| If you are going to take part in barrel racing it is | | | | fitting there may be circles of dryness on both sides |
| crucial that the saddle you use fits correctly. A fancy | | | | although the rest of the back is wet from |
| saddle is not neccessary but a well fitting saddle is | | | | sweating.The saddle is pressing down in these dry |
| and could make the difference between winning and | | | | areas and will lead to pressure points where the skin |
| losing the race. Saddle selection is critical and includes | | | | is damaged and sore.This problem will not be relieved |
| consideration of the fit of the saddle for both horse | | | | by the use of more padding and means that the |
| and rider, the correct type of saddle and of course a | | | | saddle does not fit correctly and should not be used. |
| price within your range. Do not be tempted to go for | | | | Fitting the Saddle to the Rider |
| a cheap saddle. A good saddle will last for many | | | | When choosing a new barrel saddle it is equally |
| years and is a good investment so don't skimp now | | | | important to make sure it fits the rider as well as the |
| as you will surely regret it later. | | | | horse. Different sizes and styles of saddle fit |
| Fitting the Saddle to the Horse | | | | differently and may not suit all riders. If the saddle is |
| The fit of the saddle for the horse is perhaps the | | | | ill fitting to the rider it will be uncomfortable and make |
| most important consideration. The fit must be good | | | | it hard to keep balanced. In general barrel saddles |
| enough to prevent pressure points on the horse as | | | | have high cantles in the back and the leather of the |
| these will cause pain and interfere with his free | | | | jockeys and fenders is often rough to help in keeping |
| movement. The bars of the tree can interfere with | | | | the seat. The horn tends to be taller to improve the |
| movement if the saddle is not correctly fitted. There | | | | grip during rough maneuvers and the stirrups are |
| is a misconception that barrel saddles without bars | | | | often made to give a better angle to help the feet |
| can be fitted to any horse but this is untrue. An ill | | | | stay in place. |
| fitting saddle, even without bars can cause pain to | | | | Purchasing a Barrel Saddle |
| the horse and also interfere with his normal | | | | There are some dealers who will let you test out the |
| movement is it sits too far back on the horse. It is | | | | saddle for a short time before purchase so that you |
| essential then to ensure that the saddle fits correctly | | | | can be sure of a good fit. If the fit is not good you |
| or behavioral and performance problems will always | | | | can either return the saddle for your money back or |
| arise. | | | | try a replacement. As barrel saddles, and indeed all |
| These are the points to consider when fitting the | | | | saddles, are expensive it is vital that you purchase |
| saddle. Ride the horse for a short time then inspect | | | | one that not only fits both horse and rider but is |
| the area beneath the saddle. If there are dry areas | | | | made of good quality materials to ensure it lasts well. |
| this could indicate pressure points. If the saddle is ill | | | | |