If you like trail riding, you must be aware of the importance of a comfortable saddle. You don’t want to shorten the ride because of aches on the body. For this reason, you want the best saddle for trail riding that’s comfortable for the rider and the horse.
Start with the following models that riding enthusiasts have preferred. Are you ready to saddle up? Take a look at your best bets.
Best Saddle for Trail Riding Reviews
Whether you’re an occasional or a frequent rider, you may just find yourself falling in love with this saddle right away. The classic Western-style makes it an excellent choice for any trail rider.
As is the case with Acerugs’ reputation, the design is impeccable. The high-quality leather makes this saddle a long-lasting investment. However, you can expect to pay for quality.
The padded seat gives the rider enough comfort and support on trail rides. Your horse probably won’t feel it even when traveling over rough terrain. To improve the horses’ comfort, the best saddle for trail riding shouldn’t touch the horse’s skin, and that is precisely what you get with the synthetic fleece under the seat that relieves the pressure points.
With the saddle, you get a breast collar, reins, and headstalls to direct the movement better. Furthermore, there are ties to attach accessories such as a saddlebag and more.
Pros
- Comfortable for rider and horse
- Classic design
- High-quality
- Has multiple ties
Cons
Not suitable for high-withered horses
Acerugs Texas Silver Western Pleasure Trail Show Horse Barrel Saddle
If you like a minimalist design, you’re most likely to fall in love with this saddle. Unlike most saddles on the market, the Acerugs Texas looks very modern and sleek. In terms of weight, it’s only about 18 pounds, which makes it relatively light.
The Acerugs Texas is made of synthetic materials. That said, it might be better for new trail riders who don’t want to splurge on a leather saddle just yet.
A notable feature is that this is a very low-maintenance saddle. If it ever gets dirty, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth, and it’ll be as good as new. With the nylon binding, there’s little risk of tearing the saddle. And the star concho on the biding is a nice touch.
You might want to have various accessories with you when you go ride on the trails. Thanks to the D-rings on this saddle, attaching horse tack won’t be an issue.
Keep in mind that the saddle doesn’t include the girth and back cinches; you’ll have to get these separately.
Pros
- Modern design
- Lightweight
- Tear-proof
- Suitable for beginner riders
Cons
Girth and back cinches not included
King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle
Those who love riding Tennessee Walkers will be thrilled to know that this saddle fits these horses perfectly. It’s also comfortable enough for both the rider and the horse; you’re not going to feel sore even after riding for hours.
The suede padded seat comes with a pommel and horn. It’s a Western saddle through and through, complete with full quarter bars. From the front, you’ll know that the seat is relatively broad and shouldn’t have any problem even with an American quarter horse.
The lightweight saddle is easy to throw onto a horse; this makes it perfect if you have back pain.
And if you’re up there in age, you may want to find a saddle that offers enough back support. This saddle has such a deep seat that there’s no way that you’re not going to love it, even if you’re in your 80s!
The girth that comes with the saddle isn’t the best quality, but it does the job. Depending on your preferences, you might end up upgrading it.
Pros
- Wide enough for quarter horses
- Fits Tennessee Walkers
- Suitable for those with back pain and older riders
Cons
The girth is not the highest quality
EquiRoyal Comfort Trail Saddle
The EquiRoyal Comfort Trail saddle is great for beginner riders because of the price. The padded seat is comfortable for men and women and provides enough support on long rides. Since the tree is medium-sized, the saddle fits most average-sized horses, which you may want to keep in mind when purchasing shopping.
The EquiRoyal saddle measures 30 inches in length, 22 in width, and 20 inches in height and is available in two colors. The sleek-looking black saddle is excellent for the modern rider, and the vintage brown saddle the more classic rider.
The saddle rings may fade over time, which might be an issue for some riders. Furthermore, the knee roll isn’t the greatest and can break into flakes with regular usage.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Fits most horses of average size
Cons
- Discolored rings
- Poor-quality knee roll
Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle
Like all Wintec saddles, this one features the company’s patented Fenders technology that makes the fenders and stirrups ever ready for the rider.
This saddle is made of Equileather synthetic leather rather than the more common Cordura. Not only is this type of synthetic leather more durable, but it’s also water-repellent. In addition to that, cleaning the saddle is relatively easy. You may not even notice that this isn’t real leather – that’s how well-made the Wintec is!
With full quarter bars, the saddle is suitable for long rides. The soft fleece bottom sits on the horse cozily. Available in black or brown, the saddle features a suede seat that can fit even children.
Pros
- Patented Fenders system
- Equileather synthetic leather
- Suitable for children
- Comfortable for horses
Cons
The belts might be too short
Giddy-Up!
The best saddle for trail riding will help both the rider and the horse to feel comfortable regardless of the duration. The saddle that stole our hearts has to be the Acerugs Western Comfy Barrel. With the classic Western design, the saddle may just make all of your fellow horse lovers envious. On top of that, it has ties for your accessories.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly saddle, take a look at the EquiRoyal Comfort Trail Saddle. It’s comfortable, and it’s also suitable for beginners. There are two colors available, so choose one that suits your style best.