Can i barrel race in english tack?

Question

My local barn is having a schooling show. Everyone at the barn rides english, and the owner decided to start having barrel racing and other gymcanna type events. I am not sure if i sould ride in my western or my english saddle. I do know that everyone else will be riding in english tack, but my horse was western trained. Help! (i don't want to stick out too much)

Answer 1

Whatever is most comfortable for you and your horse.  People are pretty low and pathetic if they make fun of you for what kind of saddle you use.  If you find it easier in a western saddle and your horse is more accustomed to western riding, then I'd go with that.  But if you'd like a challenge then go with the english.

Answer 2

I think you should ride in whatever you're comfortable with.  Your horse is going to be running fast... if you're not comfortable with western and you switch to a saddle that gives you no contact with the horse, it's going to be very uncomfortable for you and if something goes wrong, you'll be more likely to fall off.

I think by riding in the barrel racing class, you'll already stand out and I don't think there's anything wrong with using the western saddle because it's such a western event.  But I think you should do whatever you're comfortable with.  You CAN do anything in an english saddle.  I think I'd probably neck rein for barrels either way, especially if your horse was trained to understand it.  he might be confused with the 2-hands if you're pulling him sharply around barrels.  Practice with both and see what you like more.

Answer 3

i ride english a lot, and it's not fun trying to stay on while barrel racing in it. the safe thing to do would be to ride western, no body will care if ur riding western in a western event. the horn helps so much, and a comment on an earlier answer...

Why is english tack faggody?? i don't see anyone trying to jump western over logs and into gullies....think about it