| One of the best western saddles you can ever ride in | | | | a ride and put it to the test before finalizing the |
| is the barrel saddle. The main reasons it is such a nice | | | | purchase. Saddles cost a lot of money, and it's really |
| saddle are that it is lighter weight than a regular trail | | | | disappointing when you spend money on a great |
| saddle, and that it is made in such a way that it keeps | | | | saddle only to find out it doesn't fit you or your horse. |
| your rear in the seat very securely while still allowing | | | | You can use barrel saddles to ride trails as well, even |
| the horse a lot of freedom of movement. As a result, | | | | though the seat is not very cushioned for the rider as |
| barrel saddles tend to be shorter than other western | | | | compared to a trail saddle. This can be remedied by |
| saddles and only have one skirt, both of which cause | | | | using a gel pad. There are several good reasons to |
| them to be lighter weight. Additionally, the cantle in back | | | | ride trails in a barrel saddle. For one, your horse may |
| and the swell in front come up higher, and the saddle | | | | have a short back, and a trail saddle is too long for her. |
| horn is a bit taller too. The seat is molded in such a | | | | For another, if you are short in height, you may find |
| way that there's a spot for your thighs to grip tightly, | | | | that barrel saddles fit you better too. Most importantly |
| making it possible for you to stay in the saddle while | | | | though, because barrel saddles are made to keep you |
| running a tiny circle around a barrel. Even with all that, | | | | in the seat through sharp turns, they work great on the |
| you will see barrel racers holding onto the horn | | | | trail when your cantering horse suddenly spots a deer |
| whenever they feel a need! | | | | in the woods and does a quick side-step or flips |
| A lot of people prefer to buy used saddles for one | | | | around to bolt the other way. And, since barrel saddles |
| very good reason: You can usually put it on your horse | | | | are lighter than trail saddles, at the end of the trail ride, |
| and take it for a test ride. If you are looking to buy a | | | | your horse will appreciate having less weight on her |
| used barrel saddle, then you should be able to take it | | | | back. |
| home and try it on your horse to be sure it fits. Go for | | | | |