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What is the difference between a barrel saddle, and say, a roping saddle2007-11-24 21:21:39

I'm a very experienced hunter/jumper and started to barrel race a few years ago. I'm looking for a new barrel saddle and I was just wondering the difference b/t different western saddles. I would appreciate any help!

Answers:

A barrel saddle is much deeper than a roping saddle, so that the person can still sit deep and keep steady when turning the barrels closely. There's a taller horn as well, in case the rider feels that they need to hold on during a turn.

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't catch that last part about you wanting to know about different saddles the first time I read through. :)

Generally, there are five types of saddles: reining, roping, cutting, barrel racing, and equitation.

Sometimes there are saddles made for general purposes, rightly called "all-purpose" saddles, as well as less costly training saddles, trail/pleasure saddles, and saddles made with sturdy materials for ranch work.

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Samurai gave you a great answer... I'll save time and second her answer, and add that barrel saddles are typically a LOT lighter weight than a roping saddle, part of that is the job. A barrel racer needs speed, thus a light saddle. The roper needs balance and strength... a calf puts a lot of pressure on that saddle.

So, in your shopping I'd stick with looking at the barrell saddles. I prefer to stick with a full leather saddle. You probably already know this... fitting a western saddle to your horse is done the same way you fit an English saddle. :-)

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a barrel saddle is much lighter than a roping saddle has a very deep seat so you can sit better and more securely on the turns. the horn is tall and thin so you can hold on to it easier than a wider horn. the stirrups and fenders on some (not all of them) are positioned forward a bit more to allow you to brace your self for the turns.