Fellow horse riders and horse enthusiasts, I bring you the best horse saddles that money can buy. In this article, I will be presenting the twelve best horse saddles on the market.

When you are contemplating which horse saddle to buy, it is important to look beyond a saddle that looks good or fits well; it is good to select a saddle that will serve both you and your buddy.

Product Guide

Horse saddles are much more than items placed on the horse for the comfort of the rider or aesthetic purposes.

Sadly, horses cannot talk, because if they could talk, they would probably say something along the lines of

“Hey! That does not fit right! It hurts! (Neigh!)”

“Hey! Take that off my back now, really.”

There are things to take note of when putting a saddle on a horse, at the top of these things is how well the saddle fits onto the back of the horse.

As much as we try to care for our horses as best as we can, it can prove quite daunting to know you had things wrong all along.

This is why this I wrote this article

With regards to horse saddles, these are items that serve several purposes, but not limited to; acting as a supportive structure for either the rider or loads, acting as a cushion for the horse thereby reducing the force or strain on the back of the horse and finally, acting for the balance for the rider. As important as having a horse saddle is, there are certain things that can lead to damages to both the horse and rider as a result of common mistakes. The first commonly fault is a twisted tree.

When a horse falls on or rolls a twisted tree, it can damage the saddle, this can later on cause issues for both the rider and horse but primarily it affects the horse first with back pain, swelling and other potential severe injury. Panel problems is another complication that can cause extreme discomfort to the horse. A damaged or irregularly shaped panel is something to look out for.

Other issues arising as a result of horse saddles include; Saddle not fitting the horse, saddle slipping to one side due to the asymmetrical body of the horse, too much rocker on the saddle, inappropriate girths and many more. You might be thinking, “wait, it is just a putting a saddle on a horse, why is should it be so demanding?”

Well, that is why I have written this list to alleviate your headaches.

Top 12 Best Horse Saddle

AceRugs Beautiful Western Pleasure Trail Barrel Racing Show Horse Saddle

The AceRugs Beautiful Western Pleasure Trail Barrel Racing Show Horse Saddle is a perfect fit for your horse. It is a great choice when for new or young horses. It’s light and therefore benefits both the horse and its rider.

It does not pose any risk mentioned earlier to the horse and caters for both horse and rider.

It comes in the following colors: Blue, Red, Pink, Black, Green, Purple and Brown the soft padded seat makes the saddle extremely comfortable and suitable for long rides without any hassle.

This is a definite recommendation.

Tahoe Tack Basket Weave Synthetic Western Saddle Leather Trims

The Tahoe Tack Basket Weave Synthetic Western Saddle product focuses on style as well as comfort. The Tahoe Tack Basket Weave Synthetic Western Saddle was designed not to cause discomfort for the horse as well as the rider.

When I used this saddle, I found that major appeal is how light it is.

Asides from providing comfort to the back of the horse and the butt of the rider, the Tahoe Tack Basket Weave Synthetic Western Saddle is really affordable.

The saddle is light and easy to carry. It was exactly what I needed as regards to my regular backaches.

AceRugs Premium Brown Leather English All Purpose Close Contact Jumping Horse Saddle

The AceRugs Premium Brown Leather English All Purpose Close Contact Jumping Horse Saddle is an all-purpose saddle which allows the rider a variety of choices.
This saddle helps you as the rider maintain a balanced and secure hold with soft knee rolls, padded flaps, and a medium-deep soft padded seat.

I found it to be a well-built saddle and by the way, It looked better in real life than it did in images.

This saddle is perfect for riders. The padded panels make it comfortable for the horse with no added risk.  The high cantle and longer flaps makes the saddle also suitable for flat work.

In addition to this, the saddle also offers a lower pommel and slightly forward flaps for the exhilarating moments where I jumped with my horse.

AceRugs Western Cordura Pleasure Trail All Purpose Show Horse Saddle

The AceRugs Western Cordura pleasure trail all-purpose show horse saddle is another perfect saddle for beginners and trail riders. It is comfortable and fits well for both horse and rider.

This saddle features a thick-padded seat for maximum rider comfort. The well-padded synthetic fleece ensures your horse enjoys the ride just as much as you throughout the ride.

When I used this particular saddle, they were as they looked. It was surprisingly more comfortable than I expected.

The AceRugs Western Cordura pleasure trail all-purpose show horse saddle is designed for a range of horses both big and small therefore there is little to no issue with this design as it caters to almost all needs. I found the saddle focuses on the needs of both rider and horse.

All Purpose Black Leather English Riding Horse Saddle

The All Purpose Black Leather English Riding Horse Saddles is made of 100 percent leather which reduces abrasion with the back of the horse. It is also an aesthetically pleasing horse saddle.

This saddle kit is the ideal saddle for beginners and learners. The following; deeper seat, high cantle, longer flaps, and padded knee rolls, I found, allows royal comfortability.

Asides being comfortable, the saddle is designed in such a way that it allows the rider to seat securely for a variety of the English disciplines. This was something I particularly found appealing.

The front of the saddle is designed to fit a wide range of horses. I would recommend this, both comfortability and functionality are met with this saddle.

AceRugs 15 16 17 18 All Purpose English Leather Horse Saddle

The AceRugs 15, 16, 17, and 18 all Purpose English Leather Horse Saddles is the dream of every horse rider. Why? Simple, the saddle is an all-purpose saddle that fits across all disciplines while retaining its affordability.

The advantages of this product cannot be overemphasized. When I purchased this saddle, I found it to be a secure and balanced seat with concealed knee rolls, padded flaps, and a medium-deep padded seat. This saddle is perfect to the T if you are planning to work on equitation.

If comfort is high up on your list and it is what you want when searching for a saddle, then this is a must consider.

This saddle features a deep, very well padded seat that offers comfort and support on my lower back. It factors in posture as well as health. The rounded skirt design of the saddle also ensures comfort for my horse and is designed to fit horses of all sizes- which is another plus when considering the right saddle which works for both the rider (you) and the horse.

AceRugs Barrel Racer Western Cordura Light Weight Comfy Horse Saddles

Right off the bat, YES!

This particular lightweight saddle is ideal for beginners and trail riders. I particularly fell in love with this saddle because it is waterproof and its weather proof attributes makes it the ideal saddle for riders who love to ride out on the trail.

The thick padded seat gives both rider and horse comfort. The pressure on my horse is reduced thereby preventing any form of back pain or stress on the horse while simultaneously preventing swellings and potential injury to the rider.

Although not an all-purpose saddle, it however, is worth the price and very much a definite recommend. However, it is an acquired taste for some.

AceRugs 15” 16” 17” 18” Roping Western Leather Tooled RANCHING Pleasure Horse Saddle

Comfort, lightweight, perfect fit and well balanced are essentials of a good saddle, however, I find that aesthetic beauty is definitely something I would also recommend and that is where the AceRugs 15” 16” 17” 18” Roping Western Leather Tooled RANCHING Pleasure Horse Saddle becomes to go to saddle. This saddle is a definite head turner wherever you find yourself.

The beautiful chestnut colored leather is accented with hand carved basket weave tooling that gives this saddle a classic look.

The hard seat is a classic favorite for working riders and numerous ties on the saddle ensure you have plenty of space to attach any accessories to the saddle, such as saddle bags.

AceRugs Western Parade Show Pleasure Trail Horse Leather Saddles

Tired of riding English and want to try something new? Well this saddle is right along your alleyway. This is a fun and exciting change for riders looking to mix things up. The material meets the price and is definitely worth the price.

Another alluring quality of this product is its affordability. It does not demand too much from your pocket.

I found it to be worth more than the price when I used it. It fits well and I liked it. I was worried it would not be as comfortable based on its price but when I used it, it was the complete opposite.

The suede seat is well-padded and features a decorative quilt stitched pattern to aid in grip while riding. The underside is well-padded with a synthetic fleece for the horse’s comfort.

It is also eye catching thereby increasing its allure. The saddle also includes a free matching headstall, rein and breast collar.

Mustang Soft Ride Saddles

For those who are not too particular and fussy about the look and decorative aspect of a saddle but are more focused on functionality then the Mustang Soft Ride Saddle made by Mustang is exactly what you are looking for.

I liked it for its simplicity and its functionality. It is not too comfortable, but it works.

This saddle focuses on balance. It gives the rider better balance whether in the pasture or on the trail, thereby a saddle to consider especially for beginners or learners.

It has the perfect combination of a soft shock-absorbing bareback pad with the added comfort of a form-fitted seat. The seat is a high rise cantle for added support. It is lightweight and versatile to many different sizes and breeds.

AceRugs New 14 15 16 Western Horse Barrel Racer Leather Pleasure Trail Show Saddle

The saddle does not only serve the purpose to visually stimulate, but it also has a well-padded underside which cushions and reduces the pressure on the back of the horse whether on long rides or short rides.

The seats are absolutely comfortable and help my posture as well as cater for the need of my horse.

A definite recommendation if you are looking for something with a little bit of feminine touch as well as comfortability and functionality.

It allows close contact with no pressure or pain for both horse and rider. This is ideal, especially when factoring the safety and comfort of your horse.

Conclusion

The following are the top best horse saddles that money can buy. These are my recommendation however, I should note that at the end of day, each individual is different. Your taste might differ from mine.

I wish you and your buddy all they best. Happy riding.

Horse’s backs have curved anatomy with a peak and a trough. This anatomy is why most saddles are also curved; they are configured to fit the horse’s contours. However, in some rare cases, horses have flat backs, making it difficult to find the right saddle for them. A different kind of phenomenon is a case where a horse’s back is wider than usual. Again, most saddles are configured to fit the wide variety of horses with relatively normal backs. Horses with wide backs would require special considerations. In this post, we’ll be going over those special considerations. In essence, we’ll be guiding you on how to get the best saddle for wide flat backed horse.

Guide to Choosing the Best Saddle for Wide Flat Backed Horse

The best way to select a saddle for your wide flat backed horse is to have one custom made. Even though no two horses have the same dimensions, some measurements are consistent with all of them. There are usually three parts of a saddle that determine whether or not it will fit a horse. They are:

• The Gullet Width
• The Bar Angle
• The Approximate Degrees

The Gullet Width

The Gullet Width is sometimes referred to as the bar spread, and it’s the measurement taken 2 inches below the narrowest part of the gullet. It’s one of the most common measurements because it can be easily taken.

A normal gullet measures about 6.5”. A wide gullet, on the other hand, is 7” wide. Some horses can have a gullet width as wide as 7.5”, but that’s in rare cases.

The Bar Angle

Very often, people don’t measure the bar angle. But, it does need to be as close to the horse’s back as possible. If it’s too tight, it can cause discomfort for the horse. On the other hand, a loose bar angle will throw off the riding experience.

Approximate Degrees

There’s a guideline for determining whether the angles of a saddle are normal, wide, or extra wide. Normal is at 86 degrees, wide is at 90 degrees, and extra-wide is at 94 degrees.

All three parameters are necessary for fitting your horse properly. As we mentioned earlier, most horses have a general range on these things, and they can usually fit into one of a few categories. However, a flat backed horse will have different dimensions altogether. You need to have your horse measured and then request for a custom-made saddle.

Alternatively, you can look at any one of the 15 horse saddles on this list. They are all suitable for wide backed horses, and they may be what need.

15 of the Best Saddle for Wide Flat Backed Horse

The products on this list range from the wide backed variety, with 6” gullets, to very wide varieties, with gullets of about 7”. Again, if your horse requires a saddle with a wider gullet, you’ll have to get one custom made.

Acerugs New Western Horse Barrel Racer Show Saddle

You’re going to see a lot of saddles by Acerugs on this list, and this is the first of them. However, like the rest, this has a lot of fine qualities; things you can expect from a reliable and durable horse saddle. It is made of 100% cowhide leather and it has a hand-painted turquoise inlay.

The other qualities of this saddle include a well-balanced wood and fiberglass tree, a well-padded fleece underside, as well as a very comfortable leather seat. Its gullet is 6.5” wide and 7 ¼” high. The saddle weighs approximately 24 pounds, a relatively average weight for a saddle of this quality.

Mustang Soft Ride Saddle

Unlike the first leather saddle made by Acerugs, this saddle has a closed-cell foam composition. Being made of closed-cell foam has many benefits. For example, it has a soft shock-absorbing bareback pad and a form-fitted seat. These features should not come as a surprise since closed-cell foam is much easier to manipulate than cowhide.

Furthermore, the Mustang Soft Ride Saddle is very easy to clean. You can simply hose it off and air dry. The saddle is very versatile, and it can fit many horse breeds and dimensions. Additionally, because it’s made of malleable closed-cell foam, it can even fit on side backed horses without pinching or causing the animal pain.

Acerugs Western Parade Show Pleasure Trail

With this saddle, you’re a hat and a pair of boots away from being a classic cowboy. It is made of genuine 100% cowhide leather and it comes in a single color: dark oil. The saddle has a padded seat and its tree is made of fiberglass, making it strong and sturdy.

The Acerugs Western Parade Show Pleasure Trail is a truly beautiful saddle. It will cost you a pretty penny, but it will be worth it! If you’re not already sold on its design and quality makeup, it might interest you to know that it has padded ergonomic stirrups that provide optimum comfort. The saddle has a gullet of 6.5” and a weight of about 24 pounds.

Acerugs Western Leather Tooled Ranching Pleasure Horse Saddle

Here is another classic leather saddle designed by Acerugs. This saddle comes in medium oil, and it has a wood base. It also sports a hard seat, with the headstall, reins, and breast collar included. Like all classic saddles, this one is hand-made and cosmetically fitted for perfection.

Acerugs Western Leather Tooled Ranching Pleasure Horse Saddle has a 7” Gullet, and at 35 pounds, it weighs slightly more than many of the other saddles we’ve considered. The saddle is very durable, and you’ll be glad to know that it has gotten lots and lots of positive customer reviews.

Acerugs Barrel Racer Western Cordura Horse Saddle

Double reinforced fiberglass tree; soft padded suede seat; synthetic; lightweight build. This saddle has got it all. At just 17 pounds, the Acerugs Barrel Racer Western Cordura Horse Saddle is one of the lightest saddles on this list. It is made of a synthetic Cordura material that’s lightweight and easy to fashion into comfortable positions.

Speaking of comfortable positions, this saddle has a thick padded seat for maximum rider comfort. It also has a well-padded synthetic fleece underside for maximum horse comfort. Its gullet is about 7”, making it suitable for some wide back horses.

All Purpose Black Leather English Riding Horse Saddle

The All Purpose Black Leather English Riding Horse Saddle is made of 100% premium leather, and it comes in a single color – black. Like all quality saddles, it is handstitched and made with a high level of precision and attention to detail. It has a stainless-steel finish, adding to its attractive allure.

This horse saddle has a deep glove leather seat and a medium-sized tree (6 ½” Gullet). It was designed for beginner riders, but it is just as suitable for experienced individuals.

Tahoe Synthetic Basket Weave Leather Western Saddle

The Tahoe Synthetic Basket Weave has the narrowest gullet on this list. It measures at 6”, and will only be suitable for a very small range of horses. It sports a beautiful basketweave leather design on its pommel, cantle, fender, skirt, and stirrups.

The seat is made of a comfortable combination of leather and lightweight synthetic material. This saddle weighs about 22 pounds, and it comes in the color brown. Even though it has a relatively narrow gullet, it still fits a wide variety of horse builds.

Wintec Semi-quarter Western Saddle

The Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Saddle is a favorite among equestrians for its simple, minimal and lightweight design. It may not look it, but this saddle is definitely something to be cherished. It has stainless steel Dees, 2” bell stirrups and quick-change stirrup buckles.

The Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Saddle’s body is made out of high-impact plastic, while the seat is made of a microfiber suede that provides extra grip and comfort. It is available in black-brown, and the saddle has a 6 ½” gullet.

Wintec Western New Generation Contact Saddle

This saddle really stays true to the idea of being new generation. Unlike the classic leather saddles, this one is made of a lightweight synthetic material. It also swaps numerous leather straps for fewer, more efficient ones.

The saddle features an Equisuede memory foam padded seat, with a lightweight washable DuraFabric. Not only does it offer comfort for you, but it offers comfort for your horse as well. With a wide 7” Gullet and a comfortable fitting body, and a total weight of approximately 20 pounds, it’s designed for both equine and equestrian.

Y&Z Enterprises Premium Leather Western Barrel Racing Horse Saddle

The Y&Z Enterprises Racing Saddle is made of premium leather, as you might have gathered from the name. But, that’s not what makes this horse saddle worth buying. Everyone who owns a wide backed horse will be glad to know that its gullet measures 7”, the widest available on the market.

This saddle has a hand-carved, soft fleece underside with a beautiful basketweave leather design. The saddle comes with a leather headstall, breast and collar, and reins. The Y&Z Enterprises Racing Saddle is available in brown and it weights about 26 pounds.

Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle

The manufacturers claim that the Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle can be ridden in all weather conditions. While this is true, you should still watch the weather before you ride, for the sake of your horse. Besides being weatherproof, this saddle also has hard-wearing equileather fenders and quick-change buckles.

The Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle also has an equisuede seat that provides comfortable seating and the perfect level of grip. It is very easy to clean, and all you need is soap and water. It is lightweight, with a gullet of 7”.

Acerugs Premium Eventing Brown Leather Show Jumping Horse Saddle

Unlike many of the other Acerugs saddles on this list, this product is not made from 100% leather. However, it is still durable, sturdy and comfortable. It has a nylon girth with heavy-duty buckles and stainless-steel hardware. The saddle has concealed knee rolls, padded flaps, and a medium-deep padded seat.

With a 7” Gullet, it is suitable for horses with wide backs. Additionally, it only weighs about 15 pounds, which is more than comfortable for any horse to carry.

King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle

The only thing better than the simplicity of this saddle is its lightweight build and shock absorption construction. The King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle is so comfortable it is fit for a king. The seat is made of padded and comfortable suede. The stirrups are also padded to ease joint stress.

This saddle’s skirts and fenders are made of scratch-resistant synthetic material, which makes it extra durable. It has a 7” Gullet and only weighs about 14 pounds. Talk about lightweight!

Acerugs Black Hand Carved Western Leather Barrel Racing Horse Saddle

Here is another finely crafted saddle by Acerugs. This one is also made of 100% premium leather. True to the Acerugs reputation, this saddle only comes in one color – black. Besides the leather, its other parts are made of premium materials, like the hand-carved tooling, the well-padded fleece underside, and the well-balanced fiberglass and wood tree.

The seat is padded, providing support to not just your buttocks but your lower back as well. The skirt has a rounded design that is meant to fit most horses. If that isn’t convincing enough, you’ll be glad to know that the Gullet has a 7” dimension, making it suitable for many wide back horses.

Acerugs Premium Brown Leather English All Purpose Close Contact Horse Saddle

This Acerugs saddle has everything you can expect from the Acerugs brand, including a deep padded leather seat, stirrups leather, and fine craftsmanship. In fact, the only thing missing from this saddle is the 100% premium leather tag that accompanies most saddles by this manufacturer.

With a gullet of 6”, it may not be suitable for many wide back horses. However, it still has many of the things you will need from a saddle, like comfort for you and your horse.

Our Final thoughts on getting the Best Saddle for Wide Backed Horse

Being an equestrian is no easy task. There are a lot of things you have to consider, from ensuring your horse has an adequate diet, to looking out for common diseases like thrush and ulcers. Finding the best saddle for wide flat backed horse may only add to the complication for you. However, it doesn’t have to. If your horse’s back has relatively standard wide girth, you will find many of the saddles on this list suitable. For example, the Mustang Soft Ride Saddle is made of very versatile and malleable material. It can fit many kinds of horses. On the other hand, you can also get the Acerugs Western Parade Show Pleasure Trail, or any of the other 7” gullet saddles, if those will fit your horse.

Riding, training, jumping, and other demanding English horse activities are a lot less taxing on the horse when there is a saddle pad between horse the saddle. Saddle pads are oddly shaped saddle cushions that take most of the force during riding training. For most horses and riders, they make all the difference and completely transform the riding experience. Most horse owners understand the use and advantages of the saddle pad, and that is why most of them search for the best saddle pads for horses when they shop. In this guide, we will be going over some of the best saddle pads on the market, and we will be recommending outstanding ones.

Guide to Buying a Saddle Pad for Your Horse

When buying saddle pads for your horses, there are a couple of things you should watch out for during the buying process.

The Kind of Impact Protection It Comes With

This might sound a bit obvious, but the primary reason why we are getting a horse saddle pad is to reduce or eliminate shock and impact. Some products do it better than others. The best impact absorption materials are gel foam, memory foam, cotton, wool, etc.

Check the Liner Material

The saddle pads for horses is almost as important as the padding in the liner itself. Generally, you want a liner made with wool or some other soft and cushioning material. They will make all future rides more comfortable for both horse and rider.

What Kind of Material Is the Pad Made of Mostly

While there is nothing wrong with synthetics, they are not the best for comfort. The quality of the pad material increases or reduces the amount of comfort a rider experiences while riding. Cotton, polyester, and wool are bound to be more breathable and manageable than popular types of synthetics.

The Shape of the Saddle Pad

The shape of the saddle pad is another important feature you need to watch out for. Saddle pads come in various shapes and sizes. While it is true that the material is the most important when it comes to increasing comfortability, the shapes also matter. A perfectly shaped saddle pad will lineup with the natural contours of the saddle pad and will increase stability as well as comfort.

Top 15 Best Saddle Pads for Horses

In this section, we will briefly review some of the best saddle pads currently available on the market.

 Star Thick Rancher Western Saddle Pad

This amazing five stars thick Rancher saddle is a western-style saddle pads made in the USA.  It is a all-natural virgin wool felt pad with great shapes and contours that increase mobility and comfort. It is soft, incredibly durable, and it makes riding easier on the horse and rider.  It is very easy to attach to a saddle, and it is slip-proof. Since it’s completely made of genuine wool, it produces three times more compression than most synthetics, and it definitely delivers a more memorable experience.

Weather leather Herculean Working Contoured Saddle Pad

The weaver leather is a heavy-duty rugged contoured saddle pad of superior quality. From its wear leather top, you can tell that it’s going to last. And from the 1-inch wool liner at the bottom of the saddle pad, you know it won’t be slipping off any time soon. It has a unique contoured design that lines up with the natural curvature of a horse’s back. Unlike most saddle pads on the market, the Herculean saddle pad is relatively easy to clean. It comes in numerous color packages, and it weighs about 3.2 kg.

ECP All Purpose Diamond Quilted Cotton Saddle pad

The ECP saddle pad for horses is a multi-purpose saddle pad appropriate for all sorts of activities. Whether it be jumping, eventing, and training, riding or showing. This great multi-purpose saddle pad comes in numerous colors, and four pockets so you can store things on your saddle pad while riding.

This pad goes perfectly with any horse. It was made with rider and horses in mind, so it comes with contours that deliver maximum comfort at all times. The ECP pad also comes with a memory foam padding for impact protection and additional comfort.

Weaver Leather Western Gel Seat Pad

The Weaver Leather Gel Pad is a horse saddle pad that was made for western horse saddles specifically. In addition to the comfort and stability that the standard western style horse saddle pad provides,  it is also shock absorbent.  It is hand washable, breathable, and is even heat resistant. It is the kind of saddle pad you want to take with you while you are out riding on a hot day.

The Weaver leather pad contours allow it to handle most western style saddles, and it can even handle regular old saddles. It also comes with elastic straps that you can wrap around the horn and saddle for added stability.

Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correctional Saddle Pad

The Southwestern OrthoRide saddle pad is a correctional saddle that allows you, and your equine to fix or address most of your riding problems. It also teaches you a thing or two about proper riding posture, and it is comfortable for your horse too.

It is great for horses with underdeveloped shoulder muscles because of how well it helps distribute the load and lessen the impact of your weight. It is also great for training, practice rides, and so much more. The Southwestern saddle pad also has great shock absorption because of the PORON-RXD saddle bars installed in its liner. During rides, the PORON material helps eliminates up to 90% of the shock.

The ECP Western Therapeutic Contoured Support Pad

The ECP therapeutic pads are correctional pads for beginners and specialists. Unlike the all-purpose ECP, we talked about earlier on in the guide; it was designed primarily for correctional and training purposes mostly.

Like the all-purpose saddle pads, it also comes with memory foam for shock absorption. Instead of being static or immovable, the foam pads are completely adjustable and can benefit the horse during training. The ECP support pad can regulate temperature during long rides and also improve comfort for rider and horse. It supports hand and machine wash, and the memory foams are replaceable.

Weaver Leather Contoured Wool Blend Felt Saddle Pad

This Weaver leather saddle pad is made from a wool blend. It has moisture-wicking capabilities and is contoured perfectly to fit most horses. The weaver leather comes with unique top grain wear leather and a padded spine that enhances its durability.

It has an incredibly shock-absorbent inner liner that increases stability and improves comfort. In addition to that, it also comes in an ideal 30″ x 30″ measurement that fits most horses.

Lami-cell Full Shock Absorbing Memory Pad

The Lami-cell memory pad is a unique horse saddle pad with incredible shock absorption properties. Instead of the standard memory foam or dense wool liner, the Lami-cell Memory pad comes with gel-foam. The gel foam has increased shock absorption properties and makes rides very comfortable for both rider and horse.

It is incredibly lightweight and super durable. The memory foam has perfect contours that line up with most horses, and it comes with a durable saddle spine. The memory foam has a measurement of 21″x 12″.

Diamond Wool contour felt Ranch Pad

The Diamond wool contour felt pad is a highly durable one-inch-thick horse pad made from wool and leather.  It has elegant contours tat easily line up with any grown horse’s back. The Diamond wool contour felt pad is extremely shock absorbent and moisture-absorbent too. It is also easy to clean, use, and transport since it is incredibly lightweight.

This amazing felt pad is a handcrafted specialized wool pad with leather lining all over. It is safe for use and is perfect for most kinds of horses.

Success Equestrian Deluxe Hunter No-Slip Saddle Pad

This saddle pad is a unique impact resistant no-slip saddle pad made of 50% cotton, 30% polyester, and 20% PVC. The external lining of this great saddle pad comes with a sure grip that keeps the saddle in place during long rides. This saddle is super breathable and is elegantly contoured for flexibility and stability.

The Success Equestrian no-slip saddle pad has great shock absorption and provides great support. It is perfect for riders who are not quite used to riding horses constantly. It’s also great for young horses too.

AceRugs Clear Seat Saver Non-Slip Therapeutic Gel Half pad

The Ace rug gel seat pad or saddle pad is an interesting gel-based transparent saddle for training, eventing, riding, jumping, and all other fun activities. Since it has gel padding, it is extremely shock-absorbent and provides impact protection during stressful events. This gel pad has a non-slip internal lining that helps keep the pad in place during use.

Like most therapeutic gels pads on the market, it helps correct some serious flexibility, posture, and habit issues commonly found in horses. It does not come in the length of a full pad, but it is just as impressive.

Intrepid International Comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad

The Intrepid western pad is an incredibly comfortable non-slip pad with incredible fleece underlining. It is made from breathable synthetic fibers and suede for maximum comfort and mobility.  This product also has incredibly shock absorption features.

Although it’s comfort features are not as pronounced as other popular saddle pads for horses, it’s impressive nonetheless. This product also comes with a classic buckle that helps keep the entire saddle in place even when the non-slip fabric fails.

Best Friend Comfort Plus Bareback Pad

Best friend comfort pad plus is an impressive bareback pad with tons of great safety features.  Unlike most horse saddle pads, it comes with a buckle for stability, including the fleece lining under the horse for additional comfort and control. In addition to providing great control, it also has a super soft and plush top that provides comfort throughout your ride.

This pad comes in numerous colors, and it comes with an adjustable girth, so it fits small and large horses easily. Best friend comfort plus comes with great impact protection and provides a much smoother riding experience.

Weaver Contoured Felt Saddle Pad

This large 31” by 32” pad is a single weave topper pad that provides great impact protection for most horses and riders during long rides. It has a great contoured shape that fits perfectly with most large horses.

This product is reinforced by leather on all sides, and it has great cushioning in addition to the stability it already provides. It has a great wool blend felt liner that helps keep the entire saddle pad in place while riding, and it provides significant impact protection. This saddle pad is made from a unique material that is extremely moisture absorbent and has moisture-wicking features.

Tough One EquiRoyal Square Quilted Cotton English saddle

This is the first real English style saddle pad we have come across in this review. The Equiroyal square saddle pad is an all-natural cotton twill pad with impressive shock-absorbent insulation between layers. It provides great comfort for both rider and horse, and it has a mini quilted aesthetic design.

This saddle pad comes with nylon billet straps and numerous color options. This aesthetic pad is suitable for day riding, training, and other interesting English riding activities.

Conclusion

As you might have noticed from the products we reviewed in this guide, saddle pads come in all shapes and sizes. There are thousands of saddle pads currently available on the online market. With this kind of versatility and options, it can be challenging figuring out which product is the best saddle pads for horses.  Although we have numerous great products, for this guide, we have singled out the most mobile, shock-absorbent pad available on the market. While most of the products on this list are by no means bad, they are not quite as good as the Lami-cell Full Shock Absorbing Memory Pad.

If you are into smooth long trail walks, gaited horses are the best choice for you. Gaited horses are specially made for these because of their endurance. In addition, they are very willing to be ridden even for a long time.They also require less energy compared to other horses and they can continue long journeys without much trouble. The best part is they are not bouncy making it less stressful for the rider. But to make every journey worry and pain free for both the rider and the horse, the best saddle for gaited horses must be used.

Choosing the Right Saddle for your Horses

As mentioned, it takes a great saddle for an effective and enjoyable trail walk or transport for any gaited horses. There are various types of saddles but you should understand that not all of them are suitable for gaited horses. It is important that the saddle fit accordingly in order to avoid discomfort and pain when you ride your gaited horses. To be able to get the appropriated saddle for your them, you must consider the following features and characteristics.

The Saddle Design and Frame

Consider this fact the basic. The design of a gaited saddle is quite different from other saddles. A gaited saddle is typically shorter in the back part as gaited horses tend to have a shorter back than the other types. It is also better to choose a saddle which gullet has an A shaped frame. As for the skirt, it is important that it is shorter than the usual saddle skirt to allow the horse to move without restraints. Finally, the panel should be steeper so the weight of the rider will be distributed evenly.

Materials

Various materials are used in making horse saddles. It could be made of leather, nylon, resin, wood or a combination of any of the aforementioned materials. Each promises quality, durability and style. You can choose any based on your preferences, but it is worthy to know that a thinner material or construction is better. Thick materials tend to be heavy and may cause some pressure points. It will also hinder you from having a close skin contact with your horses.

Flexibility

Another thing to consider is the saddle’s flexibility. Comfort is one of your priority and you cannot provide it to horses if the saddle limits their actions especially at the back. Gating requires sudden changes in movement and your saddle must be able to bear with it.

Saddle Bars

As the saddle for gaited horses is shorter than the usual ones, the saddle bars should also be shorter. Basically, it is to promote a stress-free movement among the horses and to avoid pressure points. They should also be durable enough to withstand pressure, and moisture.

Features

Different saddles have various features to offer. You can choose saddles with or without horns, with D-rings, streamlined saddles, or those with rigging. Before getting too amazed by these, it is crucial that you understand what they are for at first.

15 Best Saddle for Gaited Horses

You can find many saddle for gaited horses and you might find it hard to choose as they all seem good and suitable. To help you further, we gathered 15 best saddle for gaited horses.

Circle Y Alabama Flex2 Trail Gaiter Saddle

This saddle provides a guaranteed all-day comfort making it one of the most popular saddles for gaited horses. The Flex2 saddle and its design promise to provide convenience not only to the rider but also to the horse. It has an in-skirt rigging which can be positioned in 3 ways, so you can always adjust it according to your horse.

You can also notice its angled rear dee which allows you secure the saddle even on rough terrain. Its dense bar helps distribute the rider’s weight and the light bar is used against the horse allowing it to move freely.

ABETTA Classic Round Skirt Saddle

A mold-injected polyethylene Ralide is used for its tree. Molded trees make the cover fit perfectly after sewing the parts, making sure that the saddle fits your gaited horses. This saddle is made from a combination of materials. The outer shell is denier nylon with a closed-cell foam inside.

Its seat is made of Acu-suede while the pommel and cantle is vinyl. It also has a rigging secured with a nylon strap and the bottom of the saddle has fleece. There is a pleasure style horn and bell stirrups. The materials used in the outer part are all water proof so you can even wash them whenever needed.

Cashel Company Diamond Border Trail Saddle

Are you worried of getting back or buttocks pain after a long ride with your gaited horse? Worry no more as Cashel has something to offer to you. This saddle has handmade wooden trees with a fiberglass finish to give it extra durability. This tree was especially made to fit a variety of horses.

Every corner of the saddle is splayed and the bars are curved and spaced properly. It is to avoid giving pressure on your horse’s back. The seat intended for the rider is also padded with comfortable foam to make sure you enjoy every long trail walks with your horse.

Tex Tan Salem Flex Trail Saddle

Ideal gullet size, appropriate bars and 3-way adjustable stainless in-skirt are only some of this saddle’s features. Other than those, it highlights a silver flank slot and fenders which were pre-turned. This saddle also has a 4” Cheyene roll cantle, a horn and stirrups.

The tree of this saddle is made from equi-tex flex tree and the size is made ideally to fit gaited horses. It also features a border tooling, soft benders and jockeys, and butterfly air channel skirts allowing the horse to move freely. Moreover, the seat has a visco memory foam to make sure you are comfortable while riding your horse.

Premium Tooled Western Saddle Pleasure Trail Horse Leather Barrel

Whether you aim to show off in an arena or enjoy long trail walks with your gaited horse, this saddle cannot go unnoticed. Mainly, this saddle is made of high quality leather with a lightweight and durable tree made of wood and fiberglass. Its 4” deep seat is well-padded to give you comfort while riding your horse. The suede material also ensures to hold you firmly.

It has a 26” x 26” skirt, 6 ¾” gullet and a 3” long horn. The rigging is in skirt C and its Blevin buckles are easy to adjust. They offer a headstall breast collar for free but only for a limited time period.

HILASON Western Horse Treeless Trail Saddle

HILASON Trail Saddle gained popularity because of its unique design and attractive features. Although it is treeless, it provides the same comfort as others. Its design was carefully considered to distribute the weight of the rider evenly to remove the chance of pressure points.

The skirt structure and cinching/stirrups webbing also help the horse move faster and with ease. High quality genuine American leather cowhide structure was used as its materials. The beautiful black color matches its front cinch straps. It can fit most of horse’s size and there are various sizes and colors available for you to choose from.

TN Saddlery

A pleasure saddle designed to make your trail walks hassle-free and convenient no matter how long it would be. Its gaited tree is designed to work well on various walking, racing and gaited horses especially the short-backed ones. The seat was structured for both design and safety.

Its flared gullet is 6 ¾”, the cantle is 4 ½” and it has man ties and rings. The in skirt is a stainless steel double rigging with 6 copper rivets on every side. The underskirt is made of neoprene foam so the horse also feels comfort while you ride it. Moreover, it has a nylon fleece lining that makes it attractive.

Acerugs New Comfy Gaited Western Pleasure Trail Show Horse Saddle

It is another saddle you can use for show or trail walks. This classic synthetic horse saddle has silver Conchos. It is also lightweight and water-resistant. When bought, it comes with a head stall, reins and breast collar that match the saddle color and design. The saddle tree is made of durable fiber glass for extra strength.

The padded stirrups are all adjustable and the underside is made of soft fleece to avoid pressure points. You will also find comfort in its soft padded seat. The skirt length is 28” – 34” long and the cantle is deep enough at 4.5” to secure the rider.

Orlov Hill Leather Co. Comfy Trail Saddle

If you want a saddle that is made from 100% premium leather, consider this one among your choices. The tree of this classic style saddle is floral hand tooled with a stainless steel fitting hardware. It can be used for shows, roping or trail walking.

The rough out jockey padded suede seat keeps you stable on horse’s sudden movements and give you comfort on long rides. Leather strings accessories attachments are also included.  It also comes with an oiled leather Latigo, billet straps and headstall breast collar. The rigging has a D-string and the stirrup is also covered in leather.

Orlov Hill Leather Co. Leather Stone Studded Barrel Racing/Pleasure Saddle

Both comfort and style are what this saddle from Orlov Hill Leather Co. offers. It is a great choice for show performance because of its features and appearance and a good choice for trail walking because of it comfortability.Made with hand tooled premium leather and studded with stones for a more attractive exterior.

Same as with other saddle from the same company, its tree is made of stainless steel fitting hardware to easily fit most horse’s size. The seat is padded and rough to keep you still while providing coziness.  It is available in 15”, 16” or 17” so you can easily choose for your horse.

Hilason Western Saddle American Leather Flex Tree Trail

Another yet revolutionary saddle from the most famous collection of HILASON saddles. Made from premium quality American leather that guarantees durability with a flex tree feature. This flex tree gives the rider a treed saddle experience while giving the horse freedom to move, thanks to the flexible bars underneath.

This saddle’s skirt also made of genuine skirting leather. It lightweight and precisely short to allow you to have more contact with your horse. With this saddle, you don’t have to worry about the distribution of weight as the stirrups have Blevins buckles for a quick change in length. This saddle is also shock-absorbing.

Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle

This saddle by Wintec features full quarter bars which are known for their durability and fit, and the comfort they provide to gaited horses. Other than that, this saddle highlights its EZ-Fold Fenders System. You will also love its fleece lined square skirt and cantle which are made from scratch-resistant synthetic leather.

In addition to that, you will find its seat attractive and comfy. It is a suede leather seat padded with microfiber polyurethane. The stirrups are easy to adjust and the buckles are weatherproof. The overall material of this saddle is easy to clean and maintain and it doesn’t need waxing nor oiling anymore.

Western Endurance Double T Gaited Saddle

Western endurance double T gaited saddle is also a good choice for everyday use, and even for long trail walks. It has a 16” seat and is in chestnut tan of color. The material used for it is leather and the top grain bars are semi-quarter horse. The saddle tree is wood and covered with fiber glass for extra strength.

The stirrups can be adjusted from 28” to 38” and you can add holes to the leather adjustments in case it is not enough. It has a 2.75” horn, a 4” deep cantle and 6.5” gullet. This saddle is available in colors and 2 sizes.

King Series Gaited SQ Synthetic Saddle

A great fitting to today’s gaited horses is what this saddle highlights. Most of its parts are made of synthetic leather combined with other materials for strength and effectiveness. The synthetic skirt and fenders are crafted from durable nylon and the smooth leather seat is padded.

It is also difficult to ignore its other features. It has a quick change buckles, back flank cinch, nylon tie straps, pommel and cantle and leather jockeys. The tree is made of rawhide covered bars and it has a drop dee rigging for all your stuff. Without a doubt, this saddle is good for trail riding and the like.

Royal King Triumph Gaited Saddle

It may be the last one from our list, but it is definitely not the least. The tree of Royal King saddle is made from rawhide covered horse bars to make sure it fits most gaited horses. The skirting design was also made minimum to allow the horse to move with ease. This saddle is mainly made of smooth leather and a neoprene in skirts.

It provides comfort not only for the horse but also for the rider. The leather seat is padded and the buckles are easy to change. The aluminum stirrups have a rubber thread and the rigging is also a drop dee.

Conclusion

Like what you have noticed from the list we provided, every saddle has a different feature and advantages. Their appearance tends to be different from one another, too. But the most important thing for you to consider is whether the saddle fits your horse gaited horse or not. Gaited horses are really the best choice for transport as they are comfortable to ride. So in return pleasure and comfort they give you while you ride them, choose a saddle that would work best for them, too. Get a saddle that possesses the most important features, not only the appearance. Most importantly, choose a saddle which will not result to any stress and pain to your horses.