Martin Saddlery Unveils New Website With Pro Insights, Saddle Deep Dives and More
BarrelRacing.com6 hours ago
The saddle you reach for on one horse may not be the same as another in your barn. A horse that drops hard and is strong through the turns may call for more support to keep you with them, whereas a futurity colt could need more guidance in a run, requiring more freedom of movement from the jockey.
Martin Saddlery’s new website takes a real and close look at those differences. Through barrel saddle Deep Dives and firsthand insight from Martin’s professional barrel racers, you can explore how the Stingray, BTR, FX3 and Guardian help barrel racers find the position they need for the horse they’re riding.
The starting point isn’t just which saddle you like. It’s what your horse asks of you—and what helps you ride that horse better.
Sherry Cervi,Ashley Schafer, Jolene Montgomery, Joy Wargo, Emma Abbott and Kimmi Byler each describe choosing different Martin barrel saddles depending on the horse underneath them. Their experiences offer a closer look at how the right setup can help you stay balanced, hold your position and move with your horse.
Ashley Schafer. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
Stingray: Built for the Power of the Turn
The Martin Stingray is built for the strong, powerful horse that drives hard through the turn. It has a compact seat, a straighter, higher back and a deeper seat.
The cutout swells and forward-hung stirrups keep you on your pockets without getting thrown forward or back, giving the rider a centered and stable feel. That security lets you sit through the power of the turn, keep your horse’s hind end engaged and still get forward leaving the barrel, without hanging on their face.
Sherry Cervi, Ashley Schafer, Emma Abbott and Joy Wargo reach for the Stingray on horses that call for that extra support.
Joy Wargo in the Martin Stingray. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
BTR: Built for Riding With Your Hips
The Martin BTR—Balance, Timing & Rhythm—is a barrel saddle designed with input from Jolene Montgomery and other futurity trainers.
The forward-hung stirrups and flatter seat let riders sit toward the back of the saddle, use their hips and move with their horse without feeling locked in place. A lower-profile swell and cantle give riders room to shift their weight, while the stirrup position helps keep their feet in front of them.
The BTR gives experienced riders freedom to adjust their position and ride with their seat and hips.
Jolene Montgomery, Joy Wargo, Ashley Schafer and Emma Abbott reach for their BTR on horses where they need a little bit more freedom of movement.
Jolene Montgomery. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
FX3: Sit Deep. Stay Square.
The Martin FX3 is a versatile barrel saddle for riders who want help with positioning and the freedom to adjust to different horses and running styles.
Its deep seat helps riders sit square and settle into position, while the undercut swells allow room to bring their legs up and grip with their thighs. The fenders hang straighter down and slightly forward, allowing riders to get to the front of the saddle or sit down and back.
Whether training multiple horses, riding with shorter stirrups, running barrels and poles or developing personal riding preferences, the FX3 offers a balance of support and freedom of movement.
Kimmi Byler rides the FX3 on horses of all kinds of backgrounds, whether they are being tuned up or started on the pattern for the first time. It’s a saddle that helps you build the correct muscles and focus on the horse.
Kimmi Byler in the Martin FX3. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
Guardian: Secure Without Feeling Trapped
One of Martin’s lightest saddles, the Guardian offers added security for riders on horses that drop hard, spook or get quick underneath them.
Its larger, undercut swells provide a place to hold with the thighs, while the seat and foot placement help riders stay centered through sudden moves and changes of direction.
From developing young horses to running poles, the Guardian provides front-end support without preventing riders from getting up out of the seat when needed.
Kimmi Byler in the Martin Guardian. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
Meet Martin’s Barrel Racing Professionals
The barrel saddle Deep Dives are just one way to get to know Martin’s team. Visit the Meet the Pros page on the new website to read the professionals’ bios, see what they ride and learn more about the barrel racers behind the scenes.
From young horses in training to powerful horses making runs in the Thomas & Mack, each professional brings a different perspective on what works—and when a different horse calls for a different saddle.
Emma Abbott. Photo courtesy of Martin Saddlery.
Shop Saddles and Strap Goods in One Place
Shopping for your saddle and strap needs has never been easier. The new Martin website brings custom saddle options, Ready to Ship saddles and a full line of tack together in one place.
Explore the options for your next saddle, find the strap goods you need or shop for the barrel racer on your holiday list.
Visit martinsaddlery.com to explore the new site and take a closer look at the saddle that gives you what you need for the horse you’re riding.
