Martin Saddlery has teamed up with Eight-time World Champion Joe Beaver to design a calf roping saddle that was made specifically to fit today's calf horse and give the competitive calf roper a balanced seat and ride
It is made to fit down on the horse's back without hindering the horse's natural range in motion and with the maximum bar contact against the horse, it is made to stay in place.
The form molded ground seat, refined swells and proportioned cantle provide the rider the proper body position in the saddle at every stage of a run.
It is built with a heavy, high quality Herman Oak leather and heavy fenders to provide good hanging weight for the stirrups, plus extra wide, extra deep stirrups, a contoured flank cinch, reinforced back billet, and the skirt is cut away under both the front and back rigs to help alleviate any possible pressure points from the cinch pull. The skirt length has been short3ened to prevent the back of the skirt from interfering with the hors4e's hip on these modern-day, short-coupled calf horses.
Martin Saddle Fit – Quotes from Joe Beaver
How does your saddle fit your horse and help him perform?
“When a saddle fits low and comfortable on a horse, it enables him to move freely, therefore, letting him be at his best. “
How does this saddle sit you differently from any saddle you have ever ridden?
“It keeps you riding in the ‘throwing position’. In other words, your feet are a little behind you with your body up in front of the saddle.”
What about this saddle helps you stay in position from the beginning of your run till the end?
“The way we designed it, it gives you a narrow feel when you squeeze to ride and the back is just high enough to help push you to front, plus the stirrups hang slightly to the back, keeping you in the perfect position.”
Why did you choose Martin Saddlery?
“Because they really care how the saddle fits the horse as well as helping the roper. Their care and concern of the actual making of the tree is really something to witness. They also make the saddle from start to finish, wood to leather, in house and that means it’s been cared for from the beginning.”
Explain why this saddle is perfect for any level of competition?
“Because at any level you want to be a better roper and this saddle makes roping easier.”
Why is saddle fit important to you and what role does it play in helping increase the longevity of your horses?
“Because of the way the saddle fits it helps my horse go longer and work easier. If my horse doesn’t hurt from bad saddle fit & I don’t overload his back with a ton of saddle weight, he will be better and last longer.”
