Barrel racing saddles have a very deep seat to help keep the rider in the saddle when the horse is running fast and turning sharply. The horn on a barrel racing saddle is higher that will give the rider something to grab onto during turns if needed. There are barrel racing saddles have a seat made from a rough materials which gives the rider better grip. Barrel Racing is a form of rodeo event that demands some of the most athletic horses and dedicated riders in order to be successful in terms of financial earnings. The barrel racing saddles tend to be smaller and lighter than the most other Western saddles, usually weighing in at less than 30 punds or 13.6 kilograms. The seat tends to be flat, allowing the rider greater ability to maneuver with the horse around barrels. The stirrups tend to be narrow, since it is easier to keep a boot in a narrow stirrup. There are also often covered in rawhide, the toughness of which resists the many scrapes that occur when rubbing up against barrels during race.
