The Top Horse Saddles

Written by Alan Lemus
Updated: February 21, 2023
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Horseback riding is an integral part of many people’s lives. It can help you get in shape and stay healthy, and it can also be a great way to bond with your horse.

A horse saddle is one of the most critical possessions of a horse rider. It will help you remain comfortable while riding and keep you safe. The right saddle will make your ride more enjoyable, while the wrong one can cause pain and injury.

There are many different types of saddles which are suited to different disciplines. Whether you want a western saddle for trail riding, a saddle for your kids, or an English saddle we’ve got you covered. We’ve reviewed a selection of the best and provided a few key points that you should consider before purchasing a saddle.

  1. HILASON Western Horse Saddle
    • Has a rugged leather seat with thick padding
    • Traditional look and feel
    • Beautiful hand-tooled floral design
    • Very durable
    Check Amazon
  2. AceRugs Western Show Horse Saddle
    • One of the most popular Western saddles
    • Durable and sturdy
    • Design is simple yet elegant
    • Features a soft padded seat
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. M-Royal 10" Mini Horse Leather Western Saddle
    • Comfortable seat
    • Made from high-quality leather
    • Features a sturdy horn
    • Fully adjustable
    Check Amazon
  4. Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle
    • Very versatile saddle
    • Made from premium oiled leather
    • Tree is made from steel-reinforced fiberglass
    • Very durable
    Check Amazon
  5. WintecLite HART D-Lux All Purpose Saddle
    • Less than half the weight of traditional English saddles.
    • Great all-purpose saddle which can be used for a variety of disciplines.
    • Available in sizes from 16 to 18 inches.
    • Uses the CAIR system.
    • Has changeable gullets.
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Top Horse Saddles

#1 Best Overall: Hilason Western Horse Saddle

Our selection as the best overall saddle is the Hilason Western Horse Saddle which is made from genuine cowhide with a stunning hand-tooled border.

This saddle is made with genuine leather which is handpicked from only the best tanneries. It is designed with a flex tree which makes it lightweight and shock absorbing. It also allows for a shorter skirt length which gives a much closer contact between horse and rider. It also features extra cinch straps for added safety in the even that one breaks. The stirrups also feature Blevins buckles so that the length can easily be adjusted to meet the needs of the rider.

The only drawback to this product is that it does not come with a matching bridle and breastplate.

Pros and Cons of the HILASON Western Horse Saddle

ProsCons
This saddle is made from genuine leather.It does not come with a matching bridle or breastplate.
It is hand-tooled with a beautiful border.
This saddle has a flex tree which is shock absorbing and allows for a shorter skirt length.
The stirrups have Blevins buckles so they can be adjusted easily.
It has extra cinch straps.
Best Overall
HILASON Western Horse Saddle
  • Has a rugged leather seat with thick padding
  • Traditional look and feel
  • Beautiful hand-tooled floral design
  • Very durable
Check Amazon

2. Best Synthetic Saddle: AceRugs Western Show Horse Saddle

If you prefer a synthetic saddle then we recommend the AceRugs Western Show Horse Saddle.

This saddle features a double reinforced fiberglass tree which is both comfortable and durable. The saddle is made from synthetic cordura material which is available in a variety of colors. It also has a soft padded seat so that you will be completely comfortable even after many long hours in the saddle. The stirrups are also padded and feature Blevins buckles so you can easily adjust them to the required length. The comfort of your horse is also looked after too as the saddle features a soft fleece underside. This saddle also comes with a matching bridle, reins, and breastplate. However, the cinch and bit need to be purchased separately.

Pros and Cons of the AceRugs Western Show Horse Saddle

ProsCons
This saddle features a double reinforced fiberglass tree.The cinch and bit need to be purchased separately.
It is made from a synthetic cordura material and is available in a variety of colors.
It has a soft, padded seat.
The stirrups are padded and feature Blevins buckles for easy adjustability.
It has a soft fleece underside.
It comes with a matching bridle, reins, and breastplate.
Best Synthetic Saddle
AceRugs Western Show Horse Saddle
  • One of the most popular Western saddles
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Design is simple yet elegant
  • Features a soft padded seat
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Kids: M-Royal Mini Horse Leather Western Saddle

We know how important your kids are, so that’s why we suggest the M-Royal Mini Horse Leather Western Saddle as the best for little ones — both horses and riders.

This saddle is designed specifically for children aged between five and ten years old. It is available in several sizes to fit miniature ponies, Shetlands, and larger ponies. It has a wooden tree and is made from durable leather with a beautiful hand-tooled design. It features two-inch treat stirrups which are adjustable to lengths between 20 and 26 inches.

The only drawback to this product is that some customers have reported that they had to put extra holes in the stirrups for particularly small riders.

Pros and Cons of the M-Royal Mini Horse Leather Western Saddle

ProsCons
This saddle is designed specifically for children aged between five and ten years old.Customers reported having to put extra holes in the stirrups for very small riders.
It is available in several sizes to fit miniature ponies, Shetlands, and larger ponies.
It has a wooden tree.
It is made from leather with a stunning hand-tooled design.
The stirrups are adjustable between 20 and 26 inches.
Best for Kids
M-Royal 10" Mini Horse Leather Western Saddle
  • Comfortable seat
  • Made from high-quality leather
  • Features a sturdy horn
  • Fully adjustable
Check Amazon

4. Best Multi-Purpose Saddle: Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle

When it comes to a multi-purpose saddle you can’t go wrong with the Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle.

This saddle is made from durable synthetic leather which is low maintenance and easy to clean. It is also waterproof so is perfect for riding, no matter the weather. This saddle has an Equisuede seat which is supremely comfortable and provides superior grip. It also has Equileather fenders which are hard-wearing. Plus, it has a Cheyenne roll styled in a square skirt.

This saddle has a lightweight design and features a soft fleece underside to ensure it is completely comfortable for your horse. It also comes with a five year warranty on the tree to give you peace of mind that you are only purchasing the very best for your horse.

However, although this saddle is meant to be waterproof and low-maintenance, some customers have reported that rainwater can still mark the leather unless it is cleaned and oiled.

Pros and Cons of the Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle

ProsCons
This saddle is made from durable synthetic leather.It still needs to be cleaned and oiled if it gets wet.
It has an Equisuede seat which offers excellent grip.
It features hard-wearing Equileather fenders.
It has a soft fleece underside.
It has a five year warranty for the tree.
Best Multi-purpose Saddle
Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle
  • Very versatile saddle
  • Made from premium oiled leather
  • Tree is made from steel-reinforced fiberglass
  • Very durable
Check Amazon

5. Best English Saddle: WintecLite HART D-Lux All Purpose Saddle

If you’re looking for an English saddle then we recommend the WintecLite HART D-Lux All Purpose Saddle which can be used for a variety of disciplines.

English saddles have a very different design to Western saddles but this Wintec saddle is a great all-purpose saddle that is suitable for a variety of different disciplines — whether jumping or in the show ring. It is full synthetic and the Lite model is less than half the weight of other traditional English saddles.

This saddle features the CAIR cushioning system to ensure both you and your horse are always completely comfortable. This system replaces the traditional flocking with air cushions which can adapt to the horse’s movement and shape. It also ensures there is an even weight distribution and reduces the chance of pressure points occuring.

This saddle is available in sizes from 16 to 18 inches to suit most horses and riders. It also has a changeable gullet system which allows for the gullet to be changed to meet the needs of your horse as it changes shape throughout the year. However, this saddle only comes with a medium gullet, so any others need to be purchased separately. It should be noted that the stirrups, stirrup leathers, and girth also need to be purchased separately.

Pros and Cons of the WintecLite HART D-Lux All Purpose Saddle

ProsCons
This saddle is suitable for a variety of disciplines.It only comes with a medium gullet — it a different one is required then it needs to be purchased separately.
It is fully synthetic.The stirrups, stirrup leathers, and girth need to be purchased separately.
It uses the CAIR cushioning system.
It has a changeable gullet system.
It is available in sizes from 16 to 18 inches.
Best English Saddle
WintecLite HART D-Lux All Purpose Saddle
  • Less than half the weight of traditional English saddles.
  • Great all-purpose saddle which can be used for a variety of disciplines.
  • Available in sizes from 16 to 18 inches.
  • Uses the CAIR system.
  • Has changeable gullets.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Knowing what to look for in horse saddles is crucial when it comes to finding the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for a saddle that will last you for years to come or to fit your budget, the correct information will help you make the right choice.

There are several factors to consider when it comes to choosing a saddle:

Budget

How much do you want to spend on your new saddle? Don’t forget that this will also include shipping costs, tack fees, and maintenance. 

While it may be tempting to go all out and buy the cheapest saddle in town, remember that it’s better to invest in quality than quantity. A high-quality leather saddle will last longer than one made from cheaper materials.

Size

What’s the size of your horse? Ensure that the saddle fits him properly before buying anything. 

If you’re not sure what size to get for your horse, ask someone at a tack shop or other knowledgeable person about fitting him with a saddle. Try not to make any assumptions about his size just from looking at him—sometimes horses seem bigger than they are.

Type of Saddle

There are many different types of saddle available — including English, Western, and jump saddles. It’s important to choose one that suits the purpose of what you plan on doing with your horse. Western saddles are suitable for things such as trail riding or ranching where you’re spending a long time on horseback. The horn, deep seat, and wide leathers all offer a comfortable, secure experience. However, English saddles and jump saddles are designed with a much closer contact in mind. Jump saddles in particular, have forward cut flaps to allow for the shorter stirrup length and forward jumping style.

About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

The Top Horse Saddles FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How often should I replace my saddle?

The lifespan of a saddle depends on many factors, including how much time it spends in use and how well it is cared for. However, if a saddle has been well taken care of, it may last indefinitely. Many people have successfully ridden with one saddle for 20 plus years!

What kind of material should I look for in my first saddle?

Leather is the most common material for saddles as it is durable and hard-wearing so long as it is taken care of properly.

How do I clean my horse's saddle?

If your saddle is made from leather, avoid using cleaners or soap because they could damage it over time. Leather is porous and sensitive, so we recommend using a damp cloth with warm water and gently wiping the surface. 

If you want to keep your leather clean longer, invest in a quality conditioner for leather products. It will look great for years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.