What Is the Difference Between a Western Saddle & a Barrel Racing Saddle?

Whether a hand-made or leather-made saddle, manufacturers make all types of western saddles for various needs including barrel racing saddles. You should select a well-constructed high-quality western saddle that fits a horse’s physical needs. A saddle that works well for a horse permits the horse's shoulders to move freely; it properly fits the back, and the saddle balances well to distribute weight evenly. If you want to narrow your search of saddles, consider your intended use of the saddle.

  1. Saddle History

    • Western saddles date back to the Dark Ages with the Moorish equestrians and warriors. During the 700s, when the Moors invaded Spain, the saddle for the Moors focused on battles. These saddles had high forks, which sit in the front of the saddletree, and high cantles, which sit upright toward the rear of the seat for security and protection. Additionally, the saddles’ stirrups were longer to accommodate riding with armor. By the 1960s, manufacturers began making various types of specialized western saddles, such as barrel racing saddles.

    Western Saddles

    • Western saddles are riding saddles often used for working horses on cattle ranches across the United States, especially in the western region. Many people associate western saddles with the Wild West or cowboy movies. However, many people learning to ride or attending trail rides opt for western saddles. Other types of western saddles besides barrel riding saddles include working saddles, which are good for conducting ranch work and cutting saddles, which people use when separating cows or steers from the herd.

    Saddles Made for Speed

    • Barrel racing saddles work well when a rider wants a horse to move fast. It is a type of western saddle used in barrel racing and various horse events. It is the smallest type of western saddle available and weighs less than 30 lbs., lightweight compared to ranch saddles.

    Security and Mobility

    • A barrel racing saddle secures the rider in position, and allows the rider to move as much as he needs, especially when making hard turns and performing fast sprints.

    Features

    • Barrel racing saddles have numerous features. This type of western saddle has a low seat to support you and it allows for maximum comfort, similar to a working saddle. Also, barrel racing saddles feature tall and slender horns to hold as you ride and make hard turns. Additionally, the fenders of barrel racing saddles swing freely to permit your legs to stay beneath your center of gravity. Another feature involves the stirrups which have a narrow design to hug, secure and keep your feet in place as the horse gallops.