What are the Differences Between Roping and Barrel Saddles?
To amateurs, saddles may all look much the same, but there are key differences between types that should be explored. Saddles are made differently, according to the riding discipline. Roping and barrel saddles may look the same in some ways, but they are entirely different in design. Knowing the answer to what are the differences between roping and barrel saddles will help horse owners to make an informed decision for their saddle needs.
Barrel Saddles are Made for Speed
Barrel saddles are made with speed in mind. The entire saddle is made to help riders race better. Some key aspects of a barrel racing saddle include the following.
- Barrel saddles are typically much lighter in weight. They will usually weigh no more than 25-pounds. Barrel saddles need to be lighter so as not to weigh down the horse during a race.
- These saddles also have round skirts or very minimal skirting, since these only add to the weight and get in the way of racers.
- A barrel saddle has a deep seat that helps riders to remain seated, without falling off during sharp turns around the barrels.
- The pommel on a barrel saddle is wider, which helps barrel racers to stay in their seats and feel more secure on turns.
- The horn is larger on a barrel saddle than some other saddles. It is meant for the rider to have a place to hold on to during sharp turns.
You should consider a barrel saddle as a more streamlined version of other saddles. It is built to protect racers and help horses to remain as fast as possible. If you are a barrel racer, it is wise to purchase a saddle that is made specifically for barrel racing, so you can stay in the competition and increase your speed.
Roping Saddles Are Heavyweights in the Industry
Roping is a serious discipline and not one that can be entered into lightly. Whether you are a pro or an amateur, the right roping saddle is essential for practice or competition. The following offers important information on what makes a roping saddle different from other types.
- These saddles are heavy-duty, weighing as much as 60-pounds, depending on the design and additions.
- Roping saddles are made with different trees. The tree of a roping saddle is lower and rounded. It is meant to withstand a great deal of pressure, without breaking.
- On a roping saddle, the horn is much higher and stronger than some other traditional saddles, such as those made for trail riding. The horn needs to be properly anchored and tough enough to handle the weight of dallying.
- The pommel is also higher and strengthened on a roping saddle. The horn and pommel work together to help ropers rope their cattle effectively, without the weight of the cow causing extensive damage to the components of their saddle.
- A roping saddle also has a lower cantle. The lower cantle helps to ensure the rider can jump off their horse quickly and finish roping their cow. If the cantle is too tall, quick dismounts could be a problem.
If you are interested in roping cattle, a roping saddle is going to be essential. You cannot use another type of saddle for roping or you could put yourself and your horse in danger. Roping saddles are made to handle immense pressure and weight. Using a barrel racing saddle for roping could result in the horn and pommel becoming dislodged, causing catastrophic damages to the saddle.
Saddles Are Made for Different Disciplines
Although an all-purpose saddle may say it is for trail riding, barrel racing, and roping, do not believe it. If you plan to commit to a specific riding discipline, you are going to need to make sure and purchase a saddle that offers all the features you need for safety and comfort.
This is not the time to be cheap and use the same saddle for every riding discipline. Research your options and learn as much as possible about the discipline and what it entails before you purchase a new saddle.
Conclusion
You have many options for choosing a proper saddle for roping or barrel racing. Each discipline offers a saddle that accommodates the needs of the rider and horse. Before choosing any saddle, make sure to research for reviews and learn as much as possible. An informed shopper is a smart one!
Now, you have the answer to what are the differences between roping and barrel saddles. Knowing this information will help you choose the right saddle for each discipline. Remember, you can never interchange saddles for roping and barrel racing disciplines. To do so could cause severe injuries and serious saddle damage that becomes expensive to repair. Choose wisely, and you and your horse will be safe.