Question:

Do i need a different saddle for barrel racing?

by Guest58377  |  earlier

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i have a pleasure saddle i guess...i dont really know what kind it is, it was just comfortable so i bought it. i love my saddle, but do i need to get a barrel saddle to race? i know that mine is not, but i have a matching bridle and breast collar and everything for my saddle and i really od not want to invest in a new saddle, do i need to to compete though?

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5 ANSWERS


  1. I think it depends on what level of competing you wish to do. If it's just backyard barn kinda shows then your saddle should be fine. Bigger shows and breed registration shows will most likely require you have a proper barrel racing saddle. I would make sure to read the rules and regulations associated with the show before showing, that way there is no confusion. Good luck!


  2. NO, you do not need a barrel racing saddle to barrel race. I show in a roping saddle and sometimes a pleasure saddle. it is not required buy any shows that i know of i have been barrel racing for 10 years in open shows and in AQHA shows.  

  3. like horsegurl said.. if they are smaller shows or equestrian team or fair, etc.. than your saddle should be fine (it'd be easier to tell if we had a pic)

    but if your competing in bigger shows, rodeo, etc.. than you'd need a proper barrel saddle.

    just check in the rules, and if its just a couple shows, borrow one  

  4. Well, I agree about if you're competing at low level or schooling shows it may not be required.  But as always, double check to see.

    If you do intend to really do barrel racing you will need the barrel saddle to really be competitive as well as comfortable and secure.

    The barrel saddle has a much deeper seat the help keep you in the saddle on the hard turns you will make.

    Its usually a rough out finish to help your jeans really stick to the saddle, less slipping.

    The biggest thing is the weight is about 1/4 a typical pleasure saddle.  In barrel racing speed is a very big factor.  If you have a lighter saddle then that is less weight for the horse to carry thus making it easier to go faster.  If you really intend to compete then it will benefit your horse and his joints too.  Less wear and tear on him.

    The cut of the saddle.  I'm guessing your pleasure saddle has a square skirt on it.  On a barrel saddle there is a minimal amount of skirting on it so that if you take a turn really close to the barrel there is less of a chance your saddle skirt will hit the barrel and knock it down.  Also less on the horse which frees them up.

    If you cant afford a new one, try used ones.  They are already broke in too.  Also, if you have never done barrel racing in a barrel saddle you may want to try it and I'm sure you will notice a huge difference in your riding.  Depending on your area, the more mismatched and crazy your tack is, the better.  In my area, a little mismatched is popular, just not everything.  

  5. Yes it would be best to have a barrel saddle to race in!

    But from where im from it donesn't matter want kind a saddle you have for barrel racing (except english).

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