Whats the difference

What is the big difference between a square and round skirt for a western saddle?

I know that round skirts are good for horses that have shorter backs. I also think that a lot of barrel racing saddles are made with round skirts.

A round skirt allows for more unimpeded movement for a horse at the hip and top of back. As QHDragon points out, it's much better for a short-backed horse, or barrel horse to get around in.

Actually the new barrel saddles often come with square skirts - more stable on the horse - side to side. They simply do not drop down as far on the sides.

(I own one)