10 Best Saddles for Horses: Reviews, Buying Guide, FAQ

If you enjoy horseback riding and jockeys – getting the best saddles for horses can provide you with both comfort and style. It is vital to find a saddle that is safe for you and your horse.

Trail rides can last several hours and cover different terrains. So, it’s critical to have a saddle that can give you a comfortable ride. With comfort in mind, we have listed the most comfortable western saddles down below.

Quick Picks

In case you’re in a hurry, you can consider these top 3 western horse saddles, that we’ve picked considering our experience. With any of these, you can rest assured of quality, durability, and value.

Let’s now review these three and seven more western horse saddles in detail. If you have any questions, be sure to ask us in the comments below.

Best Saddle for Horses – Reviewed

 Anyone who owns a horse will need to purchase a saddle that suits their shape and size. And the type of riding they will be doing. As a result, understanding various saddles are essential when making an intelligent choice. 

1. Acerugs Western Pleasure Trail Barrel Racer Show Horse Saddle

Acerugs are low-maintenance, lightweight, and cost-effective. The saddle has nylon stitching that keeps it tear-resistant and easy to clean. Its Cordura saddles are ideal for anyone looking for a show saddle that is thin and comfortable. Not to mention, tacking up your horse is a joy with the saddle weighing 18 pounds only!

What’s more? Each saddle kit includes a free matching headstall, breast collar, reins, and a saddle pad! It’s a tremendous first saddle or one for weekend fun riding. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on an exclusive tackle, this is a great option.

2. Synthetic Western Barrel Horse Saddle

Another high-quality, high-value option for you is this Synthetic Western Barrel Horse Saddle. Coming in at an affordable price tag, the Synthetic Cordura material with the soft fleece underside ensures top-notch quality and comfort during riding adventures.

One of the things we love about this saddle is its neat stitching and finishing. Not only does it not fall off easily after a while, but it makes you look all classy and well put too.

Horse saddles are usually hard to maintain. Not that they’re hard to maintain, but they require regular care, which can be daunting if you don’t spend much time in your stable. However, the Synthetic Western Barrel horse saddle comes with an easy-to-maintain yet lightweight design to make your horse riding elegant. 

So, for those of you who want to enjoy riding more than maintenance, this is certainly one of the best saddles for horses. All you have to do is grab the size that fits your horse, et voila, you’re good to go.

3. King Series Eclipse by Tough1 Round Skirt Competition Saddle

The King Series Eclipse is a lightweight saddle that is suitable for long rides. It has quick-change buckles in the style of Blevins, which will help you get up and running in no time. The synthetic skirts and fenders are heavy, but they change length. For protection and comfort, the stirrups are leather-wrapped.

You don’t need to worry if you get stuck in the rain or splattered with mud. It’s easy to clean with a stiff brush and some water. If you have a broad horse, the shoulder bars can be narrow. Yet, it is a decent option for trail riding because of its sturdy comfort.

4. All-Purpose Black Leather English Riding Horse Saddle Starter Kit

Unlike other tucker saddles, this is a traditional-style all-purpose saddle. It allows riders to get an experience of a western saddle without breaking the bank. The padded seat provides excellent support to both the rider and the horse. 

For enhanced stability and quick cinching, the leather straps have a nylon backing. While hacking on the trail, its several D-Rings are ideal for adding saddlebags and belts. Its only downside is that it is not all leather. 

5. Acerugs Brown All Purpose English Leather Horse Saddle Set

This saddle is helpful for riders working on equitation. Your horse will appreciate its padded panels. It has enclosed knee rolls, covered flaps, and a middle padded seat. These features aid the rider in being comfortable in his seat. 

It is an ideal beginner jumping saddle because of the lower pummelled style. It can help the rider navigate through high jumps. Unfortunately for the Acerug buyers, the saddle’s harness is plastic rather than leather. That does not make it very fancy, but it gets the job done.

6. Acerugs All Natural Cowhide Western Leather Horse Saddle

Acerugs deliver the best horse saddles for a beginner. As is the case for most Western saddles for horses, its underside is well-padded. The seat uses 100 percent luxury cowhide leather. With the addition of fleece, you can assume that your horse will be comfortable on the journey. 

The saddle has an antique finish with a black inlay that adds depth and appeal to it. It is hand-carved with exquisite floral and basket weaving tooling. The girth cinch, back cinch, bit, and pad, for example, are not included in your order. And you will have to buy them separately.

7. Pony Horse Leather Brown Western Saddle – 10″

The Pony Horse design is a must-have for children. Luckily, it has durable leather and hardware. You can use it on a miniature horse, a shetland pony, or a regular pony of any size. It is safe for children aged five to ten years. Moreover, it is suitable for both pleasure and trail horseback riding. 

Arguably, it is the best saddle for horse comfort. It is all leather, which makes it is super comfortable for your kid’s training. Yet, don’t expect to get the cinch with your order. Unfortunately, it sold separately from the saddle seat. 

8. Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle

If you are looking for a weatherproof saddle seat, Wintec is the answer to your solution. It is well-known for its long-lasting quality, comfort, and fit. In a nutshell, this saddle equips an EZ-Fold Fenders System. 

The parts made are of Dura-Leather, which are scratch-resistant. As a result, this saddle is low-maintenance and quick to clean, requiring only soap and water. With a Cheyenne roll modeled in a square skirt, the leather seat provides extra grip and comfort.

9. Tahoe Tack Basket Weave Synthetic Western Saddle

In case you can no longer lift a heavy saddle, Tahoe Tack makes for a good choice. Its primary appeal lies in being lightweight and easy to carry. The product emphasizes both elegance and comfort. For both your horse and you, they made it to be as comfortable as possible. 

If you have frequent backaches, it is precisely what you need to keep your posture. When compared with the best western trail saddles on the market, they are less expensive. Hence, they are a steal in case you don’t have a lot of money.

10. Wintec Kids Saddle

You see, nearly all the options we listed above come with a full-size design. If you’re hunting for the best horse saddle for a young horse rider or a kid, you might want to look into this Wintec Kids Saddle – it’s designed with young riders in mind.

Fortunately, the Wintec Kids Saddle performs well in all the crucial aspects: doesn’t make you uncomfortable, looks classy, and isn’t painful for your horse. But what sets it apart from the pack is the built-in handhold for additional security for kids. It ensures an excellent and snug grip on the rider.

The Synthetic Equileather shell also ensures easy maintenance for comfort – really, Wintec has ensured there’s nothing you have to worry about. For those of you who have little riders at home, this is the western horse saddle to go with.

What to Consider When Buying a Horse Saddle?

After reading about many saddles, it’s time to learn what makes them so memorable. Also, let’s zero in on different types of saddles available and how to choose amongst them.

Type

In comparison, the English saddle is smaller and lighter than the western saddle. But, it brings the rider closer to the horse’s back. In short, the type of saddle seat you want depends on the tack your horse wears.

Material

The material you choose determines your personal preferences and budgetary concerns. In contrast to a traditional leather seat, a synthetic saddle is lighter and easier to clean.

Size

Assessing a perfect fit is essential to avoid general discomfort. As a general rule, two and a half fingers should fit into the space of your seat. Ideally, without you feeling constrained or pressed. If the tree holds, a saddle fitter might add flocking to lift or stabilize the saddle.

Cost

You can find old saddles for less than $500, but the leather and fittings are often low quality. Custom-made saddles are not only new but also more costly. Depending on the style and features of the saddle, they can sell for thousands of dollars.

Warranty

A saddle warranty typically covers any cracks or fractures that may occur. A few companies allow a two-year warranty during proper saddle use. That being the case, some of the best horse saddle brands also offer lifetime warranties.

Types of Horse Saddles 

Almost every horseback rider has its style of riding. Thus, you need to understand the dividing lines between saddle types to shop. Let’s begin with the saddle types for different riding styles. 

Dressage Saddle

A dressage saddle is a form of English saddle crafted initially for use in dressage training. They are structured to place the rider in a vertical position. The dressage rider is appropriately seated in the saddle. Her legs tucked beneath her body, allowing her to have more contact with the horse.

Endurance Saddle

Consider an endurance saddle if you expect to spend a lot of time on the track. They are compact and easy to lift, allowing the horse to bear less weight. The saddle seat is deep and cozy, with high pommels and even saddle horns for added protection.

Show Saddle

In American saddle-seat riding, the show saddle displays elegant, high-stepping horses. Show saddles hold the rider’s weight off the horse’s front end. Hence, allowing him to move his forelegs freely.

Hunt-seat Saddle

With fox hunters in mind, the British nobility created the hunt-seat saddle. They enjoyed chasing foxes and running over a variety of hurdles in the process. If you want to ride in the hunt-seat style, you’ll need a saddle designed to protect the rider when jumping.

Western Saddle

The western saddle provides a safe and relaxing ride. The saddle is ideal for calf roping and other western riding sports because of the deep seat and a high cantle. Its long stirrups provide more support when riding for long periods.

How to Choose the Right Size Saddle?

Not only is seat size essential for your comfort, but it also affects how the saddle distributes your weight. Most people consider their horse’s discomfort when it comes to saddle fit. By sitting in a saddle that doesn’t suit you, you’re setting yourself up for possible pain. 

Especially in your hips, knees, and lower back. A poorly fit saddle keeps you from riding in a balanced shoulder-hip-heel posture. Not only does this cause physical pain, but it can also lose you off balance. To avoid an ill-fitting saddle, you need to take the rider’s measurements. The following pointers determine your accurate seat size:

  • Your height and weight
  • Measurements of your hip and femur 
  • The length of your upper leg versus lower leg

Horse Saddle Maintenance

The first step to cleaning the saddle is to unfasten the buckles and remove the fittings. Next, apply a thin layer of saddle soap or leather cleaner to your saddle using a small, circular motion. Afterward, wipe the saddle down with a lightly damp towel to clear any soap residue. After you’ve taken care of the leather, you’ll want to clean the metal fittings. Extreme heat and cold are harmful to leather. So it’s best to keep your saddle in a temperature-controlled setting. Allow the leather to breathe while keeping it free of dust and dirt by covering it in cloth or newspaper. It’s time to think about fixing or replacing your saddle when you see: 

  • A worn-out panel
  • Wear on the seat
  • A Compromised saddle tree

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s discuss your burning questions concerning the best saddles for horses. 

What are the best saddles for horses?

A saddle that is well-made and comfortable for both the horse and the rider is an excellent choice. It’s best if it’s made of high-quality leather because that will last a long time. During long journeys, saddle weight makes a difference for your horse’s joints. 
As a result, synthetic English saddles constructed are as light as possible. It largely depends on your preference and measurements. A saddle that fits well with the rider and the horse is the best saddle to use.

What are the most comfortable horse saddles?

The horse and the rider can find comfort in western horse saddles. They typically have many places where they can store ropes and other supplies. The deeper seat of a Western saddle offers more comfort when traveling at higher speeds. 
Trail running, barrel racing, and roping are the best uses for it. For long trail rides and ranch work, a custom-fit western saddle is made. As a result, it gives both the rider and the horse more ease.

What is the best saddle for a gaited horse?

Gaited horses are rugged and designed to travel long distances. The best saddle for gaited horses, on the other contrary, must be used for your and your horse’s comfort. A saddle with a molded tree ensures that the cover fits snugly on your gaited horses. 
The parts of an endurance saddle are usually made of synthetic materials. Nonetheless, because of its effectiveness, it is the perfect saddle for gaited horses.

How much does a good horse saddle cost?

The cost of a saddle can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Standard saddles are available from reputable saddle companies. Mainly, in a range of types, fits, and specifications. The average price for a saddle deemed “bad quality” by the industry can range from $200 to $600. The saddles made of synthetic leather usually do not last longer than five years. Your higher-end tackles will set you back anywhere from $700 to $1,500.

What is the best saddle for a beginner rider?

For the beginner or a casual rider, trail saddles are an excellent place to start. They are built to provide comfort to both the horse and the rider. Especially when traveling over medium to long distances. They’re medium-weight and don’t have any unique design features. They’re deep and heavy, and they’ll keep you comfortable on your first ride. Trail saddles are also an ideal option for a new rider on a tight budget.

Are Wintec saddles any good?

A Wintec saddle has a padded microfiber leather seat for added comfort. Not to mention that they are very relaxed and have a firm high-quality grip. It may not be the most abrasion-resistant material, but that is not a significant flaw. For most disciplines, Wintec offers rider comfort in easy-to-clean, weatherproof, and long-lasting saddles. If you are searching for a synthetic saddle, a Wintec saddle can provide you with both comfort and design.

How can I make my horse saddle more comfortable?

Most riders agree that placing a saddle pad under an ill-fitting saddle does not eliminate pinching. Or even sliding or uneven pressure, for that matter. The saddle is made to suit better with the addition of decent saddle pads. Yet, there is a lot of technology that can make a saddle fit better, and you should stay ahead of it.
Padding up to better remove sores from a poorly fitting saddle is not a wise practice. Padding a saddle that is too tight to alleviate pressure can cause the horse to become wider. Thus, bringing in more pressure. Alternatively, it is best to take measurements of the rider’s leg, hip, and waist. Preferably in proportion to the horse’s size for a better fit.

Is a roping saddle good for trail riding?

Roping saddles have a comfortable pocket seat for proper positioning. But a lower cantle for quick dismounting. They also have a thicker horn on which they may dally. The skirt on these saddles is usually longer or double. They do tend to be heavy, making it a physically demanding sport. For both the horse and the rider, a roping saddle gives the rider plenty of room to travel. As a result, a rider roping can prepare a horse for longer trail rides.

How do you tell if your saddle doesn’t fit your horse?

A poorly fitted saddle can cause discomfort and even behavioral problems. A saddle that does not fit appropriately will cause your horse to develop a sore back. You can look for signs of pain in your horse, such as flinching or dipping his back. Sweat marks left on your horse’s back after a ride can help you determine whether a saddle is a poor fit.

How do I know what size gullet my horse needs?

A saddle with a suitable gullet size is just as critical as a seat size for the rider. Gullets come in a range of sizes to accommodate the width of a horse’s back. Peering down from above on your horse’s back will give you a good idea of the size you’ll need. An average-sized horse typically requires a medium-sized gullet. You should calculate your horse’s withers if you’re not sure what size gullet he or she needs.

Our overall winning saddle is the Acerugs Brown All Purpose English Leather Horse Saddle Set. Luckily for beginners and advanced riders, this high-quality saddle is an excellent choice. Its lightweight nature and robust synthetic construction offer comfort with style. Moreover, it’s made of the highest-quality materials. As a result, it provides premium comfort and support on every ride.

The list of new horse riding saddles could go on and on. Thus, we’ve highlighted some of the best equestrian gear on the market. Bear in mind that a sturdy horse riding saddle is more than just a pretty decoration. It’s a protective gear that should be comfortable for both you and your horse. After reading the detailed reviews, you should be able to find the ideal saddle for your specific needs.