Best English Saddles Reviewed & Rated for Quality
There is a wide selection on the market today. Most have the key features you look for in a high performing saddle such as a solid tree, cushioned panels, and a well-adjusted gullet. Variations in construction and material quality can make a considerable difference when it comes to performance. English saddles don’t measure evenly. This top 10 review lists the best on the market today along with their most appealing features.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Adjustability
There are a number of parts on your saddle setup that can be adjusted to increase safety, strength, ride efficiency and even showmanship. For example, grab handles can be placed on your saddle to increase control and stability. This is most effective when learning to ride for the first time as it gives you the opportunity to get comfortable with the movement of your horse in a safe and controlled environment.
Removable stirrups are also an excellent option for a novice as well as professional riders. Stirrups provide a footrest for riders and give them a point of leverage. When you remove your stirrups you are forced to maintain your posture and balance using just your upper thighs. This helps to build your strength and improve your balance. It is advisable for riders of any level to practice mastering this skill as it can greatly improve your riding ability.
Stirrup bars can be bolted to the tree of your saddle as an added safety measure. If a rider falls from their horse and is unable to release themselves from the saddle they face the very real danger of being dragged by their horse which can cause serious injury or prove fatal. These bars can be placed in an open or closed position giving riders the power to release themselves in the case of an emergency. Customers really think it was designed with them in mind.
D-rings are also available when using English saddles. These rings can be used to attach equipment such as breastplates which can be used to prevent your saddle from sliding back and can also be used to show attachments when competing in a show ring. These adjustable rings can be easily pulled out of the saddle when a rider is ready to utilize them.
Comfort
The cantle at the back of the saddle provides support and helps a rider to maintain control and posture. By raising the height of the cantle it increases rider security which is an excellent feature for novice riders who are just beginning to learn equitation and other riding disciplines. The extra security helps them to build confidence and protects them from easily losing their balance when riding.
Bareback pad seats tend to be rigid and uncomfortable which is why some manufacturers have used high quality materials to create a soft padded seat that adds comfort to a rider. They may also line the underside of the saddle with materials such as fleece which is not only durable but soft and offers an extra degree of comfort to your horse when you take them out for ride.
Knee rolls offer multiple degrees of comfort, for example, they provide leg support for riders which not only helps them to keep their balance. It is padded for added comfort and some feature a built in sweat flap that wicks away and sweat keeping your horse cool during various types of activities. Padded knee rolls offer additional grip and support for riders.
Panels are used to cushion the back of your horse when you place the saddle on them and greatly increases your balance and control while riding. Padded panels can be stuffed with a variety of materials which include but is not limited to wool and foam. Those materials really enhance a riders comfort.
Ease of Use
The pommel at the front of the saddle is usually lifted higher than the seat to ensure you clear your horse’s girth and promotes a balanced more secure structure for riders. Some manufacturers have the pommel lower and pushed further forward which creates a closer ride and allows you to connect with your horse better as you are able to feel their movements.
A lightweight saddle is easier to maneuver during setup which is a great convenience for smaller riders. It also reduces the weight and strain placed on your horse. Saddles are traditionally made with materials such as leather which can be bulky and add a significant amount of weight. Materials such as wool and foam have become more widely used which not only makes the structure lighter but more comfortable for horses and riders.
The tree which is essentially the structure of the saddle is generally constructed from wood and then covered with a synthetic material for comfort, however, manufacturers have been using more synthetic materials which are not only lighter but more flexible which creates a better fit and is more versatile. They enable a rider to adjust their saddle to fit a range of horses that may differ in size, breed and wither.
A closed cell foam construction is much lighter and more flexible than bareback pad saddles. These offer benefits beyond convenience and comfort. They allow you to have a close contact ride which gives you the opportunity to have faster more precise contact with your horse as well as become more in sync with them as you will be able to feel their movements while you ride.
Materials
Leather has high tensile strength and is highly resistant to tears and abrasion. This makes it an ideal choice for the heavy-duty task of horseback riding. It ensures product longevity and durability and gives each design a sleek look that would be the envy at any equitation event.
Grain leather is one of the most commonly used types of leather and using this to construct a saddle gives it a smooth high-quality look as it has been snuffed and sanded or even buffed to remove any imperfections. It tends to be more durable than other types of leather since the grain is left in the product.
Stainless steel is a common metal used in product construction due to its strength and high level of durability. It is resistant to corrosion and is used on most saddle designs to reinforce the frame of the saddle as well as on buckles and other attachments. This not only gives them a beautiful look but it ensures your product will last and be able to withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Suede is not as strong or durable as leather as its grain has been removed, however, it is soft and lightweight and used to coat areas such flaps on the saddle to produce a unique design and change of texture on your product. It adds a degree of comfort and protection for both the rider and the gear being used.
Style
Many English saddles feature a deep padded seat which offers protection and security when riding your horse. The deeper the seat the greater the security and these seats are usually padded with materials such as foam to cushion the rider’s seat bones and add a layer of comfort which is especially useful for trail riders and novice riders who have just started learning how to keep their balance when riding.
The pommel of the saddle is generally raised higher than the seat to provide added security for riders, however, it also serves to provide clearance for the wither of your horse. Being the tallest point on the horse it’s important that the pommel fits comfortable to avoid any disruption in the motion of your horse. The wither of horses vary from size to breed and should always be measured to ensure a proper fit for optimal performance.
Saddle flaps also feature prominently on a saddle and may vary greatly with brands and design since it is supposed to mirror your leg position. These flaps help protect your feet by acting as a barrier between you and the gullets and or girth buckles. There is no reason function can’t be married to style and some brands cover this area with materials such as suede which not only increases comfort and durability but it also creates a stunning design that will look fabulous at show events.
10 Best English Saddles
1. Mustang Soft Ride
The Mustang Riding Saddle has a high rise cantle for extra security and adjustable grab handles. It features a foam fitted seat with shock absorbing back pads that not only improve comfort for riders but also assists to improve balance while riding. Its high rise cantle provided added support and the closed cell foam construction allows close contact riding with a decreased chance of added pressure on rider or horse weak points.
Adjustable Handle
The adjustable grab handle on this Mustang riding saddle gives novice riders added support and a sense of security when learning a discipline for the first time. Removable stirrups give you the option of using your legs to keep your balance which builds your strength as a rider.
Ease of Use
This English saddle is lightweight and extremely versatile as it works well with a variety of horse breeds and can be easily adjusted to fit differently sized horses. Its closed cell foam construction allows close contact riding.
Cost and Value
The Mustang riding saddle has a moderately low price range and offers riders a selection of sizes. It can be easily cleaned by hosing off the structure and allowing it to air dry.
2. AceRugs Leather
The AceRugs product is constructed from 100% premium leather and features a stainless steel finish. This kit is an exceptional choice for novice riders as it features a deep seat, high cantle, and long flaps. The D-strings strategically placed at the front and rear of the saddle add a layer of security for the rider.
Comfort
A high cantle gives additional support to the back making posture more comfortable. Additionally, it adds an extra bit of security and control while riding.
Leather Construction
This is constructed from leather and finished with stainless steel. The design has been hand stitched and comes with matching leather stirrups. This kit is built to last with high-quality durable materials.
Cost and Value
The low price range of this set makes it a great choice for novice riders. The set includes a saddle, safety stirrups, a billet and billet guards. Also, included is a matching bridle, reins, and girth.
3. AceRugs All Purpose
This second option from AceRugs is made from 100% leather and has a deep padded leather seat for increased comfort and durability. It is extremely cost-effective as it can be used for a variety of disciplines which favors novice riders. The deeper seat along with padded flaps give a rider more confidence and stability. This is amplified by the high cantle and long flaps.
Deep Seat
The AceRugs brown English horse saddle has a deep seat that offers riders increased balance and knee pads to improve grip when riding. Its high cantle, long flaps and lower pummel make it easy to use this saddle over multiple riding disciplines.
Comfort
This English saddle features a padded seat with high cantles and long flaps that make it ideal for flat work. Its low pommel and forward flaps are great for riders who engage in jumping.
Cost and Value
This has a low price range. It has a natural brown color with padded knee rolls and the girth features heavy-duty stainless steel buckles for increased durability.
4. SilverFox
The SilverFox option is constructed with a grain leather for durability and features suede leather knee rolls. It is a great choice for novice riders as it features a deep seat with knee rolls for stability. This all-purpose product is constructed from grain leather with suede knee rolls. The tree is versatile enough to fit almost any quarter horse and the long flap featured on this design has a total length of 16 inches.
Grain Leather
The seat and jockeys of this SilverFare padded saddle is constructed from grain leather with suede flaps. Its leg rolls are also constructed from leather to create a unique yet uniform finish to the saddle.
Stirrup Bars
Stirrup bars have been bolted on to the of this as a safety measure for riders who may fall from their horse. This feature prevents you from being dragged by detaching and releasing you from the saddle. It can be adjusted to an open or closed position.
Cost and Value
This product is versatile enough to be used across multiple disciplines which makes it a great choice for novice riders. It has a traditional deep seat for increased balance and is able to fit most quarter horses.
5. Cashel Soft
The Cashel is constructed from high-quality materials such as fleece with a standard western rigging. It is built for comfort and control with adjustable stirrups, a wither handle strap and front D-strings. This soft saddle adds increased stability and creates a more natural feel allowing riders to connect more with their horse. It comes in a variety of sizes that effectively accommodate rider weight.
Unique Contours
The Cashel saddle is uniquely contoured and offers a high level of stability. This design allows a rider to do close contact riding which improves communication between a rider and horse as you can feel the movements and communicate faster and more effectively.
Comfort
This is constructed from high-quality materials that provide a soft seat for riders and the underside is lined with fleece to ensure your horse is comfortable during a ride as well.
Cost and Value
The Cashel saddle has a medium to high price range, however, it features nylon stirrups and adjustable stirrup straps. It is a great choice for riders who wish to do trail riding or regular exercises with their horse.
6. AceRugs Premium
This premium option has a nylon girth with heavy-duty buckles and stainless steel hardware. It is affordable and versatile enough to be used over a variety of disciplines such as equitation, flatwork, and jumping. There are a number of design features here that all work well to provide a rider with comfort and security. Multiple D-strings are available and these can be easily attached to saddle bags.
Comfort
There are features of this product that are sure to provide leg support as well as a sweat flap that ensures the rider is comfortable. The seat is also padded for increased comfort.
Versatile
The adjustable D-rings found on this gives a rider the option of attaching additional equipment to their horse to increase ride efficiency. It can be easily pulled out and utilized under high-stress situations making it a great addition to any saddle.
Cost and Value
This product has a low price range and features a 7-inch gullet, a 15-inch flap, and 44-inch girth. The set includes a full braided bridle with leather reins and leather stirrups.
7. AceRugs All Purpose
The AceRugs all-purpose set is made from premium leather with a 7-inch gullet and full bridle. It has a very traditional design and can be used for multiple disciplines such as equitation, flatwork, and jumping. It is ideal for the novice rider as it provides a high level of balance and security.
Deep Seat for Balance
This has a deep seat that offers riders increased balance and knee pads to improve grip when riding. Its high cantle, long flaps and lower pummel make it easy to use this saddle over multiple riding disciplines.
Padded Panels
Padded panels on this English saddle provides an extra layer of protection for your horse to increase its comfort while you ride. This feature also helps to increase rider balance.
Cost and Value
The has a low price range and a deep padded leather seat. The matching set includes a full bridle and braided leather reins with leather stirrups.
8. EquiRoyal Newport
The EquiRoyal has a flexible tree that allows increased freedom of movement for your horse as well as removable knee buckles. This is attractive, well-balanced and extremely flexible with a tree that features a cut back head. This makes it versatile enough to be used on a variety of differently breed horses. The seat is deep with a soft foam cushion that is not only easy to clean but increases rider comfort when in use.
Foam Seat
Foam is used in the seat of this product and adds some additional cushion for the rider as well as for overall horse comfort. It has also been reinforced with steel for increased durability.
Flexibility
This has a flexible tree that is designed to accommodate a wide range of horse withers as some horses have higher withers than others. It is well-balanced and has a deep seat for added security when riding.
Cost and Value
This product has a medium price range. Synthetic lightweight fiber filled panels have been used on this design allowing it to conform to your horse’s natural shape for a close contact ride.
9. AceRugs Premium Leather
This product has a rich natural brown color and deep padded leather seats for increased comfort. This has a traditional design that offers riders added comfort and security and is economically priced. Padded panels improve the comfort of your horse and the design offers technique versatility allowing you to use it for a variety of disciplines including equitation, flatwork, and jumping.
Traditional Style
This product has a traditional design with a medium deep soft padded seat. Its high cantle makes it a great choice for flat work and its low pommel and forward flaps work well for jumping.
Versatility
The adjustable D-rings found on this English saddle gives a rider the option of attaching additional equipment to their horse to increase ride efficiency or showmanship. It can be easily pulled out and utilized in high-stress situations making it a great addition.
Cost and Value
This product has a low price range with a 6-inch gullet, a medium wide seat and a 15-inch flap. There is a selection of sizes available to suit a variety of horses.
10. Henri De Rivel
The Henri De Rivel close contact horse riding saddle has an injection loaded polymer tree that comes with a lifetime warranty and padded flaps.This English saddle is ideal for show ring performers. These features provide comfort and stability to the rider while features such as reinforced billet straps and a leather saddle improve both durability and longevity of the product.
Materials
The Henri De Rivel close contact riding saddle is constructed from leather and has been reinforced for increased durability as well as prolonged longevity of the product. The oak bark printed leather gives this saddle a beautiful finish.
Style
This English saddle has a flat seat which makes it a great choice for persons who desire to do jumping. It has a classic show ring look and features oak bark printed leather that gives the design a clean bright look.
Cost and Value
The Henri De Rivel close contact riding saddle has a very high price range. There is a variety of sizes to choose from when selecting the right fit for your horse. This high quality leather saddle is very strong and highly durable.