Nocona Youth Barrel Racer Buckle

For the young rider who counts down to the next playday, this is the piece that finishes the outfit. It's a Nocona girls youth buckle with a silver rope-edge oval shape, a barrel racer motif and pink crystals. The buckle measures 2 1/4 by 3 inches, so it sits on a smaller belt instead of hanging past the belt loops the way an adult buckle will on a kid.

The barrel racer design puts the event front and center, which is what a young rider wants when she is walking her horse back to the trailer or waiting on her name. Pink crystals add a bit of sparkle without going overboard. It's simple to swap onto a belt the rider already owns and easy to keep clean after a dusty weekend.

Highlights

• Girls youth sizing for a smaller belt
• Barrel racer motif on a silver rope-edge oval
• Pink crystal accents
• Measures 2 1/4 by 3 inches
• Swaps onto a belt the rider already owns

At a glance

Why youth sizing matters

A belt buckle made for an adult can overwhelm a young rider's belt and slide around on a small waist. A youth-sized buckle keeps the proportions right, so the outfit looks finished and the buckle stays where it belongs when the rider is moving around the arena.

This suits the young barrel racer, the kid who wants to match her show shirt, and the parent who wants a simple gift for a first playday or a county fair. It's a small piece with a big payoff, because a rider who feels dressed for the arena is ready to ride.

How to fit it to the belt

Check the belt width before you swap the buckle over. A youth buckle is made for a narrower strap, so pick a belt that matches its size. Slide the strap through the buckle, fold it back and secure it the way the belt is built.

Set the buckle centered on the front of the belt and check that it lies flat. Buckle the belt on the rider's waist and make sure it's snug enough to stay in place without pinching when the rider sits or bends.

Good to know

• Pair it with a youth western shirt and dark jeans for a clean arena look, or with a light belt for a dressier outfit. Brown or black leather both work under a silver buckle.
• Wipe the buckle with a dry cloth after a dusty ride and keep it out of the wash bucket so the finish stays bright and the crystals don't loosen.
• Store it with the belt it goes on, or in a small box, so the crystals don't catch on other gear.
• Check the buckle each season for loose parts and replace it if a crystal comes out or the frame bends.

About Nocona

Nocona is a western line from M&F Western Products, sold on mfwestern.com.

Pick one up before the next playday and have it ready to wear.