NRS Competitor Series Natural Antique 7/8 Breed Basket and Sunflower Team Roping Saddle

The NRS Competitor Series Natural Antique 7/8 Breed Basket and Sunflower Team Roping Saddle is a powerful blend of functionality and floral craftsmanship. Featuring a robust team roping tree, durable rigging, and eye-catching sunflower and basket tooling, this saddle is made for high-stakes roping and long hours in the saddle.

Whether you’re in the arena chasing steers or out on the ranch, this saddle offers security, style, and strength — without compromise.

🔍 Key Features

• Seat Sizes: 14″, 14.5″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″
• Tree: Roper-grade tree – reinforced to withstand pressure from dallying and sudden stops
• Leather: Natural antique finish with hand-tooled sunflower and basket patterns
• Tooling: 7/8 breed – full coverage across the fenders, skirts, and jockeys with a small portion left smooth
• Seat: Suede or padded leather for grip and rider comfort
• Horn: Thick, short roper horn for control and stability during roping
• Cantle: Medium (~4″) for secure back support
• Rigging: Full double rigging – reinforced for roping power
• Skirt: Square-cut skirt with genuine wool lining
• Stirrups: Leather-wrapped roper stirrups
• Weight: ~42–45 lbs

✅ Benefits

• 💪 Built to Perform – Made to take hard dallys, sharp turns, and roping wear
• 🌼 Stunning Tooling – Sunflower and basket pattern adds show-level style
• 🐎 Horse-Friendly Fit – Full Quarter Horse bars fit most Western horses
• 🔧 Close Contact Feel – Balanced, compact design helps riders stay connected to their horses
• 🤠 Ready for Work or Arena – Ideal for both competitive roping and ranch use

🇺🇸 USA Buying Guide

• Price (New): $2,400 – $2,700
• Used Estimate: $1,600 – $2,000
• Buy From: NRS stores, Western saddle shops, reputable secondhand tack dealers
• Shipping Estimate: $60–$90 in the U.S.
• Used Tips:
  • Check tooling sharpness and leather softness
  • Confirm horn and tree strength
  • Inspect fleece for even wear

🇬🇧 UK Buying Guide

• Estimated Final Price: £2,000 – £2,700 (with import fees and shipping)
• Delivery Time: 2–4 weeks from U.S. sellers
• How to Buy: Direct from U.S. tack shops or use international freight forwarding
• Import Label: Use HS Code 4201.00, labeled as “Western Roping Saddle – Personal Use”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does “7/8 breed” mean in tooling?

It refers to the amount of the saddle that’s tooled — about 87% of the leather surface. This offers an almost full-tooled look while preserving some open, smooth leather for contrast.

Q2: Are sunflower-tooled saddles durable?

Yes — the tooling is purely decorative and doesn’t affect performance. These saddles are still made with heavy-duty, premium leather designed to take on roping work.

Q3: Can I use this for breakaway or ranch roping?

Absolutely. It’s primarily built for team roping, but the sturdy design, balance, and secure seat make it suitable for breakaway roping, ranch work, or everyday riding.

Q4: Will this saddle fit my Quarter Horse?

Yes — it comes with Full QH bars, perfect for broad-backed horses commonly used in roping and ranching.

Q5: How do I care for the sunflower tooling and antique leather?

Dust the saddle regularly, use a light oil or balm for leather conditioning, and avoid harsh soaps that could dull the tooling detail. Store it in a dry, cool place to prevent cracking.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The NRS Competitor Natural Antique 7/8 Breed Basket and Sunflower Team Roping Saddle offers the perfect combination of professional-grade roping performance and standout Western design. Whether you’re roping competitively or riding daily, this saddle gives you the grip, support, and durability you need — with the beauty to match.