Best Circle Y Endurance Saddles

ByEquineathon

Endurance riding pushes both horse and rider to their limits. Comfort, fit, durability, and reduced weight are not luxuries—they’re essentials. If you pile on the miles, a saddle that drags, rubs, or interferes with movement wastes energy for you both. That’s where Circle Y comes in. Known for Western saddles and trail rigs, their endurance and trail-endurance lines pack features made for long days out. This guide shows you what to look for, which models stand out, and how to choose the best endurance saddle for your horse.

Quick Picks: Top Circle Y Endurance Saddles

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider in an Endurance Saddle

Before choosing, think through these criteria—getting them right reduces pain, improves performance, and extends both your and your horse’s endurance.

  • Weight & Materials: Lightweight skirts & fenders (Cordura, or synthetic skins) reduce fatigue. Heavier leather adds durability but at a cost.
  • Tree Type & Flexibility: Rigid vs flexible trees (Flex2, for example). Flex trees let the saddle conform more to the horse’s back, especially helpful on long rides and varied terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Cantle and Seat Design: Enough cantle for security (high back helps), padded seats to cushion the ride all day. Seat shape matters (deep vs open) depending on the rider’s style. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • No Horn / Endurance Style: Many endurance riders prefer no horn so branches, obstacles, etc. aren’t a hazard. If you’ll be ducking under limbs or riding through tight brush, that’s helpful. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Rigging & Stability: Adjustable rigging (rear-dee, in-skirt position, flat-plate etc.) helps the saddle stay stable even when going uphill/downhill or over rough ground. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Skirt Shape, Swell & Tree Width: Swell width matters for comfort; skirt drop and length affect how well the saddle clears legs, trees, and stays balanced. Tree width (regular, wide, extra wide) must match your horse. Flex2 trees often come in multiple widths. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Durability & Warranty: Check tree type (e.g. Ralide, etc.), hardware (brass, stainless), and what warranty is offered on tree & craftsmanship. Frequent rides expose weaknesses fast. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Detailed Product Reviews

High Horse Highbank Endurance Saddle 6916

Who it’s for: Riders doing long endurance or multi-day trail rides wanting a more stripped-down, lightweight rig without sacrificing stability.

  • Key Benefits:
    • Cordura skirts & fenders for lighter weight yet durable performance. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
    • Double padded seat & trail stirrups to reduce pressure on rider over long distances. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
    • No horn (“endurance style”) = better for ducks under branches, lean forward climbs. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
    • Brass hardware + crupper dee & gear rings for practical utility. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
    • Adjustable rigging, rear-angled dee helps stability on rugged terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • Pros:
    • Relatively lightweight (~21 lbs). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
    • Comfortable for horse & rider on long rides. Good seat cushioning. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
    • Good value: many features typical of higher-end saddles. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  • Cons:
    • Cordura fenders/skirt are tougher on style (look) compared to full leather; may wear differently. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
    • Less protection from tree rub if fit is off; trimming/shims might be needed. (Like many endurance models.)
    • Seat is moderate in depth; may not offer full deep-seat grip some riders prefer on steep terrain.
  • Final Verdict: If I were riding 50-80 miles a week, or spending multiple days in the saddle, this would be my go-to. Solid compromise of weight, comfort, and endurance-friendly design.

Circle Y Grey Forest Flex2 Trail Saddle 1689

Who it’s for: Riders who want more adjustability, perhaps have a horse with changing back shape, or want a lighter trail/endurance hybrid with Flex2 technology.

  • Key Benefits:
    • Flex2 tree design (dual bar/rigidity + flex) helps with comfort across terrain & horse conformation changes. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
    • Padded seat & good cantle (~4″) for support. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
    • Pre-turned fenders, good skirt clearance for gaited or short-backed horses. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
    • Useful rigging options to adjust stability. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
  • Pros:
    • Flexible enough to adapt to different horses & backs.
    • Comfortable seat; less break-in time with Softee or padded seats. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
    • Often a better aesthetic finish (tooling, conchos etc.) while still trail-endurance capable.
  • Cons:
    • More components = more points of potential wear or failure (stirrup leathers, hardware). Maintenance needed.
    • Weight higher than bare minimum endurance models. If ultra-lightweight is your goal, you may still want something more stripped.
  • Final Verdict: Best for riders who want versatility: a saddle that can do endurance + more general trail / pleasure riding without feeling like overkill.

Flex2 Trail Series (Wind River, Reno, etc.)

Who it’s for: Riders who want premium comfort, modern tree technology, and are willing to pay more for adjustable features.

  • Key Benefits:
    • Flex2 trees with dual bar systems: stability + freedom of movement. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
    • Neo-Shock skirts / Slip-Not liners in some models to reduce vibration and improve grip/fitting. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
    • Deep enough seats, often better finishing, richer leather etc. Good for riders who spend huge amounts of time in tack.
  • Pros:
    • High comfort for both horse and rider.
    • More style/options in color, tooling, etc.
  • Cons:
    • Heavier and more expensive. Not always best for ultra long rides where every ounce counts.
    • Maintenance and care requirements are higher.
  • Final Verdict: Excellent if you want a premium endurance saddle and care for it; possibly overkill for occasional trail riding unless you can justify the cost and weight.

Comparison Table

Model Tree Type / Width Options Seat & Cantle Weight Approx Best Use Case Price Tag (USD)
High Horse Highbank Endurance 6916 Ralide tree; Regular / Wide / X-Wide Double-padded seat; ~4″ cantle (5″ in wide) ≈ 21 lbs :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22} Long endurance rides; minimal interference (no horn) ≈ US$1,499 :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Grey Forest Flex2 1689 Flex2 tree, multiple width options Padded seat; ~4″ cantle Varies, higher than bare minimal; likely ~25-30 lbs Horses needing fit flexibility; mixed terrain rides List varies; higher than basic endurance models
Flex2 Trail Series (Wind River, Reno Flex2 etc.) Flex2 tree; wide/reg width options Good seat padding; cantle height ~3.5-5″ depending on model 30-35 lbs in many full leather / fancy models :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} Premium trail/endurance combined riding; want comfort & style Higher – often US$2,500+ in premium builds

FAQ

What makes a “true” endurance saddle different from just a trail saddle?

An endurance saddle is designed to reduce fatigue for horse & rider over long mileage. That means lighter materials, no unnecessary bulk or horn (for many riders), more padding in the seat, better rigging and stability so the saddle doesn’t shift or pinch, and trees that allow movement without losing support.

Is the Flex2 tree better than a rigid tree for endurance riding?

Both have pros. Flex2 trees flex somewhat with horse’s movement and changes in back shape, improving comfort; but rigid trees are simpler, often more durable, and lighter. If your horse has a fairly consistent back and you prefer less adjustment, a rigid tree (like Ralide) is quite good. If terrain is variable and you ride often, Flex2 may reduce issues over time. Many reviews (from Circle Y users) praise Flex2 for fit & comfort. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

How should I choose seat size and tree width?

Seat size: go with what matches *you*—long rides mean you want a seat that supports your position for hours. Tree width: Regular, Wide, Extra Wide depending on horse’s withers & back shape. Try placing saddle or a similar width to see how it sits. Always observe horse movement, look for pinching or rubbing. Shims / pads can help slightly but the tree should be fundamentally appropriate.

Are horn/no-horn options critical?

Not always, but many endurance riders prefer no horn because horns can get in the way when you lean forward (climb, duck under brush), or when mounting/dismounting frequently. If you ride in open terrain, you may not care as much; but in dense foliage or mountainous trails, no horn or minimal horn helps.

How much should I expect to pay?

Good Circle Y endurance saddles range from **US$1,000 up to US$2,500+** depending on materials, trees, widths, and finish. Some basic endurance models (like the Highbank 6916) cost ≈ US$1,499. Premium Flex2 / fully leather / tool-heavy ones cost more. Always consider shipping + import/customs if buying from abroad. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Riding long distance demands more than just willpower and endurance—it demands gear that works *with* you and your horse. Among Circle Y’s offerings, the **Highbank Endurance Saddle 6916** stands out as a top choice: lighter build, no horn, excellent rigging, and designed for comfort over long miles. If you need more adjustability, Flex2 trail-endurance hybrids like the Grey Forest or Reno/Wind River series offer high comfort at a higher price. Whatever you pick, focus on fit above all—trees, widths, and rigging matter just as much as padding and weight.

Ready to pick one? Check out the Circle Y Flex2 Trail line and the Trail/Endurance & Highbank models to compare seat sizes, tree widths, and colors. It’s better to ride comfortably than learn what “fatigue” feels like the hard way.