As asked above, can they be used for barrels? Or are they to heavy? Thanks in advance.

Depends on how good you are. Ya, it's not ideal, but it should work. But if you are really good, you probably wouldn't be asking. Really trully no offence. I use a cutting saddle for everything besides dressage, and it keeps me in the saddle when we do barrels. Also if the saddle is really heavy I wouldn't use it. Good Luck, and hope this helps

If that's what you have then it will work just fine.

National or World Champion breeder, trainer, judge.

Yes. any western saddle can be used for barrel racing, but don't expect to have the same speed or the same maneuverability. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Roping saddles are made for roping because they are big, heavy and made to withstand the pull of a 600 pound steer on the horn.

Roping saddles are also usually not as deep in the seat as a barrel racing saddle. They also have a larger lower horn, unlike the taller barrel horn that is used by barrel racers to grab onto if needed during the fast turns.

Cutting saddles may be a bit lighter than a roping saddle. The seat may be deeper

Also, cutting saddles may have the fenders and stirrups set forward, so you can sit with a little more of a chair seat....your legs ahead of you a little bit.....because of the way the horse is moving, you need this a little.

Barrel racing, you don't want your legs ahead, you want them beneath you.

Roping, same...might be a bit forward to take the hard hit from when the steer is roped and yanks the hell out of the saddle (and the poor horse).

So...yeah, you can barrel race in either a roping or cutting saddle...but the saddle may not help you as a barrel racing saddle would. that's why all disciplines have their own saddles. To help the rider do less work.

Generally, cutting saddles are heavier and they are made to push you back into the saddle. For barrels, you want a saddle that will help push you forward. If its all you have, then it should be fine, especially since you are a beginner. If you decide you really want to pursue barrels, then you can buy a barrel saddle in the future.

10 years owner/rider