Martha Josey Saddle Review – Are They Worth the Investment?

ByEquineathon

If you’ve ever watched barrel racing, you know it’s a sport that demands speed, balance, and precision. For riders, the saddle can make or break a performance. That’s where Martha Josey saddles—crafted in partnership with Circle Y—come in. Designed by world-champion barrel racer Martha Josey, these saddles promise a secure seat, comfort for horse and rider, and the durability to withstand high-speed competition. But are they really worth the price tag? Let’s break it down.

Quick Picks – Top Martha Josey Saddles

Buyer’s Guide – What Makes a Martha Josey Saddle Special?

Not all saddles are created equal. Here’s what sets Martha Josey models apart and what to look for when buying one:

  • Deep Secure Seat: Designed to keep riders locked in during sharp turns and high-speed runs.
  • Forward-Hung Stirrups: Helps riders stay balanced and in position for fast maneuvers.
  • High Cantle: Extra security and support, especially for riders who want a “locked-in” feeling.
  • Rigging System: Three-way adjustable in-skirt rigging ensures the saddle stays balanced on different horses.
  • Quality Craftsmanship: Circle Y builds these saddles with durable leather, stainless steel hardware, and detailed tooling.
  • Special Fit: Many riders report these saddles fit multiple horses, which is a big advantage in competitive barns.

Detailed Martha Josey Saddle Reviews

1. Martha Josey Ultimate Cash Barrel Saddle

Who it’s for: Barrel racers who want the official Josey model with a proven track record.

  • Built on a DURAhide Ultimate Cash tree
  • Deep suede seat for maximum grip
  • Forward-hung stirrups for better rider balance

Pros:

  • Secure “locked-in” seat feel
  • Durable build with premium leather
  • Stylish with tooling and suede accents

Cons:

  • Seat feels stiff at first—needs breaking in
  • Not ideal for riders who prefer freedom of movement

Final Verdict: The flagship Martha Josey saddle is a competition-ready piece that serious racers will love. Check Price Here.

2. Martha Josey Ultimate Edition Flex2 Saddle

Who it’s for: Riders who want a premium saddle that combines Josey’s design with Circle Y’s Flex2 technology.

  • Flex2 tree for adaptability across different horse backs
  • Shock-absorbing seat for rider comfort
  • Detailed hand tooling

Pros:

  • Greater comfort for both horse and rider
  • Lightweight compared to traditional barrel saddles
  • Premium craftsmanship and details

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Still requires break-in period

Final Verdict: If budget isn’t a concern, this is one of the most comfortable and adaptable barrel saddles on the market. View Price.

3. Martha Josey High Horse Barrel Saddle

Who it’s for: Entry-level competitors or riders who want Josey features at a more affordable price.

  • Lighter weight design
  • Secure suede seat
  • Forward-hung stirrups

Pros:

  • More affordable than premium Josey models
  • Still offers the secure Josey seat design
  • Lighter weight for young or smaller riders

Cons:

  • Not as durable as higher-end Josey saddles
  • Less tooling and decorative features

Final Verdict: A smart buy for riders entering barrel racing who want Josey’s features without the premium price. See Price.

4. Martha Josey Ultimate XP Barrel Saddle

Who it’s for: Experienced riders who demand a lightweight yet strong saddle for high-speed competition.

  • Lightweight design for speed
  • Forward seat position
  • Premium rawhide-wrapped horn

Pros:

  • Built for speed and agility
  • Lightweight, easy to handle
  • Strong enough for serious competition

Cons:

  • Less padding for long rides
  • Focused mainly on barrel racing, not all-purpose use

Final Verdict: A high-performance competition saddle for riders chasing speed. Check Price.

5. Martha Josey Ultimate Trainer Saddle

Who it’s for: Trainers and riders who spend long hours in the saddle working multiple horses.

  • All-day comfort design
  • Balanced seat for versatility
  • Durable leather with minimal tooling

Pros:

  • Comfortable for long hours
  • More versatile than pure barrel saddles
  • Built tough for daily use

Cons:

  • Not as specialized for barrel racing

Final Verdict: If you train multiple horses daily, this Josey saddle gives the durability and comfort you need. View Price.

Comparison Table

Saddle Key Features Specs Price
Martha Josey Ultimate Cash Deep suede seat, secure fit, premium leather 14–16” seat, ~29 lbs Check Price
Martha Josey Ultimate Flex2 Flex2 tree, shock-absorbing seat, hand tooling 14–17” seat, ~27 lbs View Price
Martha Josey High Horse Affordable, lightweight, secure seat 14–16” seat, ~26 lbs See Price
Martha Josey Ultimate XP Lightweight, forward seat, rawhide horn 14–15” seat, ~25 lbs Check Price
Martha Josey Trainer Balanced, durable, all-day comfort 15–16” seat, ~30 lbs View Price

FAQ – Martha Josey Saddles

Are Martha Josey saddles good for beginners?

Yes. The deep seat and forward stirrups help beginners feel more secure. However, some riders may find the seat restrictive at first.

Do Josey saddles fit all horses?

No saddle fits every horse perfectly, but many riders say Josey saddles fit a wide variety of backs, especially when paired with the right pad.

Are they only for barrel racing?

They are designed for barrel racing, but many riders use Josey saddles for general arena work and short trail rides as well.

Do they need to be broken in?

Yes. The seat can feel stiff at first, but after a few rides the leather softens and becomes more comfortable.

Conclusion

Martha Josey saddles live up to their reputation as secure, high-performance saddles built for barrel racers. With Circle Y’s craftsmanship behind them, they offer excellent durability and style. For riders who compete or want that extra security, the Ultimate Cash is a fantastic choice. If you’re budget-conscious, the High Horse model provides similar features at a lower cost, while the Flex2 offers unmatched comfort for long rides.

Ready to upgrade your ride? Click here to check today’s prices on Martha Josey Saddles.