Picking a saddle never gets easier. Whether you are a seasoned horseman/horsewoman or a beginner, there’s always the question of what western saddle brand you should go with for an investment that you won’t want to regret. 

There are several things you need to take into consideration when it comes to deciding where to get a saddle. First, you want something that is going to fit what you will be doing with your horse. Will you be roping, showing, cutting, ranching, or just trail riding?

Next, you need to make sure you get the proper size for you and what kind of seat you’d like. You should also make sure that the saddle is going to fit your horse, which can be REALLY hard to do especially if it’s going to be custom made. You’ll want to ensure you have the right gullet size and if you have questions, you can always reach out to the maker to clarify before purchasing.

The list of western saddle brands below is a combination of great all-around, cost, quality, and familiarity. 

Corriente Saddle Co.

Corriente Saddle Co. makes the top of our list because there is hardly anywhere else we know of that you can get close to a custom saddle, brand new for just over $1000 in most cases. They make everything from trophy saddles to calf roping saddles to reining saddles. With a turnaround time of 30-60 days, there isn’t much to not like about this western saddle brand. Check them out and you won’t be disappointed!

Cactus Saddlery

If you’re looking for the real deal and don’t mind investing in a long-term, quality saddle, then you should definitely consider a Cactus Saddle. If you need any ideas on how good these saddles are, the fact that Cactus Saddlery is the proud official saddle of PRCA, ACTRA, NIRA, NLBRA, WTRC, and the NBHA should be enough to win you over. Cactus Saddlery provides products that are hand-made in the USA, which more and more people are leaning towards these days. They are able to create amazing products by using the highest quality materials. With 150 years of combined saddle-making skills, Cactus Saddlery provides premium saddles, tack, and equine accessories designed, developed, and ridden by endorsees, who boast 38 World Champion titles!

Circle Y Saddles

Circle Y’s story started out by manufacturing saddles in the small town of Yoakum, Texas, in 1960. With a vision to build the finest saddles possible, founder Leland Tucker created Circle Y from the ground up. Since then, they’ve carried on with traditions of excellence, always striving to make the best saddles possible. Circle Y saddles are all still made in Yoakum, TX, by a team of expert craftsmen who combine decades of knowledge and new technology to meet the needs of riders. Their accomplished Team of Champions and dedicated “I Ride Circle Y” members continue to inspire them to make the best Western saddles for every rider.

Genuine Billy Cook

In 1953, a young Billy Cook first opened his own saddle shop in Greenville, TX. That year he built seventy-five saddles. Over the next few years, Billy’s business kept growing, and in order to keep up with demand he partnered with Potts-Longhorn, and production was scaled to 1,200 saddles a year by the end of the 1950s.

Then as now, every saddle made under the purview of Billy Cook was stamped with a “Billy Cook Maker” maker’s mark. These saddles are meticulously hand-tooled on sturdy saddle trees, and production was never allowed to exceed a volume that could not be inspected by him personally as the manager of production. Billy Cook’s saddles have always been intended to be an icon of affordable quality craftsmanship and functionality desired by the majority of horsemen and women.

Truth Saddlery

Truth Saddlery is dedicated to delivering the highest quality saddles and leather goods, made with exceptional materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Our vision is founded on the “Four F’s”—Fit, Form, Function, and Forever—ensuring that every product meets the highest standards for both horse and rider. With a commitment to excellence and a mission to spread the word of God, each saddle features a Biblical scripture, turning our goods into meaningful vehicles of faith that extend beyond church walls. Additionally, we direct a significant portion of our profits to support various ministry efforts, making Truth Saddlery products more than just saddles—they’re instruments of purpose and passion in the equine industry.

Choosing the right saddle maker is crucial for both you and your horse, as it can greatly impact comfort, performance, and longevity. When selecting a saddle maker, consider their expertise in crafting saddles tailored to your specific riding discipline, whether it’s roping, dressage, barrel racing, or trail riding. Look for a maker who prioritizes quality materials, fit, and craftsmanship, as these elements ensure a saddle that not only fits your horse well but also enhances your connection and performance as a team. A skilled saddle maker understands that every horse and rider is unique, and they’ll work with you to create a saddle that aligns with your needs, preferences, and goals. Ultimately, the right saddle maker will provide you with a saddle that offers both form and function, making each ride a rewarding experience for you and your horse.