10 Reviews: Best Horse Saddle for Mountain Riding (Nov 2023)

The saddle assists the rider in getting the most out of their horse throughout the run while also maintaining stability and control to improve performance. Riders keep their feet securely beneath their center of balance behind the horn. Riders are prevented from tipping forward by the seat pocket stirrup position and swell design. The cantle design keeps them connected to their horse as they leave the box and throughout the run. For added durability, the edges are stitched and the back housing and fenders are lined in extra heavy Hermann Oak skirting leather. Billets are reinforced for strength and longevity. It includes a flat plate style and dropped D rig that pulls over a large area for stability and comfort.

We love our new Martin saddle. NRS was great to work with in getting it shipped overnight for the weekend.

by Rob F.

Looking for a great, well-fitting saddle? The Full Chestnut Roughout Saddle is an excellent choice. The roughout leather’s rich chestnut color makes for a striking saddle! These Competitor Series Team Ropers are all based on the ever-popular Toots Mansfield style tree. The team roper seat pockets are designed to keep the rider firmly in place, allowing for better rider positioning. The NRS Competitor Series Saddles are designed specifically for competition. These saddles are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons, including saddle fit to your horse and ride comfort. Competitor saddles are ideal for riders looking for a high-quality saddle on a tight budget. They are made of Hermann Oak Leather, which is a 90/10 blend.

The NRS Competitor Series Saddles are designed specifically for competition. These saddles are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons, including saddle fit to your horse and riding comfort. Competitor saddles are ideal for riders searching for a high-quality saddle on a tight budget. They are made by hand in Texas. The rawhide-covered wood tree, antique floral conchos, rawhide stirrups, all roughout, front in-skirt rigging, Laredo Turquoise embossed leather decorations, a cut-down skirt, and 90/10 wool mix lining are all backed by a 5-year guarantee. The seat pocket is designed to keep the rider in position and provide greater balance, giving the rider every advantage.

Really like this saddle. Awesome quality for the price. No need to spend more money.

by Jill B.

Alpine Flex2 Trail Saddle by Circle Y The cut-out skirt form of the Alpine Flex2(R) trail saddle allows for tighter touch and more precise cueing. The soft, Impact Foam seat, already broken in Softee(R) seat jockeys, and EBS stirrups that decrease joint strain provide ultimate comfort in a new saddle. Stainless steel conchos and hardware are engraved to withstand rust and corrosion. Circle Y has the proprietary Flex2(R) tree design, which includes a firm ground seat for rider support, a high-density bar that distributes rider weight, and a low-density bar that is against the horse and allows for freedom of movement. As a consequence, the saddle will never become broader over time, will never flex in half, and will never over flex.

Looking for a saddle that is simple to maintain, small in weight, and inexpensive? These Cordura synthetic saddles are ideal for anybody searching for a lightweight trail or show saddle! These saddles include silver conchos, cushioned seats, and a unique design. The nylon binding on the saddle ensures that it is tear-resistant and easy to clean. The Cinches are not included, but you will receive a matching headstall, reins, breast collar, and pad. It is equipped with a double reinforced fiberglass tree. This saddle has a soft padded seat and soft synthetic fleece underside.

I actually love this !!!! It stands out so much and I have gotten nothing but compliments on it ! The saddle pad is a bit slippery but nothing uncontrollable

by Erikka

The Wintec Western Trail Saddle Softer has a memory foam-padded tighter touch seat and a comfortable riding saddle tree. Wide trail stirrups are paired with cut-out fenders and an EZ fold function. It features a square skirt and longer saddle tie strings. Dura leather is used to make the synthetic saddle. It weighs 28 pounds on average, exactly like any other saddle. The cantle is around 3.5 inches long. It gives you reassurance just like any other Wintec product. It is trusted and widely used by many horse’ riders.

very light and durable The only saddle my wife ridess. traded in a very expensive saddle

by Ran

Because of the right blend of broader swells and the deep, 5-inch cantle for back support, the Tucker High Plains is typically Tucker’s top seller. It keeps you in place, allowing you to focus on what you enjoy most: enjoying the magnificent landscape and confidently conversing with your companions as you travel along the route. Tucker’s innovative Gel-Cush Shock-Absorbing Seat provides hours of Ultimate Trail Comfort. The new seat has been “trail tested” and certified for Ultimate Trail Comfort. Improved engineering has resulted in a lighter saddle with more rigging and tree fit choices. Built atop a sturdy and lightweight fiberglass-reinforced DURAhide wrapped timber tree.

This Cashel Trail saddle, one of Cashel’s most popular models, has a short, rounded skirt that is ideal for horses with shorter backs. A large Cheyenne roll and long strings complete the western style while offering plenty of room for trail gear and accessories. White stitching around the double cushioned seat and border tooling on seat jockeys, fenders, and skirt contribute to the modest beauty. A cutaway skirt delivers the close touch sensation that today’s riders desire. Skirt rigging lowers the weight beneath the fender, allowing for closer touch with your horse. Built on an AXIS tree, the fiberglass covering provides strength as well as some weatherproofing.

Very good trail saddle. Comfortable and fit well my well built quarter horse.
It is the third western saddle I bought to horsesaddleshop and I am happy for their kindness and the right advice I got from them.

by Marie-Christine

The Circle Y 2383 Wrangler Flex2 Trail saddle is ideal for the arena or the trail, with all of the Flex2 saddle’s advantages plus a ranchy style that’s easy to care for. With a 5-inch cantle and a wide 14-inch swell, the Flex2 Secure Seat tree has a deeper, more secure seat than the other Flex2 versions. This combination gives back support as well as a more stable riding experience. With Arizona flowers and a braid border, the tooling on this saddle is basic for an attractive aesthetic and easy cleaning, but it’s strongly defined with walnut antiquing for contrast.

The Big Bend Trail is intended for heavier riders. A 2″ bigger seat pocket paired with a flatter seat rise provides a more spacious seat for the rider. Full stirrup leathers provide a lot of support for the rider. A longer bar on the 18 1/2″ seat distributes weight more evenly in the loin area for the horse’s comfort. The revolutionary Gel-CushTM Shock Absorbing seat by Tucker provides hours of Ultimate Trail Comfort. The updated seat has been “trail tested” and certified for Ultimate Trail Comfort. Improved engineering has resulted in a lighter saddle with more rigging and tree fit choices. For strength and lightweight, a fiberglass-reinforced DURAhide coated wood tree was used.