Top 5 Martin Saddlery Saddles: The Perfect Union of Craftsmanship and Performance
In This Article
- Martin Saddlery's Cervi Crown C: The Game-Changer for Barrel Racers
- Martin BTR Barrel Saddle - Tradition Meets Innovation
- The Martin Stingray: Best For Fierce Competitors
- Ricky Green Roping Saddle - Best For All Ropers of All Ages
- Martin Wade Saddle - Ranching All Day Long
- Performance Show Saddle - Crafted For Champions
- Riding Off Into the Sunset
Ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, yearning for a blend that harmoniously fuses both worlds? If so, let me introduce you to a brand that's been doing just that, in the sphere of Western horse tack - Martin Saddlery.
Just as a good yarn spun around a campfire fascinates cowboys after a hard day's ride, Martin Saddlery, too, weaves a fascinating tale of passion, craftsmanship, and sheer dedication to quality.
With every saddle they craft, their workmanship narrates a story of tradition and professionalism, making it an emblem of Americana artistry.
Martin Saddlery's Cervi Crown C: The Game-Changer for Barrel Racers
If there's one thing we cherish about our American heritage, it's our love for horse riding. In this long-standing tradition, a reliable saddle is the heart of the connection between horse and rider. And when it comes to dependable saddles, Martin Saddlery stands out, especially with their signature creation, the Crown C Barrel Racer.
A Team Like No Other: Sherry Cervi and Martin Saddlery
Barrel racing champ Sherry Cervi joined hands with the skilled folks at Martin Saddlery. Together, they came up with something truly special: the Crown C Barrel Racer. This isn't your everyday saddle. It's an innovative piece of gear designed to cater to the unique demands of barrel racing.
The Crown C helps riders keep their balance and hold their position during a run. It's a saddle that works in sync with you, adapting to your every move.
It's made to handle the sudden, sharp movements that come with today's fast-paced, athletic barrel horses. This saddle is built to match their speed and agility, keeping you secure while you push past boundaries.
In competitions where even a fraction of a second can make all the difference, the Crown C offers an advantage. This isn't just a fair-play saddle; it gives you the upper hand.
Built with Precision
Every part of the Crown C is carefully designed for top performance, from the Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot (SPRS™) to the upright saddle horn.
The unique SPRS™ keeps the fenders up front and offers resistance, helping you stay deep in the seat pocket for perfect balance.
The shortened seat jockey (the space between the swell and cantle) offers better stability without affecting your ability to stand and sit as required.
The stirrups are angled forward, helping you maintain a good body position during turns, by keeping your feet ahead of your body's center of gravity.
Even with their forward angle, the stirrups offer full movement for effective horse cueing.
The upright saddle horn helps you brace your body without throwing off your balance, and the horn cap is shaped to fit right in your hand, offering extra support and comfort.
The Crown C Barrel Racer is available with an Adjustable Rig only, underscoring Martin Saddlery's commitment to custom comfort and performance. Like a crown to a king, the Crown C is to a barrel racer: it's a symbol of achievement, authority, and excellence.
So, whether you're a seasoned racer or a newbie, keep your eye on the Crown C. At Martin Saddlery, we're more than saddle sellers, we're builders of partnerships between riders and horses. We weave together tradition, innovation, and high performance into each saddle. Get yourself a Crown C, saddle up, and let the ride take you where you want to go!
Martin BTR Barrel Saddle - Tradition Meets Innovation
There's a certain rhythm to life on the saddle, a unique tempo that shapes our days, our rides, and our connection with our horse. It's this rhythm that Martin Saddlery has honed into their masterpiece, the BTR Barrel Saddle.
The Saddle of Distinction
The BTR isn't just another addition to our long lineage of exceptional saddles; it's a shining beacon of meticulous design and craftsmanship. Bathed in a warm chocolate roughout, accented by painted buckstitch, and adorned with an inlaid tan bison seat, the BTR is as easy on the eyes as it is on the ride.
Unleash the Rhythm of the Ride
This saddle isn't about keeping you firmly in place, it's about giving you the freedom to move, to respond, to feel your horse. It's a saddle designed to match the rhythm of your ride, every turn, every leap, every moment.
BTR stands for "Better Than Resistance". True to its name, this saddle offers security without restricting your movement. It's about symbiosis, not control.
The fenders on the BTR are streamlined and move freely, allowing for quick adjustments, whether you're dropping into a tight turn or accelerating on the straightaway.
With a flatter seat, you're in for a more comfortable ride and quicker adjustments from the drop to acceleration.
The swell and horn have been cleverly designed to help you maintain your position without getting in your way.
The Don Orrell Stirrups – Because Details Matter
Every BTR Barrel Saddle comes with Don Orrell stirrups. Designed for comfort and performance, these stirrups represent the same commitment to quality and attention to detail that the BTR stands for.
From the heartland to the coast, the BTR Barrel Saddle is making its mark in barns and arenas across America. It's a nod to our past, a testament to our present, and a beacon for the future of barrel racing.
At Martin Saddlery, we believe that every ride should be a memorable one. And with the BTR, we promise not just a ride, but an experience. So saddle up with the BTR, and let your horse and the rhythm of the ride take you on an unforgettable journey.
The Martin Stingray: Best For Fierce Competitors
In the heartland of America, where the thunder of hooves and the rhythm of the ride tell a story, we find ourselves. Barrel racers, athletes, trailblazers—we're those who stand at the frontier, seeking a partnership with our horses that's as deep as it is fierce.
For us, the folks at Martin Saddlery have created a masterpiece: The Stingray.
An Unconventional Saddle for the Unconventional Rider
The Stingray isn't your ordinary saddle. It's designed for the rider who's as unique as they come, one who craves a reasonably vertical ride but yearns for the security of a deep seat.
Whether you're training, exercising, or caught in the thrilling frenzy of competition, the Stingray keeps you poised and balanced.
The ergonomically conscious design maintains your hips and knees at optimum angles during the slower stages of your horse's gait.
This saddle lets you sit deeper when the speed kicks up a notch, keeping you on the cantle, right behind the jerk of the horse's stride or stop.
Say goodbye to the fear of getting thrown over the front. With the Stingray, you're not just on the ride; you're part of it.
Innovative Features Tailored to Boost Your Confidence
SPRS™ (Stirrup Positioning Rig Slot) technology holds your fenders in a forward position and offers resistance, ensuring that you stay deep in the seat pocket.
Enjoy 100% simultaneous contact for your hips, lower back, and feet, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride.
The significant swell shaping of the saddle allows for full surface leg contact, offering an unparalleled sense of security, comfort, and a surprisingly narrow feel.
The Stingray comes with a selection of horn options. Choose between Small, Crown C, or Cutter—whichever suits your riding style the best.
You also have the choice of a large or small skirt, and a range of flank cinch options with a removable back billet.
A Saddle That Understands You
Every rider is unique, and the Stingray respects that. Standard models come with a 7” gullet, but there are additional sizes available with an adjustable rig. For the 6 ¾” and 7” gullet, there's also an inskirt C-Rig available.
The Stingray is a tribute to those who dare to take the path less traveled, to the riders who aren't afraid to stand out. It's more than a saddle; it's a statement—a bold declaration of who you are. With the Stingray, you won't just perform better, you'll ride with a newfound sense of confidence and connection to your horse. Because, at the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about?
Ricky Green Roping Saddle - Best For All Ropers of All Ages
In the vast tapestry of the American West, tales are spun in the dirt kicked up by powerful hooves and the deft twirl of a lasso. These tales are not just of cowboys and their horses, but of the partnerships they share.
In the world of team roping, there is one name that resonates with the rhythm of this dance - Rickey Green.
Champion team roper, renowned clinician, and a man whose passion has always been to enhance the relationship between a rider and their steed.
More Than a Saddle, a Tool for Success
It's in this spirit that Rickey Green partnered with Martin Saddlery to design the Rickey Green Team Roper saddle.
Green believes that the key to success in roping is comfort and stability.
As he puts it, "One of the greatest opportunities of my career has been to be able to help people become better riders and ropers without actually interacting personally with them. I believe if you can stabilize your balance and be physically comfortable, you will catch more steers."
The Rickey Green Team Roper is more than just a saddle. It's a tool designed to boost your performance, regardless of your experience level.
It's a saddle that provides a narrow, comfortable ride, thanks to its specially designed ground seat. This unique feature helps to absorb concussion and relieve strain on your back, hips, groin, and knees.
Roping Made Easy
Roping requires balance and stability. The design of this saddle allows you to maintain these elements with less physical effort.
Whether you're in the heat of a run or getting up into your roping position, the Rickey Green Team Roper keeps you securely in contact with your saddle.
Green's saddle choice, a DM8 Horn with a Toots Mansfield Swell and a Raised Ground Seat, is engineered for maximum performance and comfort. The result is a saddle that not only makes roping easier but also helps you rope better.
Tailored to Your Needs
Recognizing that every roper is unique, the Rickey Green Team Roper is available with either a Dee or Adjustable Rig. It's this kind of thoughtful design and attention to individual needs that makes this saddle stand out.
In the world of team roping, success hinges on partnership. The Rickey Green Team Roper saddle is designed to strengthen the bond between you and your horse, to make you a team that's ready for anything.
So saddle up and get ready to rope better than you ever have before, because with this saddle, you're not just riding—you're winning.
Martin Wade Saddle - Ranching All Day Long
Just as the American West is steeped in tradition, so too is the design of the iconic Wade saddle. A vestige from the era of the California vaqueros, the Wade is the epitome of classic style.
It's a design that's not only traditional but time-tested and ranch cowboy approved. You see, this saddle isn't merely a tool, it's a testament to our American heritage.
Built for The Long Haul
A day on the ranch isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. The Wade was designed with this truth in mind.
It's famous for providing unparalleled comfort during those long hours in the saddle.
How does it achieve this, you ask? By featuring a narrow ground seat and deep seat pocket that lets you settle in for the long haul. Balanced to perfection, the Wade takes it easy on the rider, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
A Construction That Stands the Test of Time
Just as a cowboy is defined by his resilience, so too is the Wade saddle. With its strong, durable construction, this saddle isn't just built to last; it's built to outlast.
It carries the promise of being there for you, through every roundup, every trail, and every adventure.
A Saddle that Works as Hard as You Do
In the hands of a hardworking cowboy, the Wade is more than just a saddle—it's a partner.
It's equipped with a heavy-duty, flat plate rigging designed to disperse saddle pressure evenly, reducing strain on your horse. Its large horn surface, wrapped in mule hide, is perfect for those slick horn roping styles.
Freedom and Balance in Every Ride
When you're out in the wide-open spaces, there's a certain rhythm to the ride. The Wade honors this rhythm by providing free swinging stirrups and fenders for a balanced and comfortable ride, allowing you to move in harmony with your horse.
Tailored for Tradition
In keeping with the traditional essence of the Wade design, this saddle is available exclusively with Flat Plate Rig only. This unique design feature upholds the classic Wade style and ensures a seamless blend of the past with the present.
The Wade is not just a saddle. It's a symbol of enduring tradition, a nod to our heritage, and a reliable partner for the road.
So, saddle up on a Wade, embrace your cowboy spirit, and carry the tradition of the American West into the future.
Performance Show Saddle - Crafted For Champions
When the competition gets tough, the tough need a saddle that matches their grit. Enter the Performance Saddle.
This here isn't just any saddle. It's a saddle designed for those who have the heart and courage of champions.
Crafted with the guidance of NRHA and NRCHA Champion Todd Bergen, this saddle has seen the winner's circle more times than a mustang's seen the sunrise.
Steadfast Stability
The first secret to the Performance Saddle's success lies in its unique seat pocket.
This design element does more than just provide a place for you to sit—it positions you, keeping you balanced and stable, even during the toughest runs.
Whether you're sitting deep for rundowns and stops or standing tall in the turn-arounds, this saddle has your back, figuratively and literally.
Versatility Meets Comfort
But what's the point of being in the right position if you ain't comfortable, right? That's why the Performance Saddle also prioritizes comfort, ensuring that every ride is as enjoyable as it is successful.
But don't think this saddle is a one-trick pony. Oh no, its comfort and versatility make it the perfect saddle for those competing in reining and ranch versatility events. It's the Swiss army knife of saddles, if you will.
The Freedom to Move
But even the best saddle in the world won't do you a lick of good if it restricts your movements. The Performance Saddle understands this. Its fenders give your legs the freedom of movement they need to react to whatever the competition—or your horse—might throw at you.
Handcrafted Quality
Like a well-made pair of cowboy boots, the Performance Saddle blends handmade quality with a classic style. The result? A saddle that not only looks good but also stands the test of time, wear after wear, ride after ride.
Tailored to Your Needs
Here's the cherry on top: the Performance Saddle comes with either a D Rig or an Adjustable Rig. So, no matter your preference, there's a Performance Saddle that's just right for you.
In the arena of life, it's performance that counts. And with the Performance Saddle, you're always in a position to win.
Riding Off Into the Sunset
So, there you have it—a journey across the wild terrain of the finest saddles a cowboy or cowgirl could hope to tame.
Each saddle, whether it's the innovative Cervi Crown C or the traditional Wade, is a testament to the mastery of Martin Saddlery. They embody a promise of quality, a nod to tradition, and a pledge of performance under pressure.
Whether you're a champion roper, a barrel racer, or simply a horse enthusiast who appreciates the finest riding gear, there's a Martin saddle crafted just for you.
With each stirrup, each horn, each seat, and each stitch, you're not only getting a saddle—you're becoming a part of a legacy of champions.
In the hands of skilled craftsmen and under the seat of the world's best riders, a Martin saddle isn't just a tool—it's a partner, a trusted companion in every adventure and competition. It's where the romance of the old west meets the gritty determination of the modern rider.
So, saddle up with a Martin. Because out there in the arena or on the open range, it's not just about the ride—it's about the journey. And with a Martin saddle, it's a journey worth every stride.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.