Synthetic Saddle? Leather Vs. Synthetic?

I know this is pretty much an Obvious answer, LEATHER is probably what you are all screaming at the screen right now. BUT, I figured it would be better to get a HIGH quality synthetic saddle rather than a LOW quality leather saddle since I'm on a budget of about $300. I am wanting mostly a pleasure(as in, for fun riding) saddle, but I will be starting barrels on my horse. I will most likely not compete until next summer, maybe do a few open shows this summer. So I figured I would save up for a nice leather saddle during this year.

However, I'm stuck. I can't choose between

This(1): Abetta Saddle
&
This(2): Abetta Beartrap

They are both barrel racing friendly. Here's the dilemma,

The first one has a 4in cantle, and isn't bear trap saddle, but it is a lot cheaper. It also has a round skirt and the cantle is still like an average barrel saddle.

The second one has a 5in cantle, and is a bear trap saddle. I'm worried about the Bear trap because I have never ridden in one, they just seem kind of uncomfortable to me. But this is more expensive.It seems a little more barrel friendly than the other one though.

So which would you choose and why O.o?

I don't like "bear trap" saddles...especially for barrel racing. The points of the pommel always hit me in the thighs if I need to stop quickly.

I like both saddles equally as much...which isn't much.

I know that you are on a budget but you could get a pretty nice used leather barrel saddle for under $300.

Used 15" show saddle Barrel / games Silver trim - eBay (item 200487425083 end time Jul-01-10 19:00:24 PDT) Theres a tex-tan that you could get.

Pro-Master 15" Barrel/Pleasure Western Saddle - eBay (item 300440866115 end time Jul-05-10 13:11:05 PDT) Never heard of this brand but it looks to be decent for the price

Used Hereford Saddle Great for 4-H Trail Barrel Racing - eBay (item 230493446854 end time Jul-05-10 23:40:20 PDT) And this one is by far my favorite. I love a good old saddle!

Good luck with your search.

You would think lol! You would be surprised on how many deals I found with brand name Barrel Saddles in my budget, but all of them are Full Qh bars and it won't fit my horse! :) But thank you about your opinion on the "Bear Trap" Saddles, I was worried about that O.o

I vote for a used leather saddle, too. I bought a really nice circle y nbha saddle for $300, and it is well made and pretty decent looking. Of those 2 saddles, I like the plain option better than the beartrap.

How about semi bars...will they fit? Most textans are full but most big horns are semi. What size seat do you need? My best friend runs a consignment tack shop in PA, near pittsburgh and im sure she has a few under 300

Does make it harder!

Yes my horse needs Semi-QH bars and I use a 16in seat, but I will take a 15in seat(motivation to lose some weight :)