When it comes to trail saddles, it’s all about the fit. The more time you spend in the saddle, the more critical that fit becomes.
So, what do you do when you run out of options at your local store?
You can shop online for a variety of things nowadays, even trail saddles. Find out your options for the best Western trail saddles on the market and discover the perfect one for your next ride.
King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle
Buying an excellent trail saddle doesn’t need to hurt your wallet. The King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle is a great budget option for riders looking for a deep seat with minimal cleaning fuss.
Like many synthetic saddles on the market, this saddle doesn’t need the extra care and oiling that leather saddles need. If you get stuck in the rain or splattered with mud, just grab a stiff brush and a little water.
Feature-wise, this lightweight saddle has quick-change buckles, shock-resistant construction, and neoprene skirts. It weighs in at around 14 lbs. to reduce fatigue during long treks.
However, it does have one small flaw – it doesn’t have a lot of padding. You can add a saddle pad for more comfort on longer rides if needed. The seat sits deeper than the average saddle and is at a comfortable angle to tackle various terrains.
Another downside may be the stirrups. They’re on the long side, which shouldn’t be a problem unless you are of short stature.
If you’re petite, you may have to take off the fenders and replace them with English leathers and stirrups. This is a quick fix if you don’t want to wait to have your saddle professionally adjusted.
However, adding the English leathers further lightens the overall weight of the saddle as well. You may just decide to change out the stirrups just to reduce the saddle weight.
Pros
- Very deep seat
- Reasonably priced
- Nice range of sizes and colors
Cons
- Need extra padding on the seat
- Stirrups too long for short statures
Wintec Western Trail Saddle
Wintec is a trusted name in the equine world, and for a good reason. They’ve built a reputation for providing premium accessories at a reasonable cost. So, of course, the Wintec Western Trail Saddle appears on this list.
The primary material used in this saddle is Duraleather, a synthetic material that’s softer than real leather and easier to clean.
The saddle seat features a close contact seat with memory foam and cut-out fenders with EZ fold features. It is a bit heavy for a trail saddle and comes in at 28 lbs., but you sacrifice some of the extra weight for durability. Plus, it’s still a bit lighter than a traditional leather saddle.
The stirrups may also be something you may have a problem with because they’re a bit stiff at first. You may have to twist and tie them repeatedly to make them pliable enough to bend easily. However, a little stiffness in the materials may be acceptable for many riders, so it may not be a deal-breaker for you.
If you have a larger horse, you’ll have to remember to buy strap extensions when you get the breastplate and hind strap. The straps that come with the saddle are fine for regular horses, but if you have a horse like an Irish draft, they’ll be too short.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable across different terrain
- Great for long treks
Cons
- Poorly designed stirrups
- Straps too short for larger horse breeds
King Series Mini Deluxe Western Saddle
Children also need a comfortable and reliable saddle if you plan on taking them out on trails. The King Series Mini Deluxe Western Saddle may be a good choice if you’re looking for a tiny saddle option.
Designed explicitly for miniature horses, it features a suede leather seat, rough leather, and silver-layered conchos. It also has Blevins-style quick-change buckles and Neoprene skirts to help keep it clean.
Keep in mind, though, that this is a mini saddle. So, if you’re planning on using it for a small child on a full-sized horse, this isn’t the one for you. It’s also relatively narrow, so you may have some trouble fitting it onto a Shetland pony.
On the other hand, if you want to introduce a child into the world of horses, then this may be a good starter saddle. It is well-made and sturdy, but you may run into a size problem if the child is older than five.
Pros
- Great for very small children
- Well made
Cons
- Too narrow/small for some miniature ponies
- Doesn’t come with cinch, latigo, or billet
M-Royal Saddles 10” Kids Black Leather Western Saddle
For children who are serious about riding, M-Royal makes a great 10” Western Saddle at an affordable price.
The saddle has durable leather and hardware that can withstand the wear and tear of younger riders. You can use this small saddle on different breeds of horses, from miniatures and Shetland to normal-sized ponies.
The saddle does need a lot of oil to smooth away the leather’s stiffness, and the gullet is relatively narrow compared to other saddles on the market. However, for the price, these negatives may not be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
Pros
- Low price
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 10 lbs.
- Narrow gullet
Orlov Hill Leather Co. Western Trail Saddle
Western Trail Saddle looks like a handsome deal from Orlov Hill Leather Co., looking at the pictures. Not only is it made from 100% hand-tooled leather, but it also boasts stainless steel fitted hardware. What’s not to love, right? Especially at this low price point.
But here is where the red flag is.
Real, authentic leather saddles shouldn’t be this low in price. At least, it shouldn’t if it’s made from quality leather. Cheap or imitation leather, on the other hand, would come at this price range. So, it’s potentially dangerous to use. The last thing you want to do is rely on shoddy leather to hold your D-ring.
Does that mean that you should stay away from the Orlov Hill Leather Co. Western Saddle? Not necessarily. Just remember, though, that you get what you pay for.
After all, who can resist the siren’s call of a suede-wrapped horn, fleece-padded saddle underside, and wood/fiberglass tree?
Pros
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Suspect “genuine” leather
- Generic information about the company
- Few online reviews
Final Verdict
When you’re looking for the best western trail saddles, you need to pay attention to three main factors: materials, construction, and design. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the saddle, a good fit becomes integral to a good ride or a day of soreness for you and your horse.
Of all the saddles reviewed in this list, there’s one that stands out amongst its competitors: the Wintec Western Trail Saddle. Not only is it a good overall fit for both horse and rider, but the saddle has quality materials that can stand up to different terrains.
However, not everybody has the deep pockets required to buy a premium brand like Wintec. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank, you may want to check out the King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle.
The King Series saddle has attributes suitable for trail riding. You may need to make a few adjustments or add some accessories to make the saddle fit your needs, but the lower saddle price point may save you money in the long run.
