Barrel Saddles

[minskeep]

I have a 15 inch barrel saddle that is only like 3 years old, I like it but its too big. It was my first barrel saddle so when I picked it out I wasnt sure how small the seat was supposed to be. It is very apparent when looking at pictures of me riding in it that its too big. I sit too far back and my legs go too far forward. So I am in the market for a reasonably priced barrel saddle. It doesnt have to be a name brand saddle. I really dont want to spend over $400. I just want something I can use for a few years until I can get a better one. Even a used saddle would be ok as long as its in fairly good shape. No trophy saddles though. If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be great. I dont think I will be buying for a while, its more like a Christmas idea.

I think a 14 inch would be fine. Prefer a square skirt since Star is fairly long-backed.

[AUEquine]

For less than $400, you will have to go used. Anything you can buy new for that price is pure crap.
I love hunting ebay for barrel saddles (kinda dangerous for me sometimes, so I like having other people to look for). What size tree do you need?

[minskeep]

For less than $400, you will have to go used. Anything you can buy new for that price is pure crap.
I love hunting ebay for barrel saddles (kinda dangerous for me sometimes, so I like having other people to look for). What size tree do you need?

Well Star is only 3 and should get a little bigger so I think we could get away with semi-quarter horse bars. I dont even remember what the saddle I currently ride in is.

I did just look at ebay and saw a few used ones I like. Which is funny because I couldnt find any new ones I liked at all. I think I need to sit in a few barrel saddles first too though.

[minskeep]

Oh and here is a picture of me in my current saddle. This was taken when Star was two so everything looks big but its just the best photo I have of me sitting in the saddle. I think my feet are too far forward which throws me off balance when we lope.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8832942&l=68a66e548d&id=504010315

This is at a lope. We look like we are going fast but were not...Shes only 3.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13690964&l=450e9126c1&id=504010315

This is just the saddle on Star..

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=11058840&l=70a1251b88&id=504010315


This is a different saddle...15 inch also.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=8057106&albumID=0&imageID=68684522

[natisha]

I'm no barrel expert so I'm taking guesses here. I don't think saddle #1 looks too big for you.
When you look at your horse without a rider the saddle fenders hang straight down & the stirrups hang where you would want them if your feet were in them.
Now look at the fender angle when you're riding. Instead of being straight they are being pushed forward & you are sitting at the back of the saddle instead of the middle. If I were you & would change my position a little & see if I then liked the saddle better. Sometimes a little tweak is all it takes.
Yourhorse is lovely

[miatapony]

i have to agree with natisha your saddle does not look to big to me ..

[cowgirlup@idaho]

That's what I'm seeing also.

[lisakaye]

I also thionk that the fit of your saddle is fine. Try sitting back a little more and see if that works. It may also be the brand of saddle. I have found with saddles each one fits differently. trysome different brands but I think that the 15 inch is a good size. A 14 may actually be too tight for you.

[minskeep]

Well the seat is slick, not suede, so as soon as we gain any sort of speed it is practically impossible for me to stay centered. Thats why I am sitting at the back of the seat and my legs are forward.(I thought if I got a smaller saddle then I would have no choice but to sit in the right spot.) When I ride in my show saddle, which is a 14inch, I look perfectly centered but the seat is also a little different, its not flat like this one. It kinda slopes so you have to sit centered. I will try sitting in a few different types of saddles. Maybe it is just because the seat is slick, in which case I want a saddle with a suede seat.

[AUEquine]

Is your current saddle a bear trap? I can't really tell from the pics, but it looks like it might be. If so do you like bear traps, or not? Bear trap saddles are a bit harder to find. I have one, and love it! But I know many people who hate them.
As far as the saddle tree size, you do need to think about how big she will be. Is she big boned? Wide chested/shoulders? I'd rather pad up a slightly too wide saddle then have a SemiQHB that pinches.
For seat size, go with what's comfortable for you. I weight 190, and have ample thighs and behind, but I ride in a 14" bear trap. My thighs are completely against the swell. But that's the way I'm most comfortable. I have 15" seats for trail and other work, but if I run in them my horse will leave me sitting on the barrel.

Try to sit in as many barrel saddles as you can. Different seat sizes and depths, try different trees on your horse, etc. Find out what you like. Rough seat? Rough fenders? bear trap? high cantle?

[minskeep]

Is your current saddle a bear trap? I can't really tell from the pics, but it looks like it might be. If so do you like bear traps, or not? Bear trap saddles are a bit harder to find. I have one, and love it! But I know many people who hate them.
As far as the saddle tree size, you do need to think about how big she will be. Is she big boned? Wide chested/shoulders? I'd rather pad up a slightly too wide saddle then have a SemiQHB that pinches.
For seat size, go with what's comfortable for you. I weight 190, and have ample thighs and behind, but I ride in a 14" bear trap. My thighs are completely against the swell. But that's the way I'm most comfortable. I have 15" seats for trail and other work, but if I run in them my horse will leave me sitting on the barrel.

Try to sit in as many barrel saddles as you can. Different seat sizes and depths, try different trees on your horse, etc. Find out what you like. Rough seat? Rough fenders? bear trap? high cantle?

You know, I really cant remember what brand it is. I know its not a popular one, it was cheap compared to most saddles, $400. I would like the saddle if it were smaller to make up for the slick seat.

I dont know what Star will look like. Shes more streamlined right now, I dont think she will be really wide. But everyone who knows Sonny Dee Bar bloodlines says shes going to have a growth spurt around 5yrs old. She looks like a short TB right now. I do use a thicker saddle pad now because my saddle was broken in on a wider horse so it doesnt quite conform to her body as well.