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 Member
Posts: 8
| I am getting back in to barrel racing after focusing on roping for while. I'm looking to purchase a saddle and it's been forever since I've had to buy one. So much has changed... I have two horses that I will most likely run. One is an older very stout gelding and the other is a four year old that is probably done growing but not done filling out. He is not TB looking but just not as stout. The gelding is strong and I want something that will help me keep my seat. With all of that said - What is your favorite saddle or what ones would you recommend to buy or stay away from? Thanks so much in advance for your help! |
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 I'm Really Boring
Posts: 4505
 
| My current favorites:
Double J Pozzi Pro
Tami Semas
I also liked my Shiloh Jordon Briggs Finalist but it didn't fit any of my current horses.
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | I like my Tod Slone barrel/roper combo. I'd probably buy another TS if I were looking for another barrel saddle.
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 Regular
Posts: 96
Location: Rocky Mountains | I agree! The Pozzi saddles are brilliant and stunning to! They are also Hmong the most expensive on the market EXCPECUALLY if you order it custom. I currently ride a Sharon camorillo saddle and its definitely worth the investment! |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | I went through 10 saddles and stopped once I sat in a crown C and never looked back. I love the feel of that saddle. If I were looking outside of that Id look at the saddles made with a cutting tree. |
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 Buttered Noodles Snacker
Posts: 4377
Location: NC | I really like riding in a Caldwell but had a hard time fitting them to my horses... just my own experience admittidly these were pro racers and TGs since I can't afford the newer Pro Max and Rockets...
I also really liked the PSC earlier known as H3s.
I have an older Martin now that seems to fit my horse well and rides pretty good but havn't ran in it yet.
I had a Martha Josey when I was younger that I really liked riding in. I really liked the forward hung stirrups.
I had a Meleta Brown saddle that was super comfy but never ran in it.
I really like the look of the Jeff Smith cutter tree barrel saddles.. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | I wish I could afford a double J barrel saddle, I've wanted one for years. But I do like my master saddle |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Shiloh
Cogsdill
Purdy
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | If I didn't have my Meleta Brown I would have a Martin. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | I ride in a josey(because im so dang used to it!) I would love to own a double j, or Caldwell. sat and rode around in both and loved them!!! but my pocket book right now says nooooo. I find that I love high pommel and cantle saddles with fairly flat seats. I had a cactus and hated it!! sold In less than a year. it had a low pommel and pocket to the seat, it would fling me back when leaving the barrel and pop me up going into the barrel couldn't stay with my horse... |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I love my Jeff Smith cutter that is cut down to look like a barrel saddle. However my horse has really matured and spread so probably going to sell the one I have and order a new one now that he's mature and filled out.
Recently bought a Jackie Jatzlau treeless and really liking it as well. Sits me in almost the same position as my Jeff Smith and not claustrophobic like alot of the treeless saddles can be. |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | I've ridden in quite a few and I always wished I wouldn't have had to sell my Shiloh Contender; loved that saddle, but it didn't fit my horse. I rode in a Crown C for a few years and liked it in the beginning, but after getting pitched off my horse and hitting a fence I found I didn't like how forward it made me ride, so I bought a Double J Pro. I really like the feel of this saddle and where it positions my feet and seat.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 628
Location: Missouri | I have a Josey and absolutely LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I have had it for 10 years. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 302
Location: TX | Absolutely love my Crown C. I don't have issues sitting down when I need to and I don't have issues with getting too far forward! :) Good luck! Maybe you have some friends who would let you ride in them before buying one? Martin also has a test ride program. FYI! |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | I'm sold on the Jeff Smith Mary Walker saddle-it's a lot like the Crown C only the swells are higher so you don't get the "forward" feeling like the crown c. Feet hang nicely-not too forward and not too far behind. I sat in one in a shop in MN and fell in love. Waited almost a year before I convinced myself to buy one! Best decision I ever made. If you're interested shoot me a pm and I will send you to the gal I bought mine from. |
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Veteran
Posts: 120
| Love my Crown C! I have a trophy saddle from Circle Y that I have ridden in a couple of times and it is comfortable, but not nearly as comfortable as the Martin. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | I love my Martin FX3!! I've also had a Crown C and a Martin Racer. I liked both of them, but the FX3 works best for me.  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| I like Allen ranch i think shilohs are priced good ride nice i like the looks of a Caldwell but have never owned one. Try an allenranch good customer service handmade they hold there value I've never had trouble selling one i just ordered my fourth one |
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Expert
Posts: 3147
| I've had a Josey, two Marlene Eddleman/McCraes, an older Billy Cook with cutting tree and a Crown C. I love the Crown C the best-my only complaint is the weight-it's much heavier than a Josey or Marlene. The Josey and Marlene fenders/stirrups hang more forward than a Crown C. The Crown C fenders sit your legs directly under your seat and it took some getting used to. Walking bothered me most, but trotting, loping or running I don't notice the difference. The Josey and oldest MM feel tight in the seat area on my mare's back.
I rode several Jackie Jatzlau Treeless saddles and couldn't keep any of them from rolling. My mare has decent withers, too. I used several different pads and girths with no success.
Edited by BMW 2016-01-06 7:04 PM
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Member
Posts: 8
| I currently have a Sharon Camarillo. I really like it but wanted something that kept me in the seat a little more. I have ridden in an Ammerman before but couldn't stand not being able to get my feet in front of me - same for a Tammy Fischer Treeless. I have been looking at a Crown C because my roping saddle is a Martin and I really like it but if it doesn't allow you to get your feet in front of you I know I won't like it. I'm also looking at a Caldwell. I didn't know that about the cutter tree - I'll have to look into that.
Thanks so much for all of your responses! |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| I really love my Triple Creek.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| I had a Martin it wasn't a sherry cerci it was very heavey we. Have. Marlene macrae circle y flex tree i like it on some horses. Not made as well as my allenranches |
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Curve Ball
Posts: 2258
Location: Pelham, TN | Shallow Creek is a quality deep seated saddle priced affordable. This old cowgirl has been riding the same one for 20+ years almost daily!! |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | slickhorns - 2016-01-06 7:17 PM I currently have a Sharon Camarillo. I really like it but wanted something that kept me in the seat a little more. I have ridden in an Ammerman before but couldn't stand not being able to get my feet in front of me - same for a Tammy Fischer Treeless. I have been looking at a Crown C because my roping saddle is a Martin and I really like it but if it doesn't allow you to get your feet in front of you I know I won't like it. I'm also looking at a Caldwell. I didn't know that about the cutter tree - I'll have to look into that. Thanks so much for all of your responses!
That's very interesting! My favorite saddle BEFORE the Mary Walker was a Camarillo-I'm telling you-see if you can find one to try! |
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| mlh0972 - 2016-01-06 9:58 AM
I have a Josey and absolutely LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I have had it for 10 years.
My first "real" barrel saddle was a Josey. I rode in it for probably 10 years. I only use it on colts now but I still LOVE the way it rides. It feels like "home"  |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | Ammerman but I had to sell it since it didn't fit my horse :(
I had just gotten a Cactus Marlene (only ridden in it 2x) before Thanksgiving and really liked riding in that too. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| WrapN3MN - 2016-01-07 8:42 AM
mlh0972 - 2016-01-06 9:58 AM
I have a Josey and absolutely LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I have had it for 10 years.
My first "real" barrel saddle was a Josey. I rode in it for probably 10 years. I only use it on colts now but I still LOVE the way it rides. It feels like "home"
ditto. I kept mine (from when I was growing up) and rode my filly in it til she outgrew it ... now it sits in the tack room and I refuse to sell it, too many good memories!! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
| Herbie - 2016-01-06 9:42 AM
I love my Jeff Smith cutter that is cut down to look like a barrel saddle. However my horse has really matured and spread so probably going to sell the one I have and order a new one now that he's mature and filled out.
Recently bought a Jackie Jatzlau treeless and really liking it as well. Sits me in almost the same position as my Jeff Smith and not claustrophobic like alot of the treeless saddles can be.
Do you happen to have a picture of this saddle? I might be interested if you decide to sell! |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | lindseylou2290 - 2016-01-07 9:10 AM WrapN3MN - 2016-01-07 8:42 AM mlh0972 - 2016-01-06 9:58 AM I have a Josey and absolutely LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I have had it for 10 years. My first "real" barrel saddle was a Josey. I rode in it for probably 10 years. I only use it on colts now but I still LOVE the way it rides. It feels like "home" ditto. I kept mine (from when I was growing up ) and rode my filly in it til she outgrew it ... now it sits in the tack room and I refuse to sell it, too many good memories!!
I do the same with my Billy Cook. My Daddy bought it for me used from an old tack store when I was little. He had to put it on Layaway for 6 months to be able to afford the $500 price tag back in the early 90s. The saddle was made late 80s....
I remember getting it that Christmas after seeing it disappear at the tack shop. I was so excited. I'll never sell that thing. Every scratch, dent, ding, and popped thread has a story.
I ride in a custom made West Brothers Saddlery (Center, TX) Saddle my dad had made for my mom back in the 80s. It's a gorgeous dark oil roper I use on my heel mare
Haven't gotten the money for a new barrel saddle yet but I'm leaning toward a cutting tree.  |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| LOVE my Caldwells |
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Expert
Posts: 2457
| IRunOnFaith - 2016-01-07 10:13 AM
lindseylou2290 - 2016-01-07 9:10 AM WrapN3MN - 2016-01-07 8:42 AM mlh0972 - 2016-01-06 9:58 AM I have a Josey and absolutely LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I have had it for 10 years. My first "real" barrel saddle was a Josey. I rode in it for probably 10 years. I only use it on colts now but I still LOVE the way it rides. It feels like "home" ditto. I kept mine (from when I was growing up ) and rode my filly in it til she outgrew it ... now it sits in the tack room and I refuse to sell it, too many good memories!!
I remember getting it that Christmas after seeing it disappear at the tack shop. I was so excited. I'll never sell that thing. Every scratch, dent, ding, and popped thread has a story.
I ride in a custom made West Brothers Saddlery (Center, TX) Saddle my dad had made for my mom back in the 80s. It's a gorgeous dark oil roper I use on my heel mare
Haven't gotten the money for a new barrel saddle yet but I'm leaning toward a cutting tree.
:) Great story!
I love the Buster Welch tree for cutting/ cow work .... I borrowed a Jeff Smith with a BW tree and fell in love, hard. The tree fits my horses really, really well. |
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 Transplant Okie
Posts: 1206
Location: Always on call..... | slickhorns - 2016-01-06 7:17 PM
I currently have a Sharon Camarillo. I really like it but wanted something that kept me in the seat a little more. I have ridden in an Ammerman before but couldn't stand not being able to get my feet in front of me - same for a Tammy Fischer Treeless. I have been looking at a Crown C because my roping saddle is a Martin and I really like it but if it doesn't allow you to get your feet in front of you I know I won't like it. I'm also looking at a Caldwell. I didn't know that about the cutter tree - I'll have to look into that.
Thanks so much for all of your responses!
If you already like Martins look for an older Martin Ironhorse. I love these saddles - have two of them and it's taking all my self control to not buy a third one! Lol. For me they are the perfect combo of secure seat and still let me get up and forward. Plus they have been the most versatile saddle about fitting a variety of horses pretty well.
I also have a Martin Racer that I really like - it's very deep seated and keeps you back on your pockets.
I didn't like the Crown C (sits you more upright). Haven't tried a Cervi or the new FX3.
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| I think your body is an important factor. Just because Charmayne James or Sherri Cervi can ride the hair off of their saddles, doesn't mean that everyone can.
My reasoning behind this is:
I'm 5'2", and built with a big hip and a heavy bone structure. The above mentioned ladies are tall and lean. Now why the heck would I think that our balances are the same, and that a saddle that somebody with a 34" hip and a 38" inseam would suit my 39-41" hip and 32" inseam?
So I started looking around for somebody that is short, and built with a very strong structure. Lynn McKenzie has designed some seriously amazing saddles for my build. Her daughter has been riding some new protypes that I'm excited about with a wider cantle.
The Lynn McKenzie Special, Nueva, and Wide are the best that I've ever ridden for my balance point.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 746
Location: Missouri | I absolutely love Marty Byrd saddles, but as far as a more production type saddle I like a Martin too. Preferably before the Crown C's as I do not like the leather quality or ride of them compared to the older Racer or Iron Horse. |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | Deb Sibley. Can't believe no one else has mentioned that one! I got a good deal on a used one and can't see myself switching anytime soon. I was previously riding in a Martin Sherry Cervi and the Deb Sibley holds me in really well, I love it. The Sherry Cervi model has too shallow of a seat for my liking. |
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Veteran
Posts: 144
Location: East TN | I have a triple creek and a pro rider ... LOVE them! (they are basically the same saddle, different name!) |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| rodeomom3 - 2016-01-07 10:15 AM
LOVE my Caldwells
I would love to see your saddle your dad made your mom |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| rodeomom3 - 2016-01-07 10:15 AM
LOVE my Caldwells
I would love to see your saddle your dad made your mom |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| rodeomom3 - 2016-01-07 10:15 AM
LOVE my Caldwells
I would love to see your saddle your dad made your mom |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303
| Another vote for Triple Creek. I love my saddle. |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | I liked my Caldwell too...until my fender tore in half during a run.
Hard to beat Stoney's, but I don't ride in barrel saddles anymore. Cutters work best for me. I love them.....probably because they are a better fit for my fat ass.
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 Expert
Posts: 1526
Location: Texas | Coats and Shiloh hands down |
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Your Favorite Barrel Saddle