No idea where to start with buying a barrel saddle! Help!

I'm starting to get into barrel racing, and I'm about to buy my own barrel horse. He's coming home this Sunday!

Anyway, I now need a saddle. I have NO idea where to start. My price range is about $500 probably.. But I don't want to make my boy sore! So could you guys maybe post some links or brands of good quality barrel saddles in my price range?! It sure would help.

Thanks! :)
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Try looking for used saddles on Craigslist, or ebay.

Try looking for Circle Y, that's my favorite brand, I don't know much about other barrel saddle brands though.

Thanks! I completley forgot about ebay lol.
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It's not what it used to be lol

Yeah, no kidding. I'll eventually come across a good deal if I'm patient lol
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Ditto on the looking for good, used saddles. Like myhorsesonador said, Circle Ys are good, Billy cooks made in oklahoma not the texas ones, tex tans, alamo, crates and dakotas are decent. Just whatever you do, don't be fooled into buying those pretty, shiny, brand new saddles that seem like such a good deal, but are really made of crap that is bad quality and doesn't last long.

Here's a Sulphur OK made billy cook with a starting bid of $399 Billy Cook Barrell Saddle | eBay

Just so you can get an idea of what's out there, in my area theres an alamo barrel trophy saddle listed for $550
Barrel Saddle for Sale

DEFINITELY go used! I hate hate HATE breaking in new saddles, plus the only affordable ones are cheaply made. I love used saddles.

Definitely check craigslist and ebay.

Personally, my favorite brand is Hereford. But they aren't really around very much anymore.

Circle Y, Billy Cook, Double J, Teskey...

NOT California Saddlery, American Saddlery, or Saddle King...That's for sure...

Thanks everyone!
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Craigslist and Ebay are my best buds!

Yeah!
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