Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle Review: My Honest Take

Barrel racing has been a significant part of my life for years now. And if there’s one name synonymous with this exhilarating equestrian sport, it’s Martha Josey. I had heard her accolades, her Olympic participation, and her signature barrel racing clinics. But it was only when I first saddled up using the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle that I truly felt connected to this legend. The real question is, does this saddle live up to its name? Here’s my answer.

Having ridden numerous barrel saddles over the years, I can say, without a shadow of doubt, the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle stands out in terms of design, comfort, and functionality. From the very first time I saddled up, it felt different – in a very good way.

1. Martha Josey Ultimate Starlight Flex2 Barrel Saddle

This was the first one I tried, and oh boy, was it a revelation! Beyond its aesthetically pleasing silver spots and antique conchos, its Flex2 tree technology provided a fit like no other. It allowed my horse to move more freely, ensuring that tight turns were more efficient.

The suede seat and roughout seat jockeys and fenders offered unparalleled grip, ensuring I stayed in place during those intense moments.

2. Martha Josey Million Dollar Flex2 Barrel Saddle

The name sets a pretty high expectation, and it did not disappoint. This saddle is specially designed to keep you in a balanced position through the most challenging runs.

The 3-way adjustable in-skirt rigging relieved pressure and enhanced horse comfort, making those extended training sessions a breeze.

3. Martha Josey Cash Flex2 Barrel Saddle

Named after one of Martha’s champion horses, ‘Cash,’ this saddle is designed for serious racers. The standout feature for me was the deep seat and 5-inch cantle, which cradled me, providing that extra security when racing down to the final barrel.

4. Martha Josey Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle

This was like the all-rounder in the collection. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting, this saddle provides a blend of stability and flexibility. The highlight? Its close-contact skirt shape which enhanced my cues, ensuring my horse and I moved as one cohesive unit.

5. Martha Josey Ultimate Revolution Flex2 Barrel Saddle

The ‘Revolution’ takes innovation to a new level. With its unique Rider Buckle—a locking stirrup leather buckle that prevents the sleeve from sliding off the buckle—the days of my stirrup lengths changing were over. The Neo-Shock skirt absorbed any impact, making it as comfortable for my horse as it was for me.

Conclusion

While each saddle from the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel collection has its unique features, the common thread is the dedication to excellence in barrel racing. The blend of innovation with tried and tested design principles makes these saddles not just a piece of equipment, but a partner in every race.

They truly are a worthy testament to Martha Josey’s legacy in the sport. If you’re serious about barrel racing, these saddles are worth every penny.

ALSO SEE: Circle Y Flex Tree Barrel Saddle Review

FAQs on Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle Review

1. Who is Martha Josey?
   Martha Josey is a renowned name in barrel racing, known for her accolades, Olympic participation, and signature barrel racing clinics.
2. What makes the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle special?
   It stands out in terms of design, comfort, and functionality, providing riders with a unique experience tailored for barrel racing.
3. Which Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle has Flex2 tree technology?
   The Martha Josey Ultimate Starlight Flex2 Barrel Saddle boasts the Flex2 tree technology.
4. How does the Flex2 tree technology benefit the rider and horse?
   It provides an excellent fit for the horse, allowing more free movement and ensures efficient tight turns for the rider.
5. What offers grip in the Martha Josey Ultimate Starlight Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
   The suede seat and roughout seat jockeys and fenders provide unparalleled grip.
6. Is the Martha Josey Million Dollar Flex2 Barrel Saddle suitable for professional racing?
   Yes, it is specially designed to keep riders in a balanced position during challenging runs.
7. What feature in the Million Dollar Flex2 Barrel Saddle enhances horse comfort?
   The 3-way adjustable in-skirt rigging relieves pressure, enhancing horse comfort during rides.
8. Why is the Martha Josey Cash Flex2 Barrel Saddle named ‘Cash’?
   It’s named after one of Martha’s champion horses, ‘Cash’.
9. What’s unique about the seat of the Cash Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
   It has a deep seat and a 5-inch cantle which provides extra security to riders during races.
10. Who is the Martha Josey Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle designed for?
    It’s designed for a wide range of riders, from seasoned racers to beginners.
11. How does the Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle ensure better horse-rider communication?
    Its close-contact skirt shape enhances rider cues, ensuring the horse and rider move cohesively.
12. What’s innovative about the Martha Josey Ultimate Revolution Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
    It features a unique Rider Buckle—a locking stirrup leather buckle that prevents the sleeve from sliding off.
13. How does the ‘Revolution’ saddle provide comfort to the horse?
    Its Neo-Shock skirt absorbs impact, ensuring a comfortable experience for the horse.
14. Are these saddles suitable for extended training sessions?
    Yes, features like 3-way adjustable in-skirt rigging in some saddles make extended training sessions comfortable for both rider and horse.
15. What is the main advantage of the Rider Buckle featured in the ‘Revolution’ saddle?
    The Rider Buckle ensures that stirrup lengths remain consistent by preventing the sleeve from sliding off the buckle.
16. Do all Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddles come with the Flex2 tree technology?
    Not all, but several models in the collection, such as the Ultimate Starlight and Million Dollar, feature Flex2 tree technology.
17. How does the Flex2 technology influence a horse’s performance?
    It allows for more free movement, ensuring that tight turns are more efficient and comfortable for the horse.
18. Which saddle from the collection is recommended for serious racers?
    The Martha Josey Cash Flex2 Barrel Saddle, named after Martha’s champion horse ‘Cash’, is designed with serious racers in mind.
19. Does the design of these saddles provide any aesthetic appeal?
    Yes, saddles like the Ultimate Starlight Flex2 Barrel Saddle are designed with silver spots and antique conchos, adding to their aesthetic appeal.
20. Is the grip a consistent feature across all Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddles?
    While specific features might vary, the grip is a priority in these saddles. For instance, the Ultimate Starlight has a suede seat and roughout seat jockeys and fenders for this purpose.
21. Can beginners use the Martha Josey Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
    Yes, the Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle is suitable for both seasoned racers and beginners.
22. Do these saddles prioritize rider security during races?
    Absolutely. Features like deep seats, 5-inch cantles, and unparalleled grip ensure rider security during intense races.
23. What is the primary aim of the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle collection?
    The primary aim is the dedication to excellence in barrel racing, blending innovation with tried and tested design principles.
24. Are these saddles a testament to Martha Josey’s legacy in barrel racing?
    Yes, they truly are a worthy testament to Martha Josey’s significant legacy in the sport of barrel racing.
25. Is the investment in a Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddle worth it?
    Absolutely. For those serious about barrel racing, these saddles provide a blend of comfort, functionality, and innovation, making them worth every penny.
26. Are there any specific saddles in this range suitable for extended training?
    Yes, saddles like the Martha Josey Million Dollar Flex2 Barrel Saddle are designed with features that make extended training sessions more comfortable.
27. Does the Martha Josey Ultimate Revolution Flex2 Barrel Saddle prioritize rider comfort?
    Yes, with its unique Rider Buckle and Neo-Shock skirt, rider comfort is a priority.
28. Are there any saddles in this collection named after Martha Josey’s personal experiences?
    Yes, the Martha Josey Cash Flex2 Barrel Saddle is named after one of her champion horses, ‘Cash’.
29. How do these saddles ensure efficient tight turns?
    Features like the Flex2 tree technology provide an excellent fit, allowing the horse to move more freely, ensuring efficient tight turns.
30. Are aesthetics considered in the design of these saddles?
    Yes, features like silver spots, antique conchos, and unique designs ensure that the saddles are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
31. What provides the grip in the Martha Josey Ultimate Starlight Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
    The suede seat combined with roughout seat jockeys and fenders ensures unparalleled grip.
32. Do all the saddles in this range have the same design?
    No, while they share some common features and design principles, each saddle in the range has unique features tailored for specific needs.
33. Which saddle from this collection is versatile and suitable for a wide range of riders?
    The Martha Josey Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle is versatile and caters to both seasoned racers and beginners.
34. What role does the close-contact skirt shape play in the Go Round Flex2 Barrel Saddle?
    It enhances rider cues, ensuring better horse-rider communication and movement as one cohesive unit.
35. How do these saddles ensure rider safety during intense races?
    Deep seats, high cantles, and excellent grip features are integrated into the design to ensure rider safety during intense barrel races.
36. Are the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddles a reflection of her expertise in the sport?
    Yes, the saddles are designed with input from Martha Josey, reflecting her vast experience and expertise in barrel racing.
37. Is the Martha Josey Ultimate Revolution Flex2 Barrel Saddle suitable for competitive racing?
    Absolutely. With features like the Rider Buckle and Neo-Shock skirt, it is designed to offer a competitive edge.
38. Do the saddles in this collection prioritize both rider and horse comfort?
    Yes, features like Flex2 tree technology and Neo-Shock skirts ensure comfort for both the rider and the horse.
39. How do these saddles stand out from other barrel saddles on the market?
    Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel Saddles blend innovation with tried and tested design principles, ensuring a unique riding experience tailored for barrel racing.
40. Who would benefit the most from using a saddle from the Martha Josey Circle Y Barrel collection?
    Anyone serious about barrel racing, whether they’re seasoned racers or just starting out, would greatly benefit from these saddles.