Best Circle S Saddles – Affordable Western Saddles for Everyday Riders

ByEquineathon

Circle S Saddlery is best known for producing budget-friendly western saddles that are popular with beginners, casual riders, and horse owners who need a dependable saddle without spending thousands. While Circle S saddles aren’t considered “premium” like Circle Y or Billy Cook, they offer solid value for the money and come in a variety of western styles including barrel, trail, show, and roping.

Quick Picks – Best Circle S Saddles

Buyer’s Guide – What to Expect from Circle S Saddles

Before investing in a Circle S saddle, it helps to know what they are best suited for:

  • Affordability: Circle S saddles are priced much lower than premium western saddles, making them ideal for new riders.
  • Weight: Many Circle S models use Cordura synthetic skirts to keep weight down (18–25 lbs).
  • Seat Style: Options include suede-padded seats for grip (common in barrel models) and smoother seats for show.
  • Durability: While not as rugged as ranch-grade saddles, Circle S saddles are dependable for casual use.
  • Design Variety: Available in trail, barrel, roping, and show styles with different finishes.
  • Target Rider: Perfect for beginners, youth riders, and horse owners needing extra saddles for light use.

Detailed Reviews – Top Circle S Saddles

1. Circle S Barrel Saddle

Who it’s for: Barrel racers and speed riders who want a secure and affordable saddle.

  • Deep suede seat for grip
  • Lightweight build (~22 lbs)
  • Simple, functional design

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, secure seat

Cons: Basic materials, not built for heavy ranch work

Verdict: A great first barrel saddle. Check Price

2. Circle S Cordura Trail Saddle

Who it’s for: Riders who want a lightweight saddle for trail and casual riding.

  • Weighs ~20 lbs
  • Leather/Cordura combo construction
  • Padded seat for long-ride comfort

Pros: Very lightweight, easy to maintain, low cost

Cons: Less traditional look; not as durable as full leather

Verdict: A smart pick for youth riders and anyone who struggles with heavy saddles. See Price

3. Circle S Show Saddle

Who it’s for: Riders who want arena presence without paying premium show saddle prices.

  • Hand-tooled leather with silver plate trim
  • Equitation seat design for posture
  • Traditional western show styling

Pros: Affordable for a show saddle, stylish, good starter option

Cons: Heavier (~35 lbs); not as refined as premium Circle Y or Tex Tan show saddles

Verdict: A budget-friendly show saddle for local competition. View Price

4. Circle S Roping Saddle

Who it’s for: Riders who need a strong saddle for light roping and ranch work.

  • Rawhide-covered horn
  • Full double rigging
  • Sturdy leather build

Pros: Strong, affordable, practical

Cons: Heavier than trail models; not as durable as high-end ranch saddles

Verdict: A good entry-level roping saddle. Check Price

Comparison Table – Best Circle S Saddles

Saddle Best For Key Features Weight Price Link
Circle S Barrel Speed Events Deep suede seat, lightweight ~22 lbs Check Price
Circle S Cordura Trail Trail & Casual Cordura/leather mix, padded seat ~20 lbs See Price
Circle S Show Arena/Competition Tooled leather, silver trim ~35 lbs View Price
Circle S Roping Roping & Ranch Rawhide horn, double rigging ~38 lbs Check Price

FAQ – Circle S Saddles

Are Circle S saddles good quality?

They are decent quality for the price. While not as refined as Circle Y or Billy Cook, they’re reliable for casual riders and beginners.

Do Circle S saddles fit most horses?

Yes. Many come in semi-QH and full-QH bars to fit average western horses. Always check tree width for your horse.

How long do Circle S saddles last?

With proper care, they can last many years. They are not as heavy-duty as high-end ranch saddles but are durable for trail and light use.

Are Circle S saddles good for roping?

Some models are built for roping, but serious ropers often invest in stronger brands like Circle Y or Martin Saddles. Circle S ropers are better for entry-level use.

Conclusion

Circle S saddles are a practical choice for beginners, youth riders, and budget-conscious horse owners. The Barrel Saddle is the best overall pick, the Cordura Trail Saddle is lightweight and easy to handle, and the Show Saddle gives arena style at a fraction of the cost of premium saddles. If you want dependable performance without breaking the bank, Circle S delivers solid value.

Click here to check today’s best Circle S Saddles and prices