Cactus
Charmayne James Recordbreaker
Barrel Saddles
Manufacturer: Cactus
Model: Charmayne James Recordbreaker
Category: Barrel Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle circa Feb 2008 from a local tack shop for over $1,600.
Likes: The beauty of this particular Recordbreaker is beyond words. It is designed for a wide horse. It has very short round skirts which is nice for keeping horsey cooler in the summer time here in Florida. It has dropped rigging. The stirrups seems to be balanced for the saddle (a different set didn't feel as good)and its quality is pretty good. This saddle fits my fat little no withered "butterball" Missouri Foxtrotter OK. Is is a bit large for him but with a thick Impact Gel pad it fits him fine and keeps him jolly.
Dislikes: Unfortunately, it does not fit my 5 yr old Appendix Quarterhorse very well. He made it clear that it was not comfortable, even after trying several different pads, including Charmayne's pad. I bought him a Reinsman (Dale Martin)barrel saddle that he and I both liked, but he has since outgrown it. I tried the Record Breaker on him again but it still made him cranky. I also discovered that I ride much better in the Reinsman. The Recordbreaker causes me to want to grip more with my knees and it's more difficult for me to get my lower leg on the horse. It feels wider in the lower thigh area than the Reinsman does. So, I am now going to bite the bullet and special order a Caldwell Rocket like I should have done in the first place. (Cosmetically, it will look just like this beautiful Recordbreaker)
Quality: Quality is good. The Reinsman (Dale Martin)is better quality for less money.
Summary: We are all so different physically, as are our horses. I am 5'4" and 135 lbs. This saddle is definitely worth a try, but if you can, buy a used one. I think Cactus is a good company and Charmayne did a thorough job of designing this saddle for someone of her stature.
Rating: 3
Author: Patti Johnson
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 4 out of 5.
8 reader(s) voted.
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