14″ to 17″ Circle Y Alpine Flex2 Trail Saddle 2377
Specifications
- Seat Size: 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″
- Color: Walnut, Regular Oil
- Tooling: Border
- Tree: Flex2 Trail Regular, Wide, and X-Wide
- Hardware: Engraved Stainless
- Rigging: 3-way adjustable inskirt
- Swell Width: 14″
- Cantle Height: 5″
- Horn Size: 3″ Neck 2-3/4″ Cap
- Skirt Size: 15″ x 26-1/2″
- Weight: Approximately 28 lbs.
Circle Y has earned its spot as a favorite among trail riders, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve always found their saddles to be really reliable for long days in the saddle, whether you’re going across rolling hills, rocky creeks, or thick timber.
Some brands stand out for their craftsmanship or style. But Circle Y keeps drawing attention because their saddles hold up over years of use, stay comfortable for rider and horse, and come with options to fit a pretty wide range of needs.
If you’re new to Circle Y or just upgrading from a heavy or entry-level saddle, there’s a good chance you’re looking for a trail saddle that’ll last, fit your horse well, and keep you comfy mile after mile.
I’ve noticed that these trail models are most popular with women riders and adult trail riders who value comfort and want something lighter than the old all-leather tanks.
Plus, especially on long rides, the benefits of wellbalanced, lighter saddles really come into play.
What Makes a Good Circle Y Trail Saddle?
15″ to 17″ Circle Y Julie Goodnight Cascade Crossover Flex2 Trail
Specifications
- Seat Size: 15″,16″, 17″
- Color: Walnut, Regular Oil, Black
- Tooling: Shell border
- Tree: Flex2 PP Endurance Regular and Wide
- Hardware: Silver on silver with rings
- Rigging: Adjustable Double Billet
- Swell Width: 11″
- Cantle Height: 3 1/2″
- Skirt Size: 11″ x 24″
- Weight: Approximately 23 lbs.
Choosing a Circle Y for trail riding comes with some tough decisions, since they offer so many trees, seat types, and extras. Here’s what I pay attention to:
- Saddle Tree Types: Circle Y’s Flex2® tree is probably their most talked-about trail innovation, but they also still offer traditional wood and Ralide® plastic options. Flex2® trees flex slightly to move with your horse and come in different fits, which is worth a look if your horse is sensitive or covers a lot of miles. The subtle give in the Flex2® tree can make a difference on rough or varied terrain.
- Horse Fit Options: You’ll see different bar styles (Regular, Wide) and gullet shapes on Circle Y, plus varied flare to the bars, which is pretty handy for hard to fit horses, especially wide, mutton withered, or short-backed types. The focus on fit shows how Circle Y pays attention to real world rider needs.
- Rider Comfort: A smooth, padded seat and balanced stirrup position make a huge difference. I’d say Circle Y’s gel cushioned seat and their slightly forward stirrup position hit the sweet spot for most people. Especially if you’re in the saddle for hours, this can mean more time enjoying your ride and less time squirming or adjusting.
- Weight: If you’re lifting the saddle solo or trail riding all day, a bulky saddle can be a real pain. Circle Y’s Flex2® and some High Horse models dip under 30 lbs., which is really important to a lot of riders, especially women and endurance folks who need to save energy for the trail, not for hauling saddles on and off.
- Rigging Style: Most Circle Y trail saddles use 7/8 inskirt rigging. This offers good stability but sits clear of your knees and helps keep the saddle’s center of gravity right where you want it. Full rigging is also out there, though less common in their trail models.
- Skirt Design: A round skirt is really nice for short-backed horses, small Arabs, or anyone wanting the most freedom of movement. Square skirts look traditional but cover more of your horse’s back and can distribute weight to avoid pressure points.
- Leather Quality & Break In: Leather on Circle Y saddles comes buttery smooth but still holds its shape. This means a comfier seat from day one and far less time spent breaking it in. Well kept leather stays soft and molds to you over time.
- Long Ride Comfort: Not many things become more important than comfort when you’re past the four hour mark, and that’s where seat padding and fender design start to make a world of difference. The difference a cushy seat makes after several hours can really step up the ride.
Circle Y Trail Saddle Models Worth Checking Out
Circle Y Topeka Trail Saddle
Circle Y Topeka Trail Saddle Flex2 1651
Specifications
- Color: Walnut, Dark Oil Antique, Black, Regular Oil
- Tree: Flex2 (Stirrup Leather Overbar) – Regular, Wide, or Extra Wide
- Silver: Engraved
- Tooling: Shell Border
- Rigging: 3-Way Adjustable In-Skirt
- Swell Width: 13″
- Cantle Height: 4″
- Horn Size: 3-1/4″ Neck, 1-7/8″ Cap
- Skirt Size: 14″D x 27″L
- Weight: 29 lbs.
The short, rounded skirt works well on almost any horse, and the deep, padded seat means you stay comfy all day. I’ve heard plenty of riders say they notice less fatigue on their knees and hips, even after a daylong ride.
- Best For: All day riders who want secure balance and superb comfort
- Horse Types: Fits wide range, including shortbacked and chunky horses
- Notes: I haven’t found many complaints, though if you like a super deep pocket in your seat, you might want to try it before buying.
- Skip It If: You need a strict budget option. Or you want a lighter weight saddle. This saddle weighs 29 pounds.
Circle Y Wind River Trail Saddle
Circle Y Julie Goodnight Wind River Flex2 Saddle
Specifications
- Seat Size: 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″, 17″
- Color: Walnut, Regular Oil, Black
- Tooling: Leaf with border
- Tree: Flex2 Trail Regular and Wide
- Hardware: Silver on silver
- Rigging: 3-way adjustable inskirt
- Swell Width: 13″
- Cantle Height: 3.5″
- Horn Size: 2 1/4″ Neck 2.25″ Cap
- Skirt Size: 13″ x 27″
- Weight:: Approx 32 lbs.
The Wind River has become my go to pick for wide or hard to fit horses. The seat is pretty secure, and weight distribution is a big plus if you ride steep terrain.
Built for stability, this saddle keeps you and your horse steady no matter where you roam. The short, rounded skirt also helps if your mount is a little shortbacked.
- Best For: Riders with round, broad, or mutton withered horses
- Horse Types: Shortbacked, wide, and sturdy horses
- Notes: Slightly heavier than others in the Flex2® line
- Skip It If: You’re trying to go ultralight on weight
Circle Y Flex2 Trail Saddle
Circle Y Pioneer Flex2 Pleasure Trail Saddle
Specifications
- Seat Size: 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″
- Color: Walnut, Regular Oil
- Tooling: Border
- Tree: Flex2 Trail Regular, Wide, or Extra Wide
- Hardware: Frosted Rope Edge
- Rigging: 3-way adjustable inskirt
- Swell Width: 13″
- Cantle Height: 4″
- Horn Size: 3-1/4″ Neck 1-7/8″ Cap
- Skirt Size: 15″ x 26″
- Weight: Approximately 25 lbs.
If you’ve got a horse with a sensitive back or one that changes shape easily (think: growing or conditioning up for endurance), the Flex2 Trail Saddle is tough to beat.
It flexes with the horse and keeps the seat balanced. I know some endurance riders who swear by this saddle for 20+mile rides, and it’s hard to argue with that.
- Best For: High mileage, long distance trail and endurance riders
- Horse Types: Hard to fit, athletic, or changingshaped horses
- Notes: Some folks say it takes a ride or two to adjust to the feel of the Flex2® tree
- Skip It If: You want a solid, traditional wood tree feel
Which Circle Y Trail Saddle Works Best If…
- You want comfort for women and smaller adults: Topeka Trail Saddle or Flex2 Trail Saddle stand out for plush seats and balanced stirrup arms.
- You’re worried about lifting weight: Circle Y Julie Goodnight Cascade Crossover Flex2 Trail isthe best lightweight pick here.
- Your horse is shortbacked, wide, or tricky to fit: Wind River is built for those challenges.
- You ride multiple disciplines: Martha Josey Trail Saddle bridges arena and trail riding pretty well.
Circle Y Trail Saddle FAQ
- Are Circle Y trail saddles good for long rides?
Absolutely. Models like the Topeka and Flex2 compete with just about anything out there when it comes to comfort on rides longer than four hours. Features like gel seats and flexible fenders make a lot of difference. - Are Circle Y saddles heavy?
Most Circle Y trail saddles are lighter than older Western models, usually landing in the 25–30 lb. range. Some High Horse and Flex2® versions are even lighter, which helps if you’re lifting the saddle yourself. - Are Circle Y trail saddles good for women?
Yes, they’ve got narrower, balanced seats with a forward stirrup position that many women riders have told me feels much better than old bulky saddles. - Can Circle Y trail saddles fit wide or shortbacked horses?
For sure. Look for models like Wind River or Topeka with wide tree options and round skirts. - Is Flex2 better than a traditional tree for trails?
Flex2 is a step up for a lot of horses and riders, especially over long mileage or if your horse changes shape. Some traditionalists prefer wood, but Flex2 keeps winning fans for all day riding.
Top Circle Y Trail Saddle Picks by Need
- Best Circle Y Trail Saddle for Women: Circle Y Julie Goodnight Cascade Crossover Flex2
- Best Lightweight Circle Y Trail Saddle: Circle Y High Horse Daisetta Cordura Trail Saddle
- Best Circle Y Trail Saddle for ShortBacked Horses: Wind River Trail Saddle (round skirt, wide fit options)
Circle Y has really thought of just about everything a trail rider wants, so most folks can find a model that fits both themselves and their horse. If you want to be sure you’re picking the best option, ask riders who know these saddles or even see if you can try one.
Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions, especially when each saddle can last a lifetime of rides if picked well.
Wrapping up, Circle Y offers choices for almost every need on the trail. Take your time and pick the one that’ll give both you and your horse a boost on every new adventure.
Did you find this post helpful? If so, I’d love to hear your comments below.
If you’re comparing Circle Y trail saddles and want to see how they stack up against another popular trail brand, you may also find it helpful to read my in-depth Cashel Saddles Reviews guide. Cashel saddles are often considered by the same rider
Hello Shalisha!
This was such a helpful and clearly explained roundup — thank you! I’ve always been curious about trail saddles but felt totally overwhelmed by all the options, so seeing the Circle Y models broken down with real reasons why someone might choose one over another was super useful. I appreciated that you focused on comfort, durability, and how each saddle actually performs out on the trail, because that’s what matters most when you’re riding for hours rather than just looking at specs.
I do have a couple of questions I’ve been wondering about: for people who ride different horses with different builds, do any of these models stand out as more versatile for varying back shapes? And for riders who maybe aren’t super experienced yet, are there certain features you’d suggest prioritizing to make the learning curve smoother out on the trail? This definitely gave me a much clearer idea of where to start when I’m ready to choose one of these!
Angela M 🙂
Hi Angela.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback — I’m really glad the breakdown helped make trail saddles feel less overwhelming. That’s exactly why I wanted to focus on how they ride over long hours, not just specs on paper.
To your questions:
Riding multiple horses: Yes, some Circle Y trail models are definitely more versatile. Saddles built on slightly more forgiving trees or with broader, well-designed bars tend to accommodate a wider range of back shapes better than very rigid or discipline-specific designs. They’re often a good choice if you switch horses or ride horses that change shape with conditioning.
For newer or less experienced riders: I’d suggest prioritizing a balanced seat, secure feel, and comfortable stirrup placement over anything flashy. A saddle that naturally puts you in a good position and feels stable on uneven terrain goes a long way toward confidence on the trail. Comfort for both horse and rider becomes especially important when you’re learning and spending longer hours in the saddle.
I’m really happy to hear this gave you a clearer starting point — that’s a big win. If you ever narrow it down to a couple of models or have a specific horse build in mind, feel free to ask. Thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment!
Wow thanks for this roundup! I’ve been looking into Circle Y trail saddles for a while now and it’s nice seeing the different models compared in one place. I didn’t realize how many Flex2 options they had or how much lighter some of these saddles are compared to others I’ve tried.
I’m curious though, for people who do longer trail rides, which model actually feels the most comfortable after a few hours? Does the Flex2 tree really make a noticeable difference on rough or uneven trails? Also wondering how picky these saddles are when it comes to horse fit, has anyone had issues with certain models not fitting quite right?
Thanks again for the info, this definitely gave me a better idea of what to look for, just trying to narrow it down now without overthinking it too much lol.
Hi Kevin.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment — I’m really glad the roundup helped you get a clearer picture of the Circle Y trail options!
For long trail rides, many riders swear by the Flex2 models because that extra bit of movement at the shoulder can really help on uneven terrain, especially after a few hours in the saddle. It often feels noticeably more comfortable for both horse and rider compared to more rigid trees.
That said, comfort can be pretty personal — what feels great on one horse or rider might not be perfect for another. Fit is super important with Circle Y too; some people do find they need to try a couple of models to find the right balance of weight, tree style, and fit for their horse.
If you can demo a few or talk to folks who’ve ridden them on long trails, that can make narrowing it down a lot easier (and help avoid the overthinking trap! ).
Happy trails — hope you find the one soon!