Last updated: February 10, 2025
Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it!
As a seasoned horseback rider, I know that having the right saddle is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment when it comes to trail riding. After years of trying out various brands and styles, I’ve found that the best trail saddles are made with premium materials and designed to provide maximum comfort and support.
Some of the best western trail saddles include Billy Cook, Reinsman, Circle Y, and Natural Horseman, but these can be expensive, starting at over $4,000. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider brands like Acerugs, AAMISH, Hilason, and Arvakkula, which offer good quality at a lower price point.
In this article, I list the best western trail riding saddles and explain why they made the cut. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this list has something for everyone, so keep reading to learn more.
Billy Cook Saddles
Billy Cook is a brand known for its authentic hand-crafted saddles.
Young Billy Cook opened his first saddle shop in 1953. Today, Cook saddles are considered an icon of quality craftsmanship and functionality desired by most equestrians.
I love their BW TRAIL LOW BOY HORN and ROUND SKIRT saddle. It features a round skirt for short-backed horses. Its deep padded seat is ideal for all-day trail riding. The BW saddle’s pre-twisted stirrups ensure comfortable riding. It is ready to ride straight out of the box. The saddle also features a tree reinforced with a low-profile posthorn. All in all, it is a great saddle specially designed for the trail.
Billy Cook BW Trail saddles are available in sizes from 14-17 and in 8 beautiful colors.
Reinsman Saddles
Many of the country’s leading horse owners, handlers, and judges ride Reinsman Saddles.
Reinsman Saddles offers more than 500 styles of trail saddles. You can choose from Gaited Trail Saddles, Endurance Trail Saddles, Foundation Trail Saddles, Cordura Trail Saddles, Mule Saddles, or Wood Tree Trail Saddles.
Reinsman saddles are the finest field saddles made, and they are sure to keep you and your horse comfortable mile after mile.
Check out their 1680 Grey Forest Trail Saddle. This hornless saddle has a padded seat and a short skirt for short-backed horses. Its comfortable design and versatile style make it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to hit the trail in comfort and style.
Luckily you can find used Billy Cook and Reinsman Saddles for sale in good condition at retailers like Horsesaddleshop.com. When you get to their website, type in used saddles in the search bar.
Contour Saddlery Natural Horseman Saddles
The people at Natural Horseman Saddles are real equestrians and understand that natural movement is key to fitting a saddle.
They have staff available to answer questions and provide advice to ensure you get the right saddle for you and your horse.
You won’t go wrong buying from them. I recommend that you check out Natural Horseman Saddles’ website to learn more about its products and services.
They carry more than 15 styles of Western saddles. Here are two saddles they advertise specifically for western trail riding:
Western Freedom
This saddle is for relaxing trail rides and those with competitive goals. It features a classic Western profile with short skirts and is much lighter than traditional Western saddles.
Western Freedom is a versatile saddle for everyday riding, trails, or arenas. It features the brand’s SmartFlx foundation, which helps provide freedom, comfort, and space for horses of different breeds. Like all Natural Horseman Saddles, Western Freedom is handcrafted. You can customize the saddle’s leather color and choose between 2 gullet sizes.
Australian Halfbreed Sport
This offering from Natural Horseman features a modern adaptation of the Downunder profile. It promises to hold the rider securely via a nice deep pocket. The Aussie is designed for maximum stability, which is important on trails.
Its padded soft leather seat ensures maximum comfort. You can customize the saddle as needed. Like the Western Freedom above, the Aussie also features the SmartFlx Foundation.
Circle Y saddles
Circle Y is a trusted brand known for making high-quality western saddles, including excellent trail saddles. Their saddle trees are built to be sturdy and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for trail riding.
In addition, it has a soft foam seat and EBS stirrups to keep riders comfy on long trail rides.
The saddle’s skirt is flexible and has special parts that help protect the horse’s spine and make the saddle light.
The saddle also has a rawhide horn and barbed wire border, giving it a cool ranch look.
At horsesaddleshop.com, they offer the Circle Y Reno Flex2 Trail Saddle 2373 for $2,650.00, which is a good price for this model.
Pocket-Friendly and Affordable Western Trail Saddles
When it comes to trail riding, having the right saddle can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment of the experience. Western saddles, in particular, are known for their durability and ruggedness, making them well-suited for the rigors of the trail.
But if you’re on a budget, the above saddles may be out of your price range; some are over $2,000, and the Natural Horseman Saddles cost nearly $4500. So, finding a high-quality western trail saddle that won’t break the bank can be challenging.
That’s where pocket-friendly and affordable western trail saddles come in. These saddles offer the durability and support you need for a successful ride, all at a price that won’t set you back too much.
So if you’re in the market for a new trail saddle, consider one of these pocket-friendly and affordable options: Acerugs, AAMISH, ARVAKKULA, and Horse Saddlery IMPEX. Now let’s take a closer look at what each of these brands has to offer.
