This isn't just any saddle. BigHorn decided to distinguish themselves from all other nylon/leather combination saddle makers. They sat down in a board meeting and asked, "How can we make a better, lightweight saddle, that will allow the stirrups to turn easy, for arthritis; something that any normal lady, or any person over 60, or a person under12, can lift." They decided to replace the skirts, stirrup leathers, and fenders with Cordura© nylon. It costs like leather. It is as strong as leather. 

But because Cordura© can be cut and sewn like in a garment shop, the cost savings come in the labor time making these parts. The bindings are specially turned from the same material, so you will not have edges falling loose. 

Leather, not synthetic, is next to your body's saddle block area. This lets your crotch breathe. No excessive sweating like there is with naugahide seats. The best stainless steel hardware is used, rather than the cheapest plated pot metal. No cheap Velcro imitation expected to hold your stirrups on.  No excessive stretching in spring or summer sunshine. No tearing or cracking in the cold weather from cheap vinyl pommel covers, or seats. No conchos, nails or screws breaking loose out of an inferior tree. (I hate to bash other makers, but these saddles are quality, and some of you have heard horror stories about other brands.)

My oldest children began, and rode these Big Horn saddles until they were older teens. We still use them today, 25 years later. These Barrel Racing saddles allow lots of free movement in the stirrups. The seat and cantle are designed for your security. The light weight is always a favorite with gymkhana. And when it's time to ride shorter trails, we just add strings and bags!

If you want your saddles to last this well, ask us about preconditioning and best continuous conditioning & care, before we ship to you. Cool thing is: just a few little differences between dealers will make a huge difference in your long term riding enjoyment.

Your saddle should be a pleasure to ride. The Western pleasure draft horse saddles have a slight rise in the front of the seat, and the Haflinger saddle has a rise that climbs onto the rear of the pommel. Both are built on popular trees made especially for the larger horses that we ride. Plenty of cantle to hold you in place, and a horn that stays out of the way until you need it. Saddle includes  both front tie straps.

Draft Horse Saddle

No. 296-17 1/2" Brown
Compare At: $1157.00

CC Price:  $949.99

• Tree: Fiberglass covered wood tree with bars designed especially for the Draft horse and Draft crosses.
• Gullet: 8" width
• Cantle: 4" with 1.5" Cheyenne roll
• Seat: 17 1/2" roughout, padded.
• Rigging: Double, stainless steel Dropped dee.
• Trim: Smooth leather front and jockeys, Cordura® Nylon skirts, fenders and housing, Brass clipping dees with saddle strings, breast collar dees.
• Skirt:  25" x 12"
• Fenders: 19" x 8", 2" leather reinforced nylon stirrup straps with stainless steel buckles.
• Stirrups: Ralide® with laced foot pad
• Finish: Brown.
• Weight: Approximately 24 pounds

Haflinger Saddle

No. 295-16" Brown
Compare At: $1157.00

CC Price:  $949.99

• Tree: Ralide® type with bars designed to fit the Haflinger.
• Cantle: 4" with 1.5" Cheyenne roll
• Seat: 16" grainout, padded.
• Rigging: 7/8 position single front stainless steel dee
• Trim: Smooth leather front and jockeys, Cordura® Nylon skirts, fenders and housing, Silver conchos, breast collar dees, rear dees for attaching saddle strings.
• Skirt:  27.5" x 12 1/2"
• Fenders: 19" x 8", 2" leather reinforced nylon stirrup straps with stainless steel buckles.
• Stirrups: Ralide® with laced foot pad
• Finish: Brown
• Weight: Approximately 23 pounds