chevygirl Report post Posted June 2, 2009 When it comes to finding a new saddle for myself, I have NO CLUE what I want. There are so many terrific looking saddles out there....which brands would you guys recommend from experience?? I obviously want quality, something that's gonna last me a long time. But I want one that's good-looking and comfortable too... (typical girl ) Looking for a barrel saddle specifically.... Your opinions would be greatly appreciated before I head off to the saddle shops! Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyriggin Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Circle Y has some good things for barrel racing saddles, I'd say just go to some shops and find a saddle that you "sit in" not "sit on", you'll know the right one when you sit in it. For barrels I would say try one with a hip hugger seat, it really adds to a secure feel. Just my .02 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casey Jordan Report post Posted June 2, 2009 I obviously want quality, something that's gonna last me a long time. But I want one that's good-looking and comfortable too... (typical girl ) Sounds like you want a custom made saddle to me. You'll pay more but you will get what you want. Geo metro Mercedes? My.02 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Yeah I really love a few saddles that i've seen from billy cook and circle y, It's just really hard to make a decision... I would love to have a saddle custom made, just don't have the $$$. Casey- I just got rid of my "geo metro" saddle.... Actually, I don't even think it was that good. Maybe more like a "ford pinto" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyriggin Report post Posted June 2, 2009 I haven't seen anything from Billy Cook lately that turned my head, the ones I've seen look pretty cheap, It's probably good quality, they just look like a cheap mexican saddle. No fancy tooling the seats are not stitched with a nice design. Just not impressed with what turn out these days. JMHO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted June 2, 2009 When it comes to finding a new saddle for myself, I have NO CLUE what I want. There are so many terrific looking saddles out there....which brands would you guys recommend from experience??I obviously want quality, something that's gonna last me a long time. But I want one that's good-looking and comfortable too... (typical girl ) Looking for a barrel saddle specifically.... Your opinions would be greatly appreciated before I head off to the saddle shops! Thanks! contac Steve Tucker at Circle Y . tell him i sent you to him. He will talk to you about a Circle Y or a Tucker Trail Saddle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 2, 2009 I haven't seen anything from Billy Cook lately that turned my head, the ones I've seen look pretty cheap, It's probably good quality, they just look like a cheap mexican saddle. No fancy tooling the seats are not stitched with a nice design. Just not impressed with what turn out these days. JMHO I have to agree, the new saddles that they are turning out aren't what they should be, but I still love some of the old ones. It's a good thing too, because I can only really afford a good used saddle right now...don't really feel like paying top dollar for some of the quality im seeing in new saddles these days.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 2, 2009 contac Steve Tucker at Circle Y . tell him i sent you to him.He will talk to you about a Circle Y or a Tucker Trail Saddle. Thanks so much! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 3, 2009 It seems like every January there are about 5 new barrel saddle models on the market. I figure they've got them ready to roll out, and the top five finishers at the NFR in December get an endorsement contract and the saddles have a name by the time of the Denver Market. If you are looking for used, a lot of my barrel racing customers like the old Connie Combs from Circle Y. I've rebuilt several and retreed a few. Hadlock and Fox made the trees for them, and while they were still in New Braunfels made me the duplicates. Of course after a long wait and duplicate pricing they told me they are a production stock tree for them still, just not cataloged. Off the top of my head I think they are their #870 model. Edit - got home and double checked. The Connie Combs tree is H&F's #890. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 3, 2009 It seems like every January there are about 5 new barrel saddle models on the market. I figure they've got them ready to roll out, and the top five finishers at the NFR in December get an endorsement contract and the saddles have a name by the time of the Denver Market. If you are looking for used, a lot of my barrel racing customers like the old Connie Combs from Circle Y. I've rebuilt several and retreed a few. Hadlock and Fox made the trees for them, and while they were still in New Braunfels made me the duplicates. Of course after a long wait and duplicate pricing they told me they are a production stock tree for them still, just not cataloged. Off the top of my head I think they are their #870 model. Thanks! I took a look at a 'Connie Combs by Circle Y' saddle on the internet just a minute ago...looks terrific! Hopefully I'll be able to locate something similar in my neck of the woods... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyriggin Report post Posted June 3, 2009 Last week I sold a "The Proven by Circle Y" for 645.00, it had lots of extra "bling", and aluminum competition stirrups, and was autographed by Martha Josey, and R.A Josey. It was a pretty saddle with the hip hugger seat. Thats how my luck is too, always find good deals when it's too late. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rharris Report post Posted June 3, 2009 The last time I looked www.coolhorse.com had several used barrel saddles. If you do not see what you want call them and talk to Kyler. RussH Thanks! I took a look at a 'Connie Combs by Circle Y' saddle on the internet just a minute ago...looks terrific! Hopefully I'll be able to locate something similar in my neck of the woods... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casey Jordan Report post Posted June 3, 2009 I understand the price issue completly. Used might be the way to go. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but Brighton Feed & Saddlery is going to have their big annual saddle sale in July. Might be worth checking out. Brighton Feed & Saddlery in near Denver, Colorado. www.brightonsaddlery.com Hope this helps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kseidel Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Yeah I really love a few saddles that i've seen from billy cook and circle y, It's just really hard to make a decision... I would love to have a saddle custom made, just don't have the $$$. What is your budget? There may be some used handmade saddles available that would serve your needs. Keith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 5, 2009 I understand the price issue completly.Used might be the way to go. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but Brighton Feed & Saddlery is going to have their big annual saddle sale in July. Might be worth checking out. Brighton Feed & Saddlery in near Denver, Colorado. www.brightonsaddlery.com Hope this helps Well I'd love to check that out, but unfortunately...I'm about 1,200 miles away from Colorado. Who knows...might make a good roadtrip Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevygirl Report post Posted June 5, 2009 What is your budget? There may be some used handmade saddles available that would serve your needs.Keith I really want to stay below $800-$1000 if possible.... hopefully less! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites