Stirrup to Finish Line: A Barrel Racer’s Guide to Saddle Selection

When it comes to picking the perfect saddle for your horse, there's a lot of things to consider. Most importantly, you want your saddle to fit your horse like a glove. Then, it's got to be comfortable for you and match your riding style. In a dream world, you would find a saddle that keeps your horse happy and performing their best while letting you ride with confidence and ease!

Bar angles, gullet widths, different tree styles, cantle height, ground seat angle... there’s a lot to be discussed regarding barrel saddles. But don't worry, we're here to help break it down for you. In this blog, we're giving you all the info on the most popular barrel saddles we carry to help you find the perfect fit. Ideally, we can do a free saddle fitting in person if you stop by our store with your horse. You can sit in the saddles yourself, and we'll make sure both you and your horse leave happy. But if you can't make it in person, this blog will help guide you through the saddle-buying adventure!

We often have people ask us about gullet widths, but the real game-changer is the bar angle of the saddle tree. Take a look at the diagram below, and you will see three saddles with the exact same gullet width but totally different bar angles (right side of photo). That means they won't fit your horse the same way at all! So, just because a 7” gullet saddle in one saddle style works, it doesn't mean the same size in another style will do the trick. And vice versa – same bar angle with different gullet widths means a different fit (left side of photo). We have found that most horses fit into gullet widths between 6.5” to 7”, but the big determining factor in saddle fit is the bar angles of the different saddle styles.

Throughout this blog, we will give you the details on the wide variety of barrel saddles we carry. But as always, feel free to message us on Facebook, send us an email, or give us a call at the store and we will be happy to visit with you about any saddle questions you have. We are very passionate about helping you find the very best solution for both you and your horse!

Martin Saddlery

Stingray

First up is one of our best selling saddles - the Stingray from Martin Saddlery. As the newest addition to the Sherry Cervi Signature Series, the Stingray is tailor-made for riders who prefer a reasonably vertical ride but demand a secure, deep seat during training, exercise, and intense competition. This saddle's design prevents riders from being thrown over the front of the saddle and losing balance.

By maintaining ergonomically correct angles for hips and knees during slower stages of the horse's gait and allowing a deeper seat at high speeds, the Stingray keeps riders comfortably on their seat pockets, steering clear of the jerk in the horse's stride or sudden stops. This unique design sets the Stingray apart, instilling confidence and enhancing overall performance in the arena.

The Stingray is especially great for wider, stockier-built quarter horses. Yet, much like the BTR, this saddle is truly versatile across a wide spectrum of horse builds. Martin Saddlery's knack for creating universally effective saddles shines through with the Stingray, offering a solution that caters to more than just one type of horse.

The SPRS™ (Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot) in the Stingray is a standout feature, holding the fenders in a forward position and offering resistance that keeps the rider securely deep in the seat pocket. The saddle ensures 100% simultaneous contact for hips, lower back, and feet. The significant swell shaping (almost bear-trap style) allows for full surface leg contact, providing an added sense of security. This configuration promotes control, especially when navigating the most athletic and hard-turning horses.

The Stingray has different horn options available to fit your preferred style – Small, Crown C, or Cutter. You can opt for the smaller skirt that comes with a fixed rigging, or you can choose the larger skirt style which comes with adjustable rigging. As far as seat sizing, we have found people can stick with their usual size or go slightly smaller depending on how close you like your leg to be to the swells.

Saddle Specs

• Gullet Height: 8.25"
• Cantle Height: 4"
• Horn Height: Crown C Horn 3-1/4" Straight, Small Horn 3-1/2" Angled, Cutter Horn 4" Angled
• Horn Cap: 2"
• Tree Sizes: 12.5" ,13" ,13.5", 14", 14.5", 15"
• Gullet Width: 7" Standard, a variety of widths available depending on skirt style chosen

BTR

In a close tie with the Stingray, the BTR by Martin Saddlery is another one of our best selling barrel saddles. BTR stands for Balance, Timing, and Rhythm – key elements for any rider aiming for precision and performance. The BTR saddle caters to a diverse range of horses as far as saddle fit. While it excels with horses sporting higher, narrower withers and a more thoroughbred-like build, it surprisingly adapts well to the sturdier quarter horses too.

Crafted with precision, the BTR is designed to offer riders both security and freedom of movement. One noteworthy feature of the BTR is the SPRS™ (Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot), which holds the fenders in a forward position, providing resistance that keeps the rider securely nestled in the seat pocket. The forward-reaching horn adds leverage without getting in the rider's way, while the flatter seat and secure cantle facilitate rapid, secure changes in riding position. From a quick drop to acceleration out of the turn, this saddle’s features ensure the rider stays towards the rear of the seat pocket.

The BTR has a light, sporty feel with the options for either a round or petite square skirt. The C-Rig is strategically positioned to accommodate most horses while maintaining the saddle in a forward position. Jolene Montgomery, a notable name in the industry, prefers the BTR for its versatility and exceptional qualities.

A final note on the BTR – seat size is very important. If the saddle is too small, you may feel like you’re tipped forward and can’t sit down in the seat pocket like you want to. We recommend sitting in your typical seat size and then deciding if going bigger could be beneficial for you.

Saddle Specs:

• Gullet Width: Standard 6.75", 6.5", 7"
• Gullet Height: 8.5"
• Cantle Height: 4.5"
• Horn Height: 3"
• Horn Cap: 2"
• Tree Sizes: 12.5”, 13” ,13.5”, 14” ,14.5”, 15” ,15.5”

FX3

The FX3 is a saddle designed with the assertive racer in mind. It has a secure seat, a higher swell, and forward-hung fenders, providing riders with the confidence to sit deep on their pockets and keep their feet forward while riding with a shorter stirrup.

A unique feature of the FX3 is its prominent swell with leg cut, allowing riders to raise their knees higher and maintain a deep seat even on a hard-dropping horse. The cantle lets riders maintain a secure position by preventing them from getting behind. The ground seat design allows for the freedom to quickly lean forward from a hard stop, as this saddle has a flatter seat than the BTR and Stingray.

This saddle also has the SPRS™ (Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot) option, holding the fenders in a forward position. The horn, designed to fit the hand comfortably, provides leverage during turns. As far as horse fit, the FX3 will fit the same as the Stingray.

• Gullet Width: 7" Standard, 6.5", 6.75", 7", 7.5", 8"
• Gullet Height: 8.5"
• Cantle Height: 3.5"
• Horn Height: 3"
• Horn Cap: 2"
• Tree Sizes: 12.5", 13", 13.5", 14", 14.5", 15", 15.5"

Fearless

Designed in collaboration with Lisa Lockhart, the highest money-earning barrel racer of the decade, the Fearless is a unique saddle in Martin’s lineup. The Fearless allows for more freedom of movement than some of their other saddles.

The flatter ground seat of the Fearless is designed not only for balance but also to provide constant contact with the swell. The wood bar tree is shaped to align with Lisa’s long-term preference for keeping horses sound. The stirrup leathers offer ample leg movement but you can also get this saddle with the SPRS™ (Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot) option.

• Gullet Height: 8.25"
• Cantle Height: 4.5"
• Horn Height: 3.5"
• Horn Cap: 1.75"
• Tree Sizes: 13", 13.5", 14", 14.5", 15"

Crown C

The Crown C saddle, developed in collaboration with Sherry Cervi, was designed to enhance the performance of barrel racers. The shortened seat jockey (the distance between the swell and cantle) contributes to increased stability without compromising the rider's freedom to stand up and sit down as needed. Forward-angled stirrups play a crucial role in keeping the rider's feet in front of her center of balance, enhancing body position during turns. Despite their forward angle, the stirrups are designed to provide a full range of motion, allowing the rider to cue the horse as necessary.

The straight-up-and-down saddle horn is a standout feature, allowing the rider to brace and support her body without sacrificing balance. The horn cap is shaped to fit perfectly in the rider's palm, offering added support and comfort for those who prefer to grab the top of the horn. The Crown C is only available with an adjustable rigging.

• Gullet Width: 7" Standard, 6.5", 6.75", 7", 7.5", 8"
• Gullet Height: 8.25"
• Cantle Height: 4"
• Horn Height: 3"
• Horn Cap: 2"
• Tree Sizes: 12.5", 13", 13.5", 14", 14.5", 15"

Double J Saddles

One of the standout features of Double J saddles is their customizability. This flexibility allows riders to tailor their saddles to their own unique needs and their horses' individual builds. From choosing different trees for various saddle styles to incorporating specific features like the rancher rise or spinal relief for horses with kissing spine, Double J offers a level of personalization that sets them apart in the industry.

When it comes to saddle trees, Double J offers a diverse selection that can be integrated into any preferred saddle style. Whether you fancy the Pozzi Pro or another style, you can choose the tree that best suits your horse's build. Double J has numerous tree options, but our two best sellers are the standard tree for narrower, thoroughbred-influenced horses and the 40-degree tree which we have seen fit the widest range of horses (especially the stockier, broader build).

Double J also has a unique rigging system. The 3-way in-skirt rig plate replaces traditional d-rigging, reducing bulk and increasing strength. It offers three adjustable positions – forward, rear, and center. Each position serves a specific purpose, from preventing the saddle from sliding too far forward or backward to evenly distributing pressure across the horse's back. This innovative rigging system takes into account the individual confirmation of each horse, providing a customizable solution for a variety of needs.

Double J also has an impressive turnaround time for custom orders, set at just 8 weeks. In an industry where waiting for a custom saddle can be a lengthy process, this quick turnaround is a big plus. Double J has a big catalog of barrel saddles to choose from, but we will focus on our three best sellers below.

Pozzi Pro

Brittany Pozzi's journey with Double J began in 2003, a teenager embarking on her first NFR aboard the bay gelding, LeRoy. Facing the challenge of a horse that wasn't a smooth turner, Brittany collaborated with Double J to create a specialized saddle that met her requirements. The Pozzi Pro was born out of her vision – a saddle that allowed her to ride square and "up" throughout the run.

Brittany's insight into the challenges of barrel racing is reflected in the design of the Pozzi Pro. The Pozzi Pro lets riders focus on positioning the horse and using their hands correctly without the added struggle of staying in the saddle. The high swells provide stability even on front-endy horses without interfering with your legs, while the elevated cantle allows you to ride confidently with two hands anywhere on the pattern.

The style possibilities are endless with the Pozzi Pro with embellishments like crystals, cropped skirts, vintage conchos, engraved stirrups, buckstitching, and exotic inlays. Like all the Double J saddles, the Pro is available in various fits.

Legend (Tall Pro)

Quickly becoming a favorite among the Double J saddles, next up is the Legend (aka Tall Pro). The Legend saddle is loaded with innovative, high-tech details, including a rancher's rise seat, a 4 1/2" cantle, aluminum stirrups, and fleece-lined skirts. The 3-way adjustable rigging enhances close contact and fosters a great feel for your horse. The heart of this professionally designed saddle lies in its meticulously crafted saddle tree, wide enough to cater to the stouter, cattier barrel horses prevalent in today's arena. At the same time, this saddle has enough gullet height to accommodate horses with thoroughbred influence and higher, narrower withers. This unique design ensures a versatile fit for a wide range of horses.

Barrel racers who ride in the Legend saddle often provide positive feedback, particularly noting that the Legend's higher ground seat helps keep their feet more in front of them during a run, especially on powerful horses. Comparable to the Martin Stingray in terms of seat style, the Legend differentiates itself by offering more leg mobility because it does not have forward blocked fenders.

Striking a perfect balance, the Legend's higher cantle and swells provide secure positioning without feeling boxy or restrictive, allowing riders to seamlessly transition between getting up to the front for speed and sitting deep for turns without the risk of being thrown forward.

Feather Light

To wrap up the Double J saddles, we have the Feather Light saddle. This is Double J's lightest saddle to date, weighing in at a mere 20 lbs. The design revolves around optimizing the comfort and well-being of both horse and rider.

The Feather Light has a unique construction that incorporates drop rigging and specially designed skirt patterns. This innovation not only contributes to the saddle's feather-light weight but also alleviates pressure in the loin area. The thinner profile, forward thigh locking front, and a comfortable 4.5" deep seat add to the rider's comfort, ensuring a secure and enjoyable riding experience.

The C-rigged, 7/8 positioning of the rigging allows the fenders to move freely with minimal bulk for the rider's legs and thighs. This design enhances the rider's flexibility and connection with the horse, making it an excellent choice for both everyday riding and competitive events. This saddle is a great choice for riders who prioritize a lightweight yet high-quality saddle.

Leanin’ Pole Barrel Saddle

Leanin' Pole barrel saddle is our own custom creation. Hand-made with precision using the highest quality leather and materials, the Leanin' Pole barrel saddles are made with the highest level of durability and craftsmanship. The fenders have a hamley-twist which turns the stirrup to align with your foot, providing the saddle with a broken-in feel right from the start. This saddle is engineered for both performance and rider comfort.

The fenders on this saddle are strategically positioned in a more straight-down alignment. This configuration is ideal for riders who prefer to keep their feet directly underneath them without the risk of being tipped forward out of position. The saddle features a super deep seat, allowing riders to sit down comfortably during turns, promoting stability and control in the barrel racing arena.

Notably, the Leanin' Pole is a stellar choice for those challenging-to-fit horses, particularly those with builds reminiscent of calf horses. This saddle stands out as an exceptional choice, catering to a broad spectrum of horse styles while prioritizing comfort for extended riding periods. If you're seeking an "all-around" barrel saddle that effortlessly transitions from the arena to the ranch, the Leanin' Pole is the perfect option.

In the fiercely competitive world of barrel racing, success hinges on the right combination of dedication, outstanding horses, and impeccable equipment. The right saddle is a pivotal element that can elevate both horse and rider performance. We hope this blog answers some of your questions on the different barrel saddles we carry, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect fit!

Shop our in-stock barrel saddles here or get in touch with us if you’d like to make a special order!