FX3 Deep Dive
A deep dive into Martin's FX3 barrel saddle. All you need to know in one spot.
Deep Seat
Square Position
Unrestricted Movement
Sit Deep. Stay Square.
The Martin FX3: Deep Seat & Higher Swells
The FX3 is a versatile barrel saddle for barrel racers who want something to help with positioning and the freedom to adjust to different horses and running styles. Its deep seat helps riders sit square and settle into position, while the undercut swells allow room to bring their legs up and grip with their thighs. The horn provides added support coming into and leaving a turn. Whether training multiple horses, riding with shorter stirrups, running barrels and poles, or developing personal riding preferences, the FX3 offers a balance of support and freedom of movement. The FX3 was developed to focus on position and adaptability.
Why Kimmi Byler Rides an FX3
Square, Steady, Supported
Kimmi Byler started riding the Martin FX3 more than 11 years ago, after two back-to-back surgeries on her lower back. She needed a saddle that would let her sit deep and ride correct, without getting tossed around every time her horse was leaving a barrel.
The FX3 lets her ride square up in the seat. The cutaway swells give her legs room to come up and hold, so she isn't getting out of position around on the back side of a barrel. Her feet stay in front of her, and she can brace for the turn and keep herself pulled coming out of it. Kimmi says a lot of today's barrel saddles feel like standing on a swing set. The FX3 gives her a square, steady seat instead, and she trusts it enough to put her students in it too.
Sit Deep. Move With Confidence.
The FX3 gives riders a deep, square seat with room to adjust, making it a versatile choice for different horses, running styles, and riding preferences.
Deep Without Restriction
The FX3 lets riders sit flat and low in the pocket without feeling locked into place. Its higher swell and flat seat provide support with room to adjust to horses that drop hard into a turn.
Freedom to Adjust
Fenders hang straighter down and slightly forward, allowing riders to get to the front of the saddle or sit down and back. Leg cutouts provide room to bring the legs up and ride with shorter stirrups.
One Saddle, Different Horses
An all-around option for trainers, riders with multiple horses, and anyone still finding their preferred riding style. The FX3 accommodates different running and turning styles and is also a great option for running poles.
Room for Your Legs
The FX3’s undercut swells and leg cutouts give riders room to bring their legs up, ride with shorter stirrups, and stay deep through the turn.
Kimmi Byler
Why she picks the FX3: Kimmi started riding the FX3 more than 11 years ago after two back-to-back surgeries on her lower back. It lets her settle deep, sit square, and keep her feet in front of her so she can stay balanced through the turn and move with her horse.
Sitting Square
The FX3 lets Kimmi settle her pelvis forward and keep her feet in front of her. That position helps her keep her core and frame balanced, brace for the turn, and stay with her horse coming out.
Room for My Legs
The undercut swells give Kimmi room to bring her legs up and grip with her thighs instead of squeezing her horse with her lower legs.
A Little More Support
Kimmi’s go-to is a pencil roll for a little more support up front. She also rides the FX3 with a 2-inch leather roll.
Riding With Students
Kimmi rides the FX3 herself and uses it with students as they learn their style of riding. The square seat and room to adjust make it a saddle she trusts for more than her own runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the FX3 best suited for?
The FX3 is best suited for riders who need a secure seat on a horse that is big, strong, quick, or not finished, whether the horse is in training, seasoning, or being fixed on an issue.
It gives you the security to ride aggressively on a tight, droppy horse that needs help keeping their shoulders up around the barrels. It also provides added security when your horse needs more guidance, such as when you need to ride with two reins during training.
The FX3 is especially useful when taking a horse away from home, adding speed, or seasoning a young or green horse. It is designed for riders who need confidence and support while helping their horse develop and perform.
How does the FX3 position the rider?
The FX3 positions the rider deep in the seat and back on their pockets, with the feet set forward. Its secure seat, higher swell, and forward-hung fenders help you stay centered and balanced through aggressive turns, even on a hard-dropping horse.
The higher swell and leg cut allow you to bring your knees up while maintaining a deep, secure seat. The cantle helps keep you from getting left behind, while the flatter ground seat still gives you the freedom to lean forward quickly when needed.
Does the FX3 accommodate shorter stirrups?
Yes. The undercut swells and leg cutouts give riders room to bring their legs up, allowing a shorter stirrup position. They also provide room to grip with the thighs rather than squeeze the horse with the lower legs.
Can I size down in the FX3?
According to Kimmi Byler, riders can size down a half inch to a full inch in the FX3. Treat that as a starting point for finding your fit, rather than an automatic sizing adjustment for every rider.
How much does the FX3 weigh?
Martin barrel saddles typically weigh 3–4 pounds more than lightweight competitors because of their quality leather and solid Axis tree, built for horse fit and long-term durability. For an exact weight, confirm the specifications of the FX3 you’re considering.
Build Your FX3
Choose your seat size, leather, tooling and finish, and we'll build a FX3 made for you and your horse.
