Western saddles come in all kinds of configurations, but one of the best ones is the barrel saddle. This type of saddle is usually a little bit lighter in weight than a standard trail saddle, and it is made with two things in mind: keeping you securely in the saddle and allowing the horse maximum freedom to achieve the tight bends at top speed that are required for barrel racing.
Because of these two needs, barrel saddles are usually a bit shorter in length, and only have one skirt, which saves on the weight. The skirt found on a barrel saddle is usually called a “Mother Hubbard” skirt, which just means that the skirt helps form the pocket into which the tree bars are placed. This does not affect the look or function, but it demonstrates the weight economy with which these saddles are made. Every scrap of leather serves as many purposes as possible so as to keep the weight down yet still have a good, solid saddle. Barrel saddles are really a very efficient piece of horse equipment!
The cantle on a barrel saddle is usually higher, as is the swell and horn. This creates a lovely deep seat that holds the rider securely in the saddle. A good barrel racing saddle will have a molded seat that allows your thighs to grip comfortably and tightly. You will need this when you are running hard around a barrel!
If you are in the market for a used barrel racing saddle, then you will probably be able to actually put it on your horse and take a ride. Being able to do that is one reason I almost prefer buying used saddles. Once you’ve been in the saddle for half an hour and put it through the paces, only then do you really know if it’s going to fit you and your horse properly.
Barrel racing saddles make great trail saddles as well, although they tend to not be padded for the rider as much as a standard trail saddle. You can overcome this by adding a gel pad. I personally use a barrel saddle to ride trails with my horse for a couple of reasons. For one thing, she is very short-backed, and my round-skirt barrel saddle fits her better than any other saddle I’ve tried. I am very short as well, and barrel saddles fit me better too.
For another thing, when we are cantering along the trail and a deer pops out, she has a tendency to move sideways suddenly or do a 180-degree turn! I need the security of a barrel saddle to stay with her no matter what crazy maneuver she does. So far — knock on wood — my butt has stayed in the saddle through over a hundred trail hours. My saddle is at least ten pounds lighter than my friend’s trail saddle too, another feature which I appreciate and I know my horse does too!
