Walden Farm and Ranch

10 Western Saddles Every Cowboy & Cowgirl Should Know About

In This Article

Western saddles include many types of saddles used for different Western riding disciplines.

Each type of Western saddle is set apart by different characteristics that make them more specialized for a specific job or discipline.

These include Trail, Barrel Racing saddle, Roping saddle, All Around, Reining, Cutting, Show, Mexican, Vaquero, Western Dressage, and Australian.

What Is A Western Saddle?

A Western saddle is a type of horse saddle designed for Western riding disciplines, such as ranch work, trail riding, barrel racing, roping, and Western pleasure riding. One defining feature of a Western saddle is the saddle horn.

Features Of Western Saddles

Western saddles, designed for a variety of Western riding activities like ranch work, trail riding, and roping, have several key features:

Different Types Of Western Saddles

There are many different kinds of horse saddles for many different purposes. But in all these shapes and sizes, the basics stand true: comfort and safety for you and your horse before anything else. 

Beginner Saddle
A beginner saddle is a type of saddle that is designed to be comfortable and easy to use for novice riders. They generally give the rider a sense of security and comfort. An All Purpose saddle is a good place to start because it has a deep seat and knee rolls for added comfort and security. It can be used for trail riding, ranching, roping, and even barrel racing. But once you’ve committed to your event or discipline, you’ll probably want to step it up to a more specialized saddle. 
Youth Saddle
A youth saddle is made just for kids and young riders. These saddles are smaller than ones for adults, usually with a seat size of 14 inches or smaller. They usually fit a pony nicely.  They're comfy and safe for young riders and help them learn the right way to ride. You can find youth saddles in different styles like Western, English, and Australian in different colors and fun designs for kids.
Western Dressage Saddle
Western dressage saddles are specially made for Western dressage, a sport that mixes dressage riding and Western style tack. These saddles have a deep seat, high back, and a horn that's low and wide.  They are designed to help the rider stay balanced, with a straight line from their shoulder, through their hip, to their heel, so the seat is geared towards improving posture and being more vertical. The flaps of these saddles are long and straight, and the stirrups are longer than usual.
Australian Saddles
An Australian stock saddle, often called an Aussie saddle, is made for Australian stock work and trail riding. While some people think it’s  a mix of English and Western saddles, it’s really it’s own unique design. It has a deep seat and high back and a low, wide saddle horn. This saddle is all about comfort for both horse and rider for long hours on the ranch with the utility needed for ranching and roping. They’re made tough and durable, like the Cowboys who ride them.
Treeless Saddles
A treeless saddle doesn't have the hard tree structure found in traditional saddles. They are made to spread the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back. This avoids putting too much pressure on any single spot. They're usually made from lightweight materials and are flexible, shaping to the horse's back. Treeless saddles are popular for activities like trail riding, endurance riding, and dressage. They allow for more movement and a closer feel between the horse and rider. You can find treeless saddles in many styles and sizes, and they can often be custom-made to meet the needs of both the rider and the horse.
Mexican Charro Saddle
Mexican saddles, or Charro saddles, are a special kind of saddle used in traditional Mexican horseback riding events, like charreria which is an event that involves roping, horsemanship, and working with cattle. Mexican saddles have a different horn shape and size, the seat is shaped and deep in a unique way, and they use a special saddle pad called a "fuste." This pad is usually made of wool and makes the ride more comfortable for both the horse and the rider. Plus, Mexican saddles are usually really fancy. They're decorated with ornate designs  of silver or gold details and beautiful leather work. They're known for their craftsmanship and high quality. 
Vaquero Saddles
Vaquero saddles come from Spain and were first brought over by Spanish explorers and settlers in the Americas. They're not the same as Mexican saddles. Vaquero saddles are specifically made for cattle work, so they have features that make them perfect for ranching. A vaquero saddle has a deep seat and a high back for security, the stirrups are long and wide, and the saddle horn is fit for dallying a rope. They’re  made to last and stand up to the rigors of daily ranch work. 
Ranch Saddles
A ranch saddle is built for cowboys who need to rope and dally cattle and control the herd. It's designed to stand up to years and years of long hours in the saddle and going long distances. It's comfortable, safe, and secure. Ranch saddles are heavier than other Western saddles because they have a strong, reinforced metal saddle tree. It has a solid base and a strong horn.
Trail Saddles
Western trail saddles are made for trail riding on special paths, like in parks, forests, and mountains. They are lightweight and have extra dee rings and strings to attach gear and supplies. The Trail saddle is comfortable with a deep seat and moderate to high cantle to help with balance. They're also designed to be shorter and lighter than other Western saddles, so the horse can move better.
Show Saddles
Show saddles are made to impress the judges at horse shows while supporting the rider in demonstrating skills and ability. Show saddles are fancy, with lots of decorations like silver and detailed designs. They're made to look good and work well. They can be used in different kinds of horse show events, like Western pleasure, equitation, and halter classes. These saddles come in many styles and sizes, so they can fit different riders and horses. Often, they are made just for one rider and horse, so they fit perfectly.
Cutting Saddles
A cutting saddle is designed for the rodeo event where a rider works to isolate a steer, calf, or cow from its herd. It’s made to improve balance and control during the quick maneuvers required in cutting. It usually has a deep seat and a high cantle, with a forward-leaning horn for the rider to grasp for stability. Its design also includes a shorter skirt and lighter build compared to other Western saddles, allowing the horse more freedom of movement. They sometimes have ornate tooling and silver accents. 
Roping Saddles
Roping saddles have a purpose-driven design. They’re built for Team Roping, steer roping, calf roping rodeo events and ranching.  They have a stronger tree and horn, making them much heavier than barrel or cutting saddles. The horn on a roping saddle will be strong enough to withstand anything that's tied to it. The added weight also comes from the reinforced rigging attached to the tree.  The roping saddle also features a nice pocket seat for good positioning, but a lower cantle to allow easy dismount. They also have a thicker horn to dally off of. These saddles typically have a longer skirt or a double skirt.
Reining Saddles
A reining saddle is crafted specifically for the dynamic sport of reining, a rodeo event that is similar to dressage, where the rider guides the horse through a series of spins, stops, and rollbacks as fast as possible while being technically correct. Reining saddles are lightweight, close contact, have a low horn to improve visibility, and a deep narrow seat for security. 
Barrel Racing Saddles
A barrel racing saddle is designed for the quick maneuvers and high speed of the sport of barrel racing. It’s a timed rodeo event where horse and rider (usually Cowgirls) complete a cloverleaf pattern around barrels as fast as they can. This lightweight saddle has a short skirt, tall thin horn for hanging on to, and a high cantle for added security. 
All Around Saddles
An All Around saddle is designed to be secure and comfortable. It can be used for different riding disciplines and rodeo events. It’s a good choice for beginners and for anyone who is doing ranch work, roping, barrel racing, and trail riding. It typically has a strong tree, saddle horn which can be used for roping, and a deep seat for security. 

Top Western Saddle Brands

While there are a lot of Saddlery's, they are not all created equal. A great saddle has a high quality saddle tree built with quality materials, usually wood. It also used top quality leather or hide, tough stitching, and the saddle horn won't break or wear down. These are our favorite Western saddle brands.

Teskeys Saddlery

Teskey's Saddle Shop, nestled in Weatherford, Texas, the heart of the cutting horse world, began its journey in a modest double-wide garage around 1999. Founded by Jeff Hartong, this humble start has now blossomed into a bustling hub with approximately 75 dedicated employees.

Specializing in crafting saddles right in their Weatherford workshop, Teskey's offers a diverse array of saddles. Whether it's a custom order or a saddle designed for specific activities like barrel racing or ranch duties, they've got it covered. Renowned for their blend of quality and affordability, Teskey's saddles have earned a stellar reputation in the horse industry. In 1998, Weatherford welcomed Michael and Anissa Teskey, who set up their saddle and tack shop in this cutting horse locale.

Double J Saddlery

Established in 1991 in Yoakum, Texas, Double J Saddlery is a testament to three generations of unmatched craftsmanship in handmade products.

Beginning with a focus on high-quality saddles and tack, this family-run business has broadened its horizons to encompass trendy handbags, belts, and accessories. The heart of Double J Saddlery lies in its team of highly skilled artisans, whose dedication to excellence and strong work ethic shines through in every product.

Billy Cook Saddlery

Billy Cook saddles, from Billy Cook Harness & Saddle Manufacturing, Inc., boast a legacy starting in 1953. Founded in Greenville, Texas, by Billy Cook, a dedicated horseman and saddle maker, these saddles are known for their hand-tooled quality and affordability. Each saddle, marked with the "Billy Cook Maker" stamp, showcases the company's commitment to craftsmanship. These saddles have become icons in the equestrian world, offering a diverse range of western saddles and tack, all made in the USA since 1953.

Crafted in Sulphur, Oklahoma, Genuine Billy Cook saddles are renowned for quality. The company's range includes barrel racing, trail, and ranch saddles, serving various riding needs. Despite changes over the years, including Billy Cook's passing in 2019, the company continues to produce high-quality handmade saddles and leather tack, preserving its cherished legacy in the horse community.

Circle Y Saddlery

Since 1960, Circle Y Saddles in Yoakum, Texas, has been a prominent name in crafting Western horse tack and saddles. Renowned for their superior Western saddles, including those designed for trail riding, ranch work, and barrel racing, Circle Y is dedicated to ensuring both rider and horse comfort and functionality.

The leather in Circle Y saddles is highly praised for its quality, contributing to the saddles' reputation as "absolutely gorgeous," "comfortable," and "well-crafted."

The 1682 Sunflower Flex2® Trail saddle, for instance, uses "apache leather," a unique distressed brown leather known for its grip, balancing between the smoothness of grainout leather and the tackiness of suede.

While opinions vary regarding the resale value and features of older versus newer Circle Y saddles, the consensus is clear on the exceptional quality of the leather used, especially in older models.

Colorado Saddlery

Located in Westminster, CO, Colorado Saddlery has been a trusted name in the production of top-notch saddles and tack since 1945. Catering to both casual riders and professionals, they offer an extensive array of equestrian products, including saddles, tack, bits, spurs, pack equipment, and more.

Colorado Saddlery is celebrated for its enduring commitment to quality in the equestrian world. Their saddle collection encompasses various types, such as ranch, roper, trail, and wade saddles.

The best selling Colorado Saddlery saddles include the Colorado Reagan Youth Roper, Colorado Elk Mountain Trail Saddle, Colorado Roughout Cody Trail Saddle, and the Colorado Steamboat Mule Saddle. These saddles come in a variety of sizes and styles, meeting the diverse needs and preferences of riders.

Martin Saddlery

Martin Saddlery, nestled in Greenville, Texas, is a bespoke saddle maker celebrated for its masterfully handcrafted leather tack and saddles. The hallmark of a Martin Saddle is its use of premium leather, with each piece meticulously cut from two corresponding sides to guarantee uniformity and excellence. The saddles, predominantly made to order, occasionally include a limited selection in stock.

Best selling Martin Saddlery hinges on its exceptional craftsmanship and selection of high-grade materials, notably Hermann Oak and Latigo leather. These leathers are chosen for their superior quality and enduring durability, underscoring the company's focus on reliability and safety in their products.

The careful selection and cutting of leather from matching sides for each saddle not only exemplify Martin Saddlery's commitment to quality but also highlight their dedication to creating dependable and durable saddles and tack. This focus on using the finest leather is a fundamental characteristic of Martin Saddlery's distinguished craftsmanship.

Billy Royal Saddlery

Billy Royal saddles stand out for quality and craftsmanship, made from supple, durable leather on lifetime-guaranteed trees. They cater to various disciplines with styles like Western show, reining, and work saddles.

Best selling Billy Royal saddles include the show saddles feature detailed hand-tooling ideal for competitions, while the reining saddles have a close contact design and pre-turned fenders for immediate use. Work saddles, suitable for breeds from Arabians to Quarter Horses, are built on custom wooden trees with a wide gullet for comfort.

Designed by Schneider’s and manufactured in Mexico, the saddle trees come with a lifetime warranty. Billy Royal saddles are known for their top-notch quality and versatility for different riding needs.

Silver Royal Saddlery

Silver Royal saddles are renowned for their unique designs and features, catering to a diverse array of riding disciplines and preferences. These saddles are celebrated for their colorful and fun southwestern flair, with deep seats, roughout jockeys and fenders for optimal grip, and distinctive geometric carved seats.

Silver Royal uses stainless steel in-skirt rigging, leather-covered stirrups, and Tough1 Quick Change fender buckles, offering both durability and convenience for riders.

An example is the Silver Royal by Tough1 Jackpot Barrel Saddle, which is designed specifically for barrel racing and includes a rawhide-covered tree, full quarter horse bars, and precise measurements for the horn, swell, gullet, cantle, and skirts.

Reinsman Saddlery

Reinsman, based in Texas, specializes in high-quality saddles for diverse Western riding disciplines. Their range includes trail and endurance trail saddles, designed for comfort and function, as well as a variety of saddle pads to ensure horse and rider comfort. The company’s commitment to quality makes their saddles suitable for various riding needs.

Best selling Reinsman saddles include trail saddles like the 1554 Omaha Flex2® and Julie Goodnight series, ranch saddles for ranch work, durable synthetic/hybrid saddles, versatility and all-around saddles for various activities, show saddles for Western shows, mounted shooting saddles for competitions, and training saddles are all part of their collection.

Cashel Saddlery

Cashel Saddlery is renowned for its diverse array of saddles and saddle pads, each designed with a focus on comfort, security, and versatility. Their saddles cater to a wide range of activities, including training, colt starting, pleasure riding, and competition.

Best selling Cashel saddles range from training to competition. These saddles are well-regarded for their combination of security and comfort, making them a popular choice.

Additionally, Cashel Saddlery's range extends to saddle accessories, providing riders with practical items like bottle holders, cantle bags, horn bags, and horn saddle bags. These accessories are designed to complement their saddles, further reinforcing Cashel's commitment to creating a comprehensive and rider-friendly experience.

Final Thoughts

No matter which Western saddle you choose, there is one for you. Each one has it's own unique features that make it perfect for whichever discipline you love. With these Western saddles, every cowboy and cowgirl will be ready to tack up and go for a ride.


Richard Sutherland

 RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.