If you are an avid rider, it is crucial that you have the best saddle for trail riding. Trying out different saddles in the market may seem like a daunting task. There is a lot of information regarding different types of saddles and their pros and cons.
But, before we can talk about saddles in particular, it’s best to have a basic overview about them. This will help you identify what you need and what you should look out for in saddles and, more importantly, what you should not.
1. King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle
Pros:
- Price
- Durability
- Fits most horses
- Comfort
- Good quality
You can only go so long on a trail saddle that’s not comfortable. That’s why most people start looking for a new saddle after just a few months of trail riding.
Luckily for you, there’s a saddle alternative that you’ll be able to use for years to come.
This is the King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle from King Trail Saddle Company. For an affordable price, you’re getting a saddle that will offer you maximum comfort for years to come
2. Acerugs Premium Western Barrel Racing Horse Trail Saddle TACK 14 15 16
Pros:
- Awesome quality
- High-quality materials
- Stylish design
- 2" Strap
- Good price
Cons:
- Fragile coating
- Polar fleece is flimsy
- Uncomfortable
When it comes to knowing the best trail saddle, you can always trust a horse company. As horsemen, they know exactly what matters most to riders and their horses.
Acerugs’s Premium Leather Trail Saddle features a high-quality leather cover and a 600-denier polyester canvas bottom that you can trust. It can take the punishment of the trail without any problems.
The back has a traditional style which is what most trail riders go for. It also has a 2-inch cinch strap for added control.
3. Acerugs All Natural Cowhide Western Leather Horse Saddle Comfy SEAT Pleasure Trail Barrel Racing Hand Tooled Premium Saddle TACK Set Bridle Breast Collar
Pros:
- Made from high-quality materials
- Perfect for beginners
- Suitable for Western riding
- Less expensive than the rest of the options
- Has a sleek look
- Black color
- Appropriate for trail riding
- Available in three sizes
- Affordable
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- The material is too soft
- Straps may be too short for medium sized riders
- The brown ones will quickly fade under the sun
- The buckles are of poor quality
- Poor build quality
The Acerugs saddle has a simplistic style and it’s perfect for beginners. It is made from durable saddle leather, which is comfortable and easy to break-in. It has a high-quality solid steel saddle tree and a roller tooled concho. The buttons are durable and rust resistant, so they will last a long time.
The saddle has a traditional 1-inch gullet and five holes, so you can adjust it to your horse’s back. It comes in a regular, long or wide fit, and it’s available for both sides. The brown one will quickly fade under the sun, but the black one will last longer.
4. 15 16 Barrel Racing Comfy Show Trail Tooled Leather Western Horse Saddle TACK
LE YOUR TASK, WITHOUT FALLING.
5. Acerugs Texas Silver Western Pleasure Trail Show Horse Barrel Saddle TACK Set Comfy
Pros:
- Ultra-soft
- Built to last
- Comes with a matching cover
- Silver decorative plaits
- Firm and stable seat
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- A little heavy
- Over time the girth and stirrup straps may stretch a little
If you’re looking for the perfect saddle for horse riding or show jumping, you may want to consider the Acerugs Texas Silver Western Pleasure Trail Show Horse Barrel Saddle TACK Set Comfy Nylon Seat. It’s made of high-quality, durable materials, and designed to last many riding seasons before you need to replace it.
It’s made of 100% soft nylon material you won’t be putting undue pressure on your horse. With its open-front design you can also get a more comfortable seat and make sure your circulation stays flowing so you won’t get numb during a show.
The seat is well padded to help you stay in this position for hours without straining your back. It’s firm enough to keep you secure in the saddle and to provide a comfortable seat and light enough to make trotting in the saddle more comfortable for your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are barrel saddles good for trail riding?
In my opinion a leather barrel-type saddle is great for trail riding because it provides support for your back. I always use it on my long trail rides. Some people prefer a jumping saddle because they are lighter, but a leather one is more comfortable for the backside. Make sure you will not need to mount from a block usually associated with a barrel saddle though. For jumping you need a flocked saddle with no high cantle.
What are the best saddles?
There are several things to consider in terms of picking the right saddle for your horse. The most important factor is the type of riding you do. Riders who compete will need a specialized saddle for this purpose. If you enjoy Pleasure Riding, you can use any type of saddle.
Sometimes, the horses you have dictate the choice of saddle. Horses with big backs and high withers need a wide tree/riding saddle.
However, a good saddle for a horse is not necessarily a good saddle for the rider. It’s often the rider’s comfort and ability that plays a big role in the effectiveness of the saddle. The best saddle is one that supports your back and keeps you comfortable without causing you pain… even after several hours of riding. In addition, you must also consider the horse’s comfort during riding.
Are dressage saddles good for trail riding?
Dressage saddles are generally lower and wider than endurance saddles. They also have softer girths and a chair type seat that keeps your legs far apart. This means different saddle fit when going from a dressage saddle to an endurance saddle. So if you’re looking to get a dressage saddle, it’s important to try it out first. There are usually aftermarket options for dressage saddles that make them more suitable for trail riding.
Conclusion
We recommend reading a bunch of reviews from buyers who offer quite a few insights on what you can expect from each saddle. Your research will help you make an informed buying decision, and choosing the best saddle for trail riding will be easy.