Circle Y High Horse Saddle Review – Affordable Performance & Comfort
Circle Y’s High Horse line was created to give riders the trusted quality of Circle Y saddles at a more affordable price point. High Horse saddles are made with durable leather, practical designs, and lighter weight compared to heavy ranch or show saddles. Popular with trail riders, barrel racers, and everyday riders, these saddles strike a balance between comfort, performance, and value. But how do they really perform in day-to-day use? Let’s review.
Quick Take – High Horse Saddle Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable compared to premium Circle Y models, lighter weight, secure seats, good horse fit.
- Cons: Less decorative tooling, not as heavy-duty as Circle Y ranch or Flex2 saddles.
Why Choose a Circle Y High Horse Saddle?
High Horse saddles are designed for riders who want the essentials of a Circle Y without paying premium prices. Key features include:
- Lighter Weight: Easier to handle than heavy roping or show saddles.
- Secure Seat: Deep pockets and roughout or suede seats provide grip for trail and barrel riders.
- Durable Build: Solid leather with Cordura or tooling depending on the model.
- Rigging Options: In-skirt rigging for balance and close contact.
- Variety: Available in trail, barrel racing, cordura, and training models.
- Affordability: Typically priced lower than Circle Y’s Flex2 and premium ranch saddles.
Detailed Reviews – Best Circle Y High Horse Saddles
1. High Horse Daisetta Trail Saddle
Who it’s for: Riders who want comfort and light weight for long trail rides.
- Weighs ~23 lbs (Cordura/leather mix)
- Padded suede seat for comfort
- In-skirt rigging for balance
Pros: Very lightweight, easy to saddle, affordable
Cons: Less decorative; not for roping
Verdict: An excellent trail option for riders of all levels. Check Price
2. High Horse Barrel Saddle
Who it’s for: Barrel racers needing a secure, lightweight saddle.
- Deep suede seat for grip
- Forward-hung stirrups for balance
- Lightweight build for quick turns
Pros: Secure seat, affordable compared to premium Josey saddles
Cons: Less decorative; not versatile beyond speed events
Verdict: A great entry-level barrel saddle. See Price
3. High Horse Cordura Trail Saddle
Who it’s for: Riders who want an easy-to-clean, lightweight saddle for casual riding.
- Weighs ~21 lbs
- Cordura skirts with leather pommel and cantle
- Comfortable padded seat
Pros: Lightweight, easy to maintain, budget-friendly
Cons: Less traditional western look
Verdict: Perfect for youth riders or anyone who struggles with heavy saddles. View Price
4. High Horse Training Saddle
Who it’s for: Riders who need a sturdy saddle for groundwork, colt starting, or arena work.
- Strong leather with minimal tooling
- Reinforced horn and rigging
- Practical design for everyday training
Pros: Durable, functional, affordable
Cons: Heavier than Cordura models; plain appearance
Verdict: A no-frills work saddle that gets the job done. See Price
Comparison Table – Circle Y High Horse Saddles
| Saddle | Best For | Key Features | Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisetta Trail | Trail Riding | Leather/Cordura mix, padded seat | ~23 lbs | Check Price |
| Barrel Saddle | Barrel Racing | Deep suede seat, forward stirrups | ~25 lbs | See Price |
| Cordura Trail | Lightweight Trail | Cordura skirts, padded seat | ~21 lbs | View Price |
| Training Saddle | Training & Arena Work | Reinforced horn, minimal tooling | ~30 lbs | See Price |
FAQ – Circle Y High Horse Saddles
Are High Horse saddles good quality?
Yes. While more affordable than premium Circle Y Flex2 models, High Horse saddles are well-made, durable, and widely used by riders across disciplines.
Do they fit most horses?
Yes, especially trail and barrel models which are available in regular and wide trees. Always check fit with a proper pad.
Are they comfortable for long rides?
Trail models like the Daisetta and Cordura are designed for comfort on long rides, though barrel models are built more for performance.
Do High Horse saddles last as long as Circle Y premium saddles?
They are durable but may not have the same level of decorative tooling, silver, or premium features as higher-end Circle Y saddles. With proper care, they can still last many years.
Conclusion
Circle Y High Horse saddles are a smart choice for riders who want quality and comfort at a lower price. The Daisetta Trail is the best all-around option, the Barrel Saddle is great for speed events, and the Cordura Trail offers unbeatable lightweight convenience. If you’re looking for dependable performance without the premium price tag, High Horse saddles are worth considering.
Click here to check today’s best Circle Y High Horse Saddles and prices