[jethroish]

I posted this earlier today and have NO CLUE how it ended up in the classified section. I am not selling a saddle just asking a question.

My daughter is 5'4" about 150lbs. She currently has a Dakota 301 barrel saddle with 15" seat with a fairly short cantle.
At 6' and 210 lbs, I also use this saddle.
Upon aquiring another horse, we are looking for another saddle.
Daughter wants another Dakota, which I have no problem with as the one we have is a good saddle.
She wants a 16" seat. I tought nothing of it and almost ordered one, but now hesitate after talking to my neighbor.

The neighbor, who is a team roper, says we should get a 14" or even a 13". He uses a 13" at 6'1" and 215lbs. He says he does that so he does not move in the saddle. I am going to try one of his saddles today.
I can see how that might be a help when roping, but I would assume there should be different fit for different saddles. Obviously a steer wrestler want to come out of the seat easily rather than be wedged in.

So, for those of you here that barrel race, what size seat do you use/reccommend. I hate to order a saddle without "trying it on" and then have to send it back.

 

[jethroish]

Decided to stick with either another 15" or go up to a 16" after riding today.
Link to side-by-side of saddles. Daughter's saddle is Dakota 310, 15". I am considering the 910j 16"
http://www.dakotasaddlery.net/DCS2007c%20gallery/img032c.jpg

Concerns: Cantle of the 910 (5") is "squared" instead of rounded like the 301 (4"). Seat on the 910 looks to be slightly taller and steeper in the back. On the 301, I tend to slide up the rear of the seat.

Opinions are welcome for the above concerns.
Thanks

 

[jethroish]

Decided to stick with either another 15" or go up to a 16" after riding today.
Link to side-by-side of saddles. Daughter's saddle is Dakota 310, 15". I am considering the 910j 16"
http://www.dakotasaddlery.net/DCS2007c gallery/img032c.jpg

Concerns: Cantle of the 910 (5") is "squared" instead of rounded like the 301 (4"). Seat on the 910 looks to be slightly taller and steeper in the back. On the 301, I tend to slide up the rear of the seat.

Opinions are welcome for the above concerns.
Thanks

Oops. I read my own post and OOPS! Meant to say the 910 swell is squared as opposed to the rounded swell of the 301.

 

[Jillyann]

I would DEF. not go with the 13'' OR 14'' saddle. those are pretty much kids sizes. I would go with the 16'' or a 15.5'' if you could find it. I can guarantee that if you bought a 13 or 14'' saddle, and are currently using and like the 15'' you would not be comfortable.

 

[SouthernTrails]

I think a 15" would be fine, a 16" I think would be a little large for your daughter.

Now, some Barrel racers do use a larger size, it is personal preference BTW, if she has good balance and has done it for at least a season a 16" should be fine. Most barrel racer like to be locked in, but a 13" would be way too small and a 14" would be small.

One thing with Dakota, any Saddle you see, they can modify, if you see a Model with Square Skirts they can make Round Skirts and vise-versa.

.

 

[jethroish]

Thanks for the replies.
Decided to get the 16" Dakota 910. Shop owner told me that the 910 will feel like it has less room and if I am sliding up the cantle of the 301, then he recommends I get a 16. I am sure my daughter will try it out, but this will primarily be my saddle for excersizing the horses.

 

[Jillyann]

Good choice!