Equestrian Shop Online » Gear » [TESTED & APPROVED] 4 Best Lightweight Western Trail Saddles You Should Check Out

[TESTED & APPROVED] 4 Best Lightweight Western Trail Saddles You Should Check Out

Best Saddle for Trail Riding

Saddles, particularly the western saddles, may be rather weighty, especially when new. For petite individuals riding tall horses, heavy saddles may be especially challenging to manage, since it might be difficult to balance a 30+ pound saddle on the back of a 17 hand tall horse.

The use of lightweight saddles might be beneficial for both horses and riders. Some individuals find it difficult to carry a standard saddle, much alone place it on the back of a horse, because of the weight of the saddle.

Among trail riding in America, western saddles have long been the most preferred option for their horses. Because of their strong build, they are able to withstand brushy terrain and weather conditions. Because of the big stirrups and high cantle, you’ll simply remain tucked in your saddle all day long. Breast collars, cruppers, and back cinches might well be easily attached to the saddle, further securing it to the horse’s body.   In addition, western saddles may simply be changed to pack saddles when traveling for longer periods of time or on longer journeys that need more stuff.

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Benefits of Lightweight Saddles

A lightweight saddle may improve both your saddling experience and your horse’s performance while you are out riding. However, you want to be certain that, despite the saddle’s small weight, it is durable and has high-quality components.

Lightweight saddles allows riders to sit closer to the horse’s back, allowing for more direct contact between theirselves and the horse. The use of light saddles also minimizes tension on your horse’s back, which is especially important for horses with sensitive backs or who have had injuries in the past.
When trail riding or participating in endurance events, many riders choose to ride on lightweight saddles. They are especially advantageous since they allow the horse to remain in good shape and comfortable throughout extended rides. The greater the amount of weight carried on lengthy journeys, the more quickly your horse will tire.

These are some of the most comfortable western saddles you can purchase for trail riding, designed with your comfort in mind.

1. Big Horn Custom Light Flex Tree Trail Saddle

Big Horn Custom Light Flex Tree Trail Saddle

Whether you’re riding in the morning or the evening, this smooth, flexible FQHB trail saddle from the Horse Saddle Shop will keep you comfortable and on your horse from sunrise to sunset. The dual density memory foam seat cushioning is one of the most comfortable seats on the market, and it is also very durable and resistant to wear and tear in high temperatures. There is a non-slip surface on the inside of the skirt thanks to the use of top grain leather. Despite the attention to detail, additional gear straps, and aluminum rubber cushioned endurance stirrups, this saddle still weighs in at around 28lbs.

Key features:

  • Tree: Ralide flexible with full quarter horse bars
  • Weight: Approximately 28 lbs.
  • Gullet Width: Wide
  • Gullet Height: 7 1/2″
  • Horn: 2 3/4″ x 2 1/2″
  • Cantle: 1 1/2″ Cheyenne roll ; Wide Tree: 5″, Reg Tree: 4″
  • Seat: Grain out with dual density memory foam seat padding; Wide Tree:16″&17″, Reg Tree: 15″,16″,17″
  • Skirt: 24″ x 19″ tunnel skirt design. Skirt is lined with top grain leather.
  • Trim: Nickel Plated hardware with latigo tie strings. Back crupper dee.
  • Stirrups: Aluminum rubber padded endurance stirrups.
  • Rigging: In-skirt dropped C-plate rigging. Rear rigging for center-fire option.

2. Light Oil Dakota Saddlery Trail Saddle

Light Oil Dakota Saddlery Trail Saddle

Dakota Saddlery’s saddles are  long-lasting at a reasonable price.  The Horse Saddle Shop offers Dakota unique saddles that is hard to be able to get anyplace else.
With a Steele Equi-Fit fiberglass-covered tree and double 7/8 position rigging with stainless steel dees, this wonderful saddle is a great choice for trail riding enjoyment. A rawhide silver braided cantle and gorgeous basketweave craftsmanship are among the unique characteristics of this model.

Key Features:

  • Tree: Steele Equi-Fit. Fiberglass Covered Quarterhorse Bars. 5 Years Warranty Full Bars Available.
  • Horn: 3-1/2″
  • Skirt: 15″ is 25-1/2″ length. 16″ is 26-1/2″ Length.
  • Rigging: Double Stainless Steel Dees 7/8″ Position.
  • Cantle: 5″
  • Stirrup Leather: 2-1/2″ With Blevins Buckles.
  • Weight: Approx 30lbs

3. Big Horn Lady LightWeight Flex Trail Saddle

Ladies Light Weight Flex Trail Saddle

The customized Ladies Light Weight Flex Trail Saddles which you can easily find are designed specifically for female riders. They also have included choices for leather color, tooling pattern, and seat material to let you construct a saddle that is uniquely yours.
Because of the small twist, this is a delight to saddle and a pleasure to ride. Comfortable double-padded distressed leather seat provides exceptional support. The tall cantle and suede seat material work together to create a pocket that will provide protection and confidence when out on the trails. All of your trail stuff will fit comfortably in the long strings of this saddle, which is also quilted cordura fabric for a beautiful final touch. And not only does it feel fantastic, but it also feels light when you get into the saddle – it weighs just 21 pounds!

The customized Ladies Light Weight Flex Trail Saddles which you can easily find are designed specifically for female riders. They also have included choices for leather color, tooling pattern, and seat material to let you construct a saddle that is uniquely yours.
Because of the small twist, this is a delight to saddle and a pleasure to ride. Comfortable double-padded distressed leather seat provides exceptional support. The tall cantle and suede seat material work together to create a pocket that will provide protection and confidence when out on the trails. All of your trail stuff will fit comfortably in the long strings of this saddle, which is also quilted cordura fabric for a beautiful final touch. And not only does it feel fantastic, but it also feels light when you get into the saddle – it weighs just 21 pounds!

It is created with a flexible tree to provide a more comfortable fit for your horse. Choose between the Regular tree for a narrower horse with higher withers and the Wide tree for a horse with a wider shoulder.

Key Features:

  • Tree: Flexible tree with Regular or Wide gullet
  • Seat: 15″, 16″, 17″ Double Padded Distressed or Grainout Leather. *Due to the extra padding in the seat, we recommend you go up one size from the seat you normally get.
  • Cantle: 4″ on Regular Tree, 5″ on Wide Tree
  • Gullet: 6.5″ on Regular Tree, 7″ on Wide Tree
  • Rigging: Stainless Steel dees
  • Skirt Length: 26″
  • Trim: Leather Pommel, Jockey, and Cantle Binding. Cordura skirts, fenders, and housings
  • Tooling – You Choose: Smooth, Running W, Floral, Barbwire. The tooling pattern goes on the border of the seat jockey and on the cantle binding.
  • Finish – You Choose: Show Brown, Rich Chestnut, Black
  • Weight: Approximately 21 lbs

4. Crates Lightweight Round Skirt Trail Saddle

Crates Exclusive Round Skirt Lightweight Trail Saddle

Horse and Saddle shop’s stunning Lightweight Trail saddle by Crates is crafted with a very comfortable cushioned chap leather seat to keep you comfortable when riding on the trails in comfort.

The leather is coated with a glossy chestnut oil to give it a luxurious sheen. A five-year limited guarantee ensures that you may purchase with confidence.

Key Features:

  • Tree: Equi-Fit Trail, Fiberglass Covered Wood. Quarterhorse bars, and 7” WIDE GULLET in 16” and 17”
  • Gullet: 6 5/8” Wide, 8 1/2” High Or 7” Wide Gullet – 16″ and 17″ Only)
  • Seat: 15”, 16”, 17”
  • Cantle: 3 1/2” Cantle
  • Horn: Trail 3 1/2” High, 2 1/2” Cap
  • Rigging: Double-C In-Skirt, Stainless Steel
  • Skirt: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece Lined (28” in 17”)
  • Fender: 17” x 7 1/2”, 2 1/2” Leathers
  • Finish: Chestnut, Mahogany, Natural
  • Weight: About 29 Pounds (31 Pounds for 17”)

Final Thoughts on the Best Lightweight Western Trail Saddles

Choosing the best lightweight western trail saddles can be a hard task. We hope the information we provided and the product recommendations helped you pick your next western trail saddle. Feel free to hit the comment section and share your opinions or questions!