Circle Y High Horse Saddle Review: The Perfect Blend of Affordability and Performance?

Having ridden for years, I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect saddle. A saddle that would not only ensure my comfort but also guarantee my horse’s well-being. When I came across the Circle Y High Horse saddle line, I was intrigued.

Known for their blend of craftsmanship and affordability, could these be the perfect saddles I’ve been searching for? I’ve decided to dive deep and review a few models to give you a clearer perspective.

In essence, the Circle Y High Horse saddles offer a more budget-friendly range compared to other premium Circle Y saddles, without compromising too much on quality.

While they might not be as high-end as some of the other Circle Y offerings, they provide good value for the price, especially for casual riders or those just starting out.

1. High Horse by Circle Y Lockhart Cordura Trail Saddle

• Overview: A versatile trail saddle crafted with both leather and Cordura, making it lightweight yet durable. Ideal for trail riders looking for a lighter saddle.
• User Review (Caroline F.): ★★★★☆ “I’ve used the Lockhart for over a year now on trail rides. It’s comfortable and light, though I wish the seat had a bit more cushion.”

2. High Horse by Circle Y Oyster Creek Trail Saddle

• Overview: Features a beautifully tooled leather design with a Ralide tree. The adjustable position in-skirt rigging allows customized fitting.
• User Review (Derek M.): ★★★★★ “The Oyster Creek is beautiful! My horse seems to prefer it over our older saddle, and the tooling details are just exquisite.”

3. High Horse by Circle Y Daisetta Cordura Trail Saddle

• Overview: Blending Cordura skirts and fenders with a leather seat, it ensures durability while keeping the saddle lightweight. The saddle also boasts adjustable rigging.
• User Review (Sophia R.): ★★★☆☆ “I love how light the Daisetta is, and the adjustable rigging is a lifesaver. However, I had some minor issues with the stirrup length.”

4. High Horse by Circle Y Willow Springs Cordura Trail Saddle

• Overview: A trail saddle that marries the durability of Cordura with the comfort of a leather seat. It also features an adjustable double in-skirt rigging for better saddle fit.
• User Review (Lucas H.): ★★★★☆ “The Willow Springs is my go-to for weekend rides. It’s comfortable and fits my horse well, but the seat can get a bit slippery at times.”

5. High Horse by Circle Y El Campo Cordura Gaited Saddle

• Overview: Specially designed for gaited horses, this saddle features Cordura skirts and fenders, ensuring a lightweight feel while providing the rider with a close contact experience.
• User Review (Aaliyah T.): ★★★★★ “Finally, a saddle that perfectly fits my gaited horse! The El Campo is fantastic, offering comfort and ensuring a smooth ride.”

Conclusion: While the Circle Y High Horse saddles might not boast the luxurious features of some higher-end models, they do offer great value for the price.

They’re especially recommended for casual riders or those who require a lighter, more affordable saddle for daily use.

It’s essential to understand what you’re looking for in a saddle and match it to your needs, but overall, the High Horse line seems to deliver decent quality and comfort for its price point.

ALSO SEE: Circle Y Equitation Saddles

FAQs on Circle Y High Horse Saddle

1. What is the Circle Y High Horse saddle line known for?
   • It’s known for blending craftsmanship with affordability, offering a budget-friendly range without compromising too much on quality.
2. How does the High Horse line compare to other Circle Y saddles?
   • The High Horse line is more affordable than some premium Circle Y saddles but offers good value for the price.
3. Is the High Horse by Circle Y Lockhart Cordura Trail Saddle entirely made of leather?
   • No, it’s crafted with both leather and Cordura, making it lightweight and durable.
4. What’s unique about the High Horse by Circle Y Oyster Creek Trail Saddle?
   • It features beautifully tooled leather with an adjustable in-skirt rigging for customized fitting.
5. Why is the High Horse by Circle Y Daisetta Cordura Trail Saddle lightweight?
   • It blends Cordura skirts and fenders with a leather seat, ensuring durability while keeping the saddle light.
6. How is the Willow Springs Cordura Trail Saddle different from other High Horse saddles?
   • It provides an adjustable double in-skirt rigging for a better saddle fit, ensuring more customization.
7. Is there a High Horse saddle designed specifically for gaited horses?
   • Yes, the High Horse by Circle Y El Campo Cordura Gaited Saddle is designed to cater to gaited horses.
8. Are all High Horse saddles lightweight?
   • Many of the High Horse saddles incorporate Cordura in their design, which reduces the weight compared to all-leather saddles.
9. What type of riders are the High Horse saddles ideal for?
   • They’re especially recommended for casual riders or those just starting out, as well as those seeking a more affordable saddle option.
10. Do all High Horse saddles come with adjustable rigging?

• Not all, but several models like the Oyster Creek and Daisetta offer adjustable rigging.

11. Is the tooling detail on the Oyster Creek saddle genuine leather?

• Yes, the tooling detail is crafted from genuine leather.

12. Do High Horse saddles compromise on comfort because of their affordability?

• While they might not be as high-end as some Circle Y offerings, user reviews suggest they provide good comfort for the price.

13. How does the seat of the Willow Springs saddle feel?

• The saddle is comfortable, but some users find the seat can be a bit slippery at times.

14. Why do some users prefer the High Horse El Campo saddle for their gaited horses?

• The El Campo is specially designed to fit gaited horses, providing them with comfort and ensuring a smooth ride.

15. Are there any common issues users have with High Horse saddles?

• Some users have mentioned minor issues like the stirrup length on the Daisetta or the seat of the Willow Springs being a bit slippery.

16. Can I use the High Horse saddles for competitive riding?

• They are best suited for casual riding, but depending on the specific needs and the event, they might be suitable for some competitive scenarios.

17. Do all High Horse saddles feature a combination of Cordura and leather?

• Not all, but many models incorporate this combination to ensure durability while keeping the weight down.

18. How do High Horse saddles ensure the well-being of the horse?

• Features like adjustable in-skirt rigging allow for better fitting, ensuring the horse’s comfort.

19. Is the price point of High Horse saddles reflective of their quality?

• While they are more affordable, they offer decent quality and comfort for their price point.

20. Can the rigging on the High Horse saddles be adjusted to fit any horse?

• The adjustable rigging offers more flexibility, but it’s always best to check the specifics for each horse and saddle.

21. Do High Horse saddles require any specific maintenance?

• Like all saddles, regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended, but always follow any specific guidelines provided by Circle Y.

22. Is the High Horse by Circle Y Lockhart suitable for long trail rides?

• Yes, its lightweight design makes it ideal for trail rides.

23. Does the Daisetta saddle come in different sizes?

• The Daisetta, like other High Horse saddles, is available in different sizes. It’s always good to check with the seller for specifics.

24. What material is the El Campo Cordura Gaited Saddle seat made of?

• The seat is made of leather, ensuring rider comfort.

25. Are Circle Y High Horse saddles available internationally?

• Circle Y saddles are popular and might be available through various international dealers, but it’s best to check with Circle Y directly or trusted local sellers.

26. How long have Circle Y High Horse saddles been on the market?

• Circle Y has been making saddles for years, but for specific launch dates of the High Horse line, it’s best to consult directly with Circle Y.

27. Are there any warranty or guarantee options available for High Horse saddles?

• Circle Y typically offers warranties on their products, but the terms might vary. It’s advisable to check with the seller or manufacturer.

28. Do these saddles cater to both English and Western riding styles?

• The High Horse line reviewed here is designed for Western riding.

29. How does the weight of a Cordura saddle compare to an all-leather saddle?

• Cordura saddles tend to be lighter than all-leather saddles, making them more comfortable for longer rides.

30. Can the High Horse saddles be customized?

• Some elements might be customizable, but for specific modifications, it’s best to check directly with Circle Y or the seller.

31. Is the tooling on High Horse saddles hand-done?

• The Oyster Creek, for example, boasts exquisite tooling, but for specifics on whether it’s hand-done, it’s best to check with Circle Y.

32. Do High Horse saddles provide a close contact experience with the horse?

• Yes, models like the El Campo are designed to offer a close contact experience.

33. How does the Circle Y High Horse line compare to other brands in terms of price?

• The High Horse line is considered budget-friendly, offering good value for the price compared to some other brands.

34. Do I need to break in a new High Horse saddle before using it?

• All saddles have a break-in period, but the duration can vary. It’s best to follow any guidelines provided by Circle Y.

35. How do users rate the overall durability of High Horse saddles?

• Users generally find them durable, especially those models that incorporate Cordura.

36. Are there specific High Horse models designed for younger riders?

• The line caters to a variety of riders, but it’s best to consult specifics to find a saddle suitable for younger riders.

37. Do the High Horse saddles come with any accessories?

• Some might come with additional accessories, but it’s best to check with the seller for what’s included.

38. Is there a significant weight difference between the Lockhart and Daisetta models?

• Both are lightweight due to the incorporation of Cordura, but for exact weights, it’s best to check product specifications.

39. Where can I buy Circle Y High Horse saddles?

• They can be purchased through various equestrian stores, both online and offline, or directly from Circle Y.

40. How frequently should I inspect my High Horse saddle for signs of wear and tear?

• Regular checks, especially before and after rides, are recommended to ensure the saddle’s safety and longevity.