Must-Knows: Essential Barrel Saddle Features for Today's Barrel Racer
In the world of rodeo, barrel racing is a sport where horse tack is as crucial as the skill of the rider.
It's a dance of sorts, between the rider, horse, and their gear, all working in unison to navigate tight turns around barrels and swift gallops in a race against time.
Central to this symphony is the barrel saddle - a unique piece of horse tack designed to provide balance, stability, safety, and control, while keeping the horse comfortable and performing well.
Find out the what and why of barrel saddles, parts of a barrel saddle, how to buy a used barrel saddle and break it in right, and get pro tips from top barrel racer Fallon Taylor and cowboy Dewayne Noel.
The What and Why of Barrel Saddles
Picture this: a rider and horse, quick as lightning, twisting and turning around barrels, kicking up a dust storm.
At the center of this tornado, a barrel saddle provides the stability and security a cowgirl needs to stay put.
The high cantle and deep seat of this lightweight, compact saddle keep you anchored through those hairpin turns, while forward-cut fenders offer better leg positioning and enhanced horse communication.
In the fast-paced rodeo world, barrel saddles are more than just gear—they're an extension of the cowboy spirit, handcrafted to optimize performance and speed.
How To Tack Up Your Horse For Barrel Racing
When you tack up for barrel racing as a beginner, make sure you follow this step by step guide until you’re comfortable. We’ve added some pro tips from Fallon Taylor, a WPRA champion barrel racer, 7 time NFR qualifier, and lifelong cowgirl.
Place The Saddle Pad
Place the saddle pad on your horse's back. Make sure it’s centered and a little bit forward.
You want the line of the wither hole to be straight in line with where the latigo and cinch are going to go. The pad should cover the entire area where the saddle will sit and give some cushioning and protection for your horse's back.
Pro Tip: Fallon Taylor recommends using a saddle pad, not a saddle blanket or Navajo. A square 1-inch thick wool pad works well for her.
Check Saddle Placement
Approach your horse from the left side with a hand on her back. Swing the barrel saddle very lightly onto your horse's back.
Many people give the saddle horn a little wiggle to make sure it’s set down into place. Avoid pushing it down too hard. When it’s on right, it will sit comfortably and naturally. Your saddle pad shouldn’t have any wrinkles or folds.
Pro Tip: Get the lightest saddle you possibly can. This helps your horse’s loins and joints stay healthy over the long haul.
Cinch Up The Saddle
Secure the saddle by fastening the front cinch from the right side of the horse, or girth before you secure the breast collar.
Know that advanced riders might switch the order or this and secure the breast collar first. Make sure it is snug but not too tight. You should be able to put two fingers or your flat hand between the cinch and your horse's body.
Remember, to always loosely cinch at this point in saddling and keep the cinch below the vein that runs along your horses belly.
If you don't do this, you run the risk of restricting circulation and your horse can drop down or start bucking. You'll tighten the cinch later on.
Pro Tip: If you’re riding a young horse, always secure the cinch first, before the breast collar. If your horse gets spooked while tacking up, the saddle can get knocked down and fall between his legs, break the saddle tree, or worse.
Fasten The Breast collar
Fasten the breast collar to the saddle's D-rings from the right side of the horse. Breast collars can fit snug and should be right in the middle.
The official purpose of the breast collar for barrel racers is to keep the saddle in place during your run even, just in case the rest of your tack wants to fly off the back. Make sure you snap it in place.
The unofficial purpose is to look cuter than everyone else. So you can use your breast collar to add your own style. A cute wither strap can also add some fun to your barrel racing horse tack.
Pro Tip: If you lose the ‘keeper’ which keeps the straps from dangling, you can use a rubber band to secure it
Put On The Bridle
Fit the Western bridle on your horse, making sure the bit is properly positioned in your horse's mouth and the headstall is adjusted correctly.
The bridle should be snug but not too tight, allowing for two fingers to fit between the bridle and your horse's head. A one ear headstall is great, but any headstall will do.
When you’re putting the bridle in your horse's mouth and you have a brand new headstall, try to make sure the poles are in the same hole so it’s even.
If you notice your horse is having a lot of mouth action, it could be because the poles are in different holes so it’s sitting unevenly on your horse.
Pro Tip: If you have a headstall with chicago screws or removable conchos, put a drop of Loctite down in the screws so they don’t loosen up over time.
Let Your Horse Walk Around
Before you tighten the cinch, let your horse walk around with all her tack. She’ll take some deep breaths, feel good, and get comfortable. Then you can tighten the cinch.
Put On Protective boots
Put protective boots on your horse's legs to provide support and protection during the barrel racing run. Boots with four-way stretch and 360-degree fetlock support are recommended for optimal protection
Do A Final Check
Before starting your barrel racing run, double-check all the tack to make sure everything is secure and properly adjusted. Make any necessary adjustments to make sure you get the comfort and safety of both you and your horse.
Take the time to evaluate and find the right saddle for you and your horse, and consult with professionals if needed.
Parts Of A Barrel Saddle
A barrel saddle is a type of Western saddle specifically designed for barrel racing, a fast-paced equestrian event that requires agility, speed, and precision. The following are the essential parts of a barrel saddle.
Saddle Tree
The saddle tree is the foundation of the saddle, providing support and stability. It consists of two bars, a fork, a cantle, and a horn.
Saddle Seat
The saddle seat is where the rider sits and is typically made of leather. It can be grainout leather or suede for better grip, which is essential for barrel racing.
Saddle Horn
The saddle horn is used for steering the horse and providing the rider with something to hold onto during tight turns. It is typically thinner in barrel saddles compared to other Western saddles.
Pommel/Swell
The pommel, or swell, is the front part of the saddle that connects the bars and provides a place for riders to hold onto when mounting or dismounting.
Cantle
The cantle on a saddle is located at the back of the saddle and provides support for the rider's lower back. Barrel saddles often have a higher cantle for added security during fast runs and tight turns.
Gullet
The gullet is the V-shaped opening beneath the pommel that sits above the horse's withers, ensuring a proper fit and preventing pressure on the withers.
Skirt
The skirt is the leather part that covers the bars of the saddle tree, providing protection for the horse's back and distributing the rider's weight evenly.
Fender
The fender is the leather piece that protects the rider's legs from the saddle's rigging and helps maintain proper riding position.
Stirrup
The stirrup is a triangular piece that supports the rider's feet, allowing them to maintain balance and control during the barrel racing run.
Rigging
The rigging consists of the cinch, latigo, off-billet strap, and D-rings, which secure the saddle to the horse.
When choosing a barrel saddle, it's essential to consider the saddle's fit, weight, and design to give it optimal performance and comfort for both the horse and rider during barrel racing events.
How To Buy A Used Barrel Saddle
When buying a barrel saddle, whether new or used, it's essential to consider several factors to make sure you get the right saddle for your needs.
Spotting wear and cracking in used saddles
When buying a used saddle, inspect the leather for wear and cracking. The leather should be smooth and supple, and the panels should be the same shape. Check the soundness of the tree and the construction of the panels.
Beware of Padded Seats
Padded seats might be more comfortable, but if it's been used in the rain, that foam padded seat ends up being a sponge. It soaks up the water and you end up sitting on a wet sponge.
Over time, the moisture against the leather ends up being one of the first places for wear and tear. So make sure to check out the saddle seat well, especially if it’s padded.
Saddle Tree
Check to make sure it’s a good tree. This comes with experience, but do your best. You’ll need to lift up the saddle and turn it over.
Check for mold or wear and tear.
Check the fleece and make sure it looks good.
Make sure it’s curved for a horse, not flat for a mule.
Stirrup Leathers
Check your stirrup leathers and rivets. Make sure they’re not wallowed out or rusted.
Dee Rings
Check the Dee rings for quality.
What Saddle To Buy For Less Than $1000
Typically, the more you spend on a saddle, the better the saddle tree, construction, rawhide, and hardware. If money is no object, go for the most expensive saddle you can afford that fits well and suits your needs.
According to Dewayne Noel with Dry Creek Wrangler School, “If you have less than $1000, you’ll get more saddle with a used saddle than a new one.”
Noel goes on to say that while many people are perfectly happy with less expensive saddles, like Teskey’s, they’re happiness may diminish as the saddle gets worn out quickly or you end up needing repairs. He believes that over the long haul, you’ll get better materials and construction.
Be ready to spend $1000+ on a brand new saddle.
Breaking in a New Barrel Saddle
When buying a new saddle, be prepared to break it in. This process involves oiling your new saddle, riding in the saddle often, dropping Lock Tight in the conchos, and using baby powder in the saddle joints to reduce squeaking.
Saddle Fit Evaluation
Proper saddle fit is crucial for both the horse and rider's comfort and performance. Evaluate the fit of your current saddle by placing it on your horse's back without a pad and without cinching up.
Check for pressure points and make sure the saddle does not overlap the scapula when it's extended back. Consult with professionals if needed to find the right saddle for you and your horse.
When buying a used saddle, consider purchasing from a reputable seller or a business that specializes in used saddles to make sure it has the quality and fit of the saddle. Additionally, ask for multiple photos and angles of the saddle to better assess its condition
Final Thoughts
Rodeo's barrel racing is a symphony of precision, speed, and agility. Like any beautiful performance, its success depends on the harmony of its components: the rider's skill, the horse's training, and the specialized gear.
Central to this gear is the barrel saddle, meticulously designed for both the rider's stability and the horse's comfort. Each part of this saddle serves a unique purpose, from the saddle horn aiding in steering to the stirrups providing balance during quick turns.
Buying the right saddle, especially when considering a used one, requires a discerning eye and a knowledge of what to inspect.
Legends in the rodeo world, like Fallon Taylor and Dewayne Noel, provide their invaluable insights, emphasizing the importance of proper tacking, saddle care, and the ultimate purpose: optimizing performance for both horse and rider.
For anyone serious about the sport, understanding the intricacies of the barrel saddle is not just a recommendation; it's a requisite. With the right saddle, an understanding of its parts, and proper care, a barrel racer is well-equipped to navigate the thrilling world of rodeo.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.