Top Western Saddle Brands for Comfort and Durability

When it comes to equestrian gear, choosing the right western saddle is paramount for both horse and rider comfort. Renowned for their craftsmanship and durability, several brands have set themselves apart in the equestrian community. From handmade leatherwork to innovative design features, these brands offer a variety of options to suit different riding needs and preferences. To explore the top western saddle brands and discover what makes each one unique, dive into the details below.

Illustration of western saddle

Best brands of western saddle in 2025

Circle Y Saddles

Circle Y Saddles, established in 1960, is a renowned brand in the western saddle market, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and innovation. With a legacy spanning over 63 years, Circle Y has become a leader in producing high-quality, handcrafted saddles that cater to both horse and rider comfort. The brand is known for its Flex2 technology, offering flexible and lightweight saddle trees that provide superior shock absorption. Under the umbrella of Kaspar Companies, Inc. since August 2023, Circle Y continues to expand its reach and pursue long-term success. Circle Y's annual revenues range from $10 to $100 million, reflecting its significant presence in the leather and allied product manufacturing industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Billy Cook Saddlery

Billy Cook Saddlery is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and durability in western saddles, boasting a history dating back to 1953 when Billy Cook first opened his saddle shop in Greenville, TX, producing 75 saddles in the inaugural year. By the end of the 1950s, production scaled impressively to 1,200 saddles annually. Each saddle is meticulously hand-tooled and stamped with the "Billy Cook Maker's Mark," a revered symbol of fine artisanry and quality. Despite facing challenges, including a notable dispute with the Action Company over the use of his name, Billy Cook steadfastly maintained his commitment to quality, ensuring that every saddle adheres to high standards. Today, the brand endures under the management of Jody Ramer and Rutilo Osornio, preserving the legacy of Billy Cook's saddlemaking expertise. For more information, you can explore their story here.

Tucker Saddlery

Tucker Saddlery is a renowned brand in the horse saddles market, particularly known for its high-quality Western saddles. As a leading competitor, Tucker Saddlery is highlighted in market reports for its significant contribution to the global horse saddles market, which is expected to grow substantially by 2030. The brand is part of a market that includes other major players like Wintec, Dale Chavez, and Hermes, and it plays a crucial role in the segmentation of Western saddles. Tucker Saddlery's products are appreciated for their performance and durability, making them a favorite among equestrians. The company also offers a 30-day return policy, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Bighorn Saddles

Bighorn Saddles, now produced by American Saddlery, is renowned for its high-quality Western saddles, particularly designed to fit hard-to-fit horses. The Bighorn Haflinger Saddle, for instance, comes in leather and synthetic models with 15 1/2-inch and 16-inch seats, featuring short, rounded skirts ideal for short-backed horses. These saddles are built on trees specifically designed to accommodate wide-backed breeds like Haflingers and Fjords. The attention to detail and customized fit options make Bighorn Saddles a preferred choice among riders. With a focus on comfort and durability, these saddles ensure a perfect fit for both the horse and the rider. For more information, visit the American Saddlery website.

Tex Tan American Saddles

Tex Tan American Saddles is renowned for its high-quality western saddles, crafted with strict guidelines to ensure the best products at reasonable prices. As part of Old West Brands, Tex Tan encompasses several notable brands, including Moser Leather & Laces, Simco Saddle Co., and Longhorn Saddle Co., reflecting their comprehensive presence in the market. The company has a rich history and has recently expanded by purchasing the entire grooming division of Circle Y, further enhancing their product range. Tex Tan saddles are identified by specific model numbers, such as 081200 for a Reiner and 08300 for a Roper, and include detailed coding for color and size. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Tex Tan continues to be a gem in the old west saddlery industry. For more information, visit their website.

Reinsman Equestrian

Reinsman Equestrian Products, established in 1993, is renowned for its high-quality, handmade Western saddles, bits, and tack. The brand was acquired by Circle Y Saddles, Inc. in 2012 and continues to specialize in professional-grade saddlery, offering semi-customized saddles with a 10-year warranty on the saddle tree. Reinsman saddles are crafted by experienced horsemen and saddlemakers, ensuring a perfect fit for both horse and rider. With over 25 years of expertise in saddle making and roping, Reinsman's products are designed to provide comfort, balance, and stability. Each saddle is meticulously made to last, using quality tooling leather that holds a deep pattern.

Martin Saddlery

Martin Saddlery is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs, making it one of the best producers of Western saddles. Founded by Dale Martin, who has over 20 years of experience in saddle making and a deep background in horse riding, including team roping, calf roping, and steer roping for 30 years. The brand is particularly noted for its signature saddles like the Crown C Barrel Racer, designed in collaboration with barrel racing champion Sherry Cervi, and the traditional Wade saddle, known for its comfort during long hours of ranch work. Martin Saddlery's saddles are crafted to ensure both the rider's comfort and the horse's well-being, with attention to details such as gullet width, bar angle, and seat design. Their saddles are highly regarded for their performance and durability, making them a favorite among Western riders. Explore their offerings at Walden Farm & Ranch.

Fabtron Saddles

Fabtron Saddles is renowned as one of the top producers of western saddles, boasting over 40 years of expertise in crafting high-quality equestrian equipment. With a legacy of tradition and innovation, Fabtron saddles are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and durability, making them a favorite among professional riders. The company uses premium materials, such as American Steer hides, and features meticulous details like hand-stitched cantles and berry conchos. Fabtron is part of a growing global horse saddle market expected to reach USD 949.78 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 6.54% from 2022 to 2028. Their commitment to quality and customer service has earned them a strong reputation in the equestrian community.

Simco Longhorn Saddlery

Simco Longhorn Saddlery is a notable producer of western saddles, known for their middle-of-the-road quality, which means they offer a balance between affordability and durability. While not the highest end, Simco saddles are reliable and suitable for everyday use, such as trail riding. The brand has been around since at least the 1980s, with specific models like one from 1986 being identifiable by their serial numbers and manufacturing dates printed on the saddle. Simco saddles often feature a Ralide tree and may have simpler designs, but they are serviceable and durable. For example, a 1986 Simco saddle model was priced at $295 initially and later at $895 in 1997, indicating a significant value retention.

Alamo Saddlery

Alamo Saddlery, founded in 1996 by the late Roy E. Martin, is renowned for producing high-quality, trend-setting Western saddles and tack. Known for their superior materials and impeccable hand-crafting, Alamo saddles are highly regarded for their quality and value. The company is the home of the original "Jewelry on Tack" and offers a 5-year guarantee on all saddle trees. Alamo Saddlery is featured in market analyses as a significant player in the harness saddlery equipment market, which is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2028. Their products are distributed through various dealers, including Canyon Creek Saddlery.