were stuck. I ended up with nasty bruises on both legs, especially the one that somehow got on top of the bear trap.

I never had a problem with a non-bear trap saddle. And other than that one problem I had with my bear trap, I never had a problem with those either. I would say go with whatever you are most comfortable in. Usually, riders use a bear trap saddle when they are still unsure of their seat.

Edit - It was getting a bit small. I was on a search for a new saddle when that happened. But when I got pitched forward, my whole body went forward in the saddle. I was like on top of the horn. lol.

Answer 3

I cannot stand a bear trap saddle. I've been wanting to get rid of mine for ages, but I keep it around for the newbies. I'm not sure why I dislike it so much, I just prefer the regular saddle. It seems like I'm the only one from what I've read above though.

Answer 4

I like the bear trap personally, also if your running quick times and have a fast horse thats powerful then you need the extra support. I also recommend that you get a saddle with a higher cantle then the one in the picture, you need that extra support. Also the horn should be a little higher then that. You want a long thin horn to grab easily to pull your self up to set yourself up for the next barrel ahead!

Good luck girl!

Answer 5

I have ridden both saddles and I would most prefer the bear trap because it's easier for me to lean a little forward in the saddle.

Answer 6

okay, be kind as i have little to no experience in western except a year showing western pleasure in somebody elses tack.

so what exactly is the difference? I can't see it, and I'd really like to know!

EDIT: thanks Shannon and Julian!  the different angles helped alot, and i learned something new!

and now to give my 2 cents on the question, anything that "holds" you in a saddle worries me, no matter how fast and strong your horse is, or how slow and easy, or how much you trust said horse i feel like you ALWAYS need to have an *easy* escape route.

Of course, i don't know how much the bear trap effects an emergency dismount (or a fall ...) but the idea worries me.

Answer 7

TB EVENTER:

Bear trap refers to the swells.  Notice how the first one has swells that come out to the sides, while the second one just has a rounded swell?  The bear trap is so that you can hook your knees under it for extra security.

Answer 8

well no offense or nothing but both of these r not the best saddles if u r just going at not a very fast speed or u r just beginning im pretty sure these saddles would be fine

but if u want to b competitive at what u do i would strongly suggest getting a better saddle then these maybe like a marleen mcCray cuz that what i got and im like in LOVE with it but some other good ones r circle y and bobmarshall