Best Circle Y High Horse Saddles
Circle Y’s “High Horse” line aims to deliver performance, comfort, and style—especially for riders who want that extra hold, a secure seat, and good value. Whether you’re barrel racing, doing arena drills, or just want a solid saddle that holds well, the High Horse models are frequently mentioned for their balance of grip, build, and price.
What Makes a Good Circle Y High Horse Saddle
- Seat security: Deep, grippy seats (suede, rough-out, etc.) that help lock you in for fast turns or tight maneuvers.
- Fit across horses: Trees that maintain shape and fit—especially withers clearance, proper gullet, and width options.
- Quality leather & hardware: Good tooling, strong rigging, solid stitching, durable billets & stirrups.
- Weight: Not so heavy that it tires out you or the horse, but heavy enough to be sturdy under hard use.
- Purpose: Are you using mainly for barrel racing, trail riding, arena work, mixed uses? The High Horse line tends toward speed & performance, so check that matches your needs.
- Value: For what you pay, expect a saddle that performs well, holds up under regular use, and doesn’t require excessive break-in or repairs.
What Riders Say – Pros & Cons of High Horse Models
From forums, social media, and user reviews, here’s what people are saying about High Horse Circle Y saddles:
- “It’s super comfy, holds you in nicely without pushing you too far forward, and is basically universal on what it fits!”
- “Circle Y is a decent brand, and this saddle is decently priced.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- A few riders mentioned that the High Horse barrel saddles give good grip in turns, but the break-in of rough-out or suede might be rough at first.
- Some concern with weight and bulk if using for long trail rides. A heavy saddle or thick skirts/tooling can add fatigue. (Less discussion but mentioned in a few threads.)
Top High Horse Circle Y Saddles – My Picks
- Circle Y High Horse Barrel Saddle – Best if you want a secure, performance-oriented saddle for speed events. Great seat grip and good hold in turns. (Good for riders who want that “locked in” feeling.)
- Circle Y High Horse Trail / Arena Hybrid – If you use the saddle across different settings (arena work + trail), this type of model tries to balance grip and comfort without too much weight.
- Circle Y High Horse Lite / Roughout Finish – Roughout leather or lighter finish options are good if you want grip and a slightly lower cost, or want less slick slipping, especially when going fast or sweating.
- Limited Edition / Custom High Horse – Sometimes Circle Y releases High Horse versions with special tooling, decorative work, or color treatments. Great if you want something unique and don’t mind spending more.
Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Seat Type / Features | Pros | Things to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Horse Barrel | Speed / Barrel Racing | Deep suede or rough-out, forward seat, high cantle | Excellent grip; good hold in fast turns; stylish look | May be heavier; break-in needed; cost higher |
| High Horse Hybrid / Trail | Mixed trail & arena | Moderate grip, lighter skirts, less tooling | More comfort over long rides; more versatile | Not as locked-in feeling; less decorative |
| High Horse Lite / Roughout | Grip & lower cost / less slick finish | Roughout leather, simpler finish | Lighter; better grip; lower cost | Less flashy; may resist cleaning harder; less polish |
| Limited / Custom High Horse | Collectors / special appearance + performance | Special tooling; unique color; maybe rawhide horn, etc. | Looks unique; collectable; possibly higher resale value | Higher price; more delicate decorative parts; longer wait time |
FAQ – High Horse Circle Y Saddles
Is a High Horse saddle good for beginners?
Yes — if you want maximum hold and security in the seat. It helps with confidence in tight turns or when learning. But some riders may feel a bit “stuck” at first if they prefer more freedom or flatter seats.
Do High Horse models fit most horses?
Many riders report they fit a wide variety of horses (different widths, shapes), especially if tree size and gullet are chosen correctly. But no saddle fits every horse perfectly, so pad adjustments and measuring are still very important. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Are they heavy?
Often, yes — the deeper seats, thicker skirts, and grips can add weight. If you ride for long hours (trail or endurance), the weight becomes more noticeable. If you can test one, try picking it up and riding for a few hours.
How durable are they?
Users generally say they hold up well. The leather, stitching, and hardware are good quality. However, the rough-out or suede surfaces need care (cleaning, conditioning) so they don’t wear badly or slip. Also, check the tree over time; a strong tree is key. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What’s the price like?
High Horse models are mid-to-high tier in Circle Y’s lineup. Expect to pay more than basic trail or ranch models, especially if there’s decorative tooling, suede seat, or custom options.
Conclusion
If you want a saddle that gives you grip, security, and strong performance — especially for speed, barrel racing, or rigorous arena work — the Circle Y High Horse line is a solid choice. The trade-offs are weight and cost, and how “locked in” you feel vs how much freedom you prefer.
For most riders wanting both performance and comfort, I recommend going for a High Horse barrel model with a suede or rough-out seat. If you ride long hours or switch between trail/arena, a hybrid High Horse or lighter finish option will serve you better. Always measure your horse’s back, consider tree fit, and try the saddle in person if possible.
