Posted 2014-03-15 3:20 PM Subject: Cactus CJ Record Breaker -help!
Member
Posts: 28
I'm trying several new types of saddles, but there are a couple that I haven't been able to get ahold of and I want opinions. I'm wondering about the cactus CJ record breaker specifically. I have ridden Marlene McRaes for years, but for one of my horses I'm finding it doesn't give me quite enough sit. I know that the cantles measure the same, but I've heard that the CJ have more forward hung stirrups so I thought that might help. Also, wondering about the tree. What is the standard in this saddle? Does it flare? What body type horse do they fit best? I am hearing they are good for wide horses...but since cactus no longer makes them I'm having a hard time getting real clear answers. Thanks for any thoughts!
Posted 2014-03-15 4:34 PM Subject: RE: Cactus CJ Record Breaker -help!
More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425 Location: Riding Crackhead.
I own 2 CJ barrel racers. They fit a wide bulky type horse with a lower wither. They have a nice flare to them so they don't dig into the shoulders at all. I bought a gelding with some atrophy but big shoulders. I had to shim it for a season but did lots of long trotting and hill work and the muscles built back up to where I don't need the shims anymore. I tried a Record Breaker but they have more free moving stirrups and IMO I didn't like that. Never tried the Scamper as it seemed like they were either harder to get or not as many people bought them because you very rarely see them either new or used. To me it looks like they are made very similar to the barrel racer though. Standard is a 7" gullet. I love both my saddles, one is a 14" seat fully tooled with stingray and the other is 13" 1/2 breed with suede.
Posted 2014-03-15 5:34 PM Subject: RE: Cactus CJ Record Breaker -help!
Member
Posts: 28
Thank you! That helps a lot! Do you ride any other kinds that you could compare to? I'm wondering about the seat size. I have both 13.5 and 14 in the McRae but I think the 13.5 fits me better. The CJ I'm looking at is a 14 and I'm wondering how big it's going to be
Posted 2014-03-15 5:57 PM Subject: RE: Cactus CJ Record Breaker -help!
More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425 Location: Riding Crackhead.
bekkie_27 - 2014-03-15 5:34 PM Thank you! That helps a lot! Do you ride any other kinds that you could compare to? I'm wondering about the seat size. I have both 13.5 and 14 in the McRae but I think the 13.5 fits me better. The CJ I'm looking at is a 14 and I'm wondering how big it's going to be
We also have a 14" Cactus Brandi Halls. That one seems to be a deeper seat than the CJ so it feels like about a 13 1/2" CJ. I've never tried a Marlene so I don't know how they compare.
Cactus CJ Record Breaker -help!
