Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review – High Quality, New Saddles

Dec 27, 2021

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My Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review will show you why Big Horn Saddles are a popular contender for western riders. It’s also a well-known brand in the equestrian industry. Custom built for gaited horses, these saddles work with the horse’s physique to reduce pain and discomfort for your horse. The latter is critical for safe and smooth rides.

Big Horn Saddle Company

I’ve always been a fan of Big Horn’s craftsmanship. Big Horn Saddles are hand-made with careful stitch work and attention to detail. This kind of attention to detail helps deliver a great product, which in return ensures a smooth riding experience.

Traditional saddle-making techniques are often used for these saddles to provide the necessary support and control over the horse.

Big Horn Saddles are durable, and they allow for good flexibility while riding through rough terrain. Let’s take a look at a specific saddle below.

16″ and 17″ Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle 4″Cantle with Leather Skirts

Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review

List Price: $1,571.19
Our Price: $1,309

Highlights

High quality
Dual-density memory foam
Temperature resistant
Long-lasting

Although western saddles are best for gaited horses, it is essential to choose one that is made explicitly for the gaited horse in mind. Known for their shorter backs, these horses require a more specific saddle to accommodate their shoulder movements and avoid pinching.

The Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle is a favorite among customers. In fact, customers note that a significant perk of this product is its comfortable heftiness.

Flexible Tree and Endurance Stirrups for Long-Distance Riding

Saddles, like riders, come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Suitable for riders seeking a seat size of 16 or 17 inches, this Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle is a popular choice due to its flexible tree with a narrow front and 6.5-inch gullet.

A grain-out, dual-density memory foam seat plus aluminum rubber-padded endurance stirrups makes this a great fit particularly for distance riding. The large foot bed allows for more weight distribution on the feet, which is great for absorbing shock.

The saddle’s in-skirt dropped C-plate, tunnel skirt design, and top-grain leather liner helps to create a no-slip fit which allows the rider to maintain their balance and prevents the horse’s back from getting pinched and sore.

Additionally, the Cheyanne roll is wide and great for gripping and securing items.

Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review – Long Lasting

Like other western saddles, the Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle is heavier in comparison to English saddles, but still considerably light for a western saddle, weighing approximately 24lbs. Larger saddles have a purpose as they allow for more weight distribution and ultimately a more enjoyable ride.

However, horses are not built to bear the weight of a rider.

Therefore, the weight of a saddle is critical to a smooth riding experience. As such, it is equally essential to consider the rider’s weight when choosing a saddle to avoid behavior problems with the horse.

But here’s the silver lining.

Although these saddles may not be as lightweight as other saddles, both the company and customers boast about their long-lasting capabilities. Not only are the Big Horn Gaited Saddles weather-resistant, but once broken-in, they are also wear-resistant, making this an even better investment.

My Final Thoughts On This Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review

The cost of the 16″ 17″ Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle 4″ Cantle with Leather Skirts 812 Saddle is $1,309. That’s quite reasonable – considering the hand-crafted precision, resilient quality, and excellent western riding experience it provides.

If you seek stylish and sturdy features as a western rider, then the Big Horn Gaited Trail Saddle may be the right fit for you.

So, tell me, what do you think of my review? If you’re looking for more horse saddle reviews, please read my Big Horn Cordura Saddle Review.

Comments

10 responses to “Big Horn Gaited Saddle Review – High Quality, New Saddles”

Ceci

Hi Shalisha,
What a detailed review of the Big Horn Gaited Saddle! The saddle is not only a beauty but it is also sturdy, long lasting, and comfortable. I’m not surprised that it is a favorite of customers.

Accidentally stumbled on to this website while searching reviews of saddles…….There seem to be so many good saddles avaiable on the market! This brings me to my question – what would be the benefits of a new saddle compared to a used one aside from the cost?
Thanks
Ceci

Reply
1. Shalisha Alston
  
  Hi Ceci. Thanks for your question. The difference between buying a used saddle v a new saddle, other than price, is that you get that broken-in feeling. It’s like a leather shoe that’s been worn over and over and over again. It has a broken-in, comfortable feeling. You avoid getting blisters and soars. And of course, there’s the price difference. Thanks for your question.
  
  Reply
Markus

Hi Shalisha!

I did read your other post on good quality saddles over here, https://horsesaddlecomparison.com/horse-saddle-reviews/high-end-used-saddles-fine-saddles-really-big-discounts/

But I think this Big Horn Gaited Saddle might be the one I would buy for my daughter. Let me re-read it again and you might have a customer!

Cheers!

Reply
1. Shalisha Alston
  
  Hi Markus! Thanks for your comment. Is this the first time you’re buying a saddle for your daughter? You may want to definitely start out with a used saddle. All used saddles that are sold by the Horse Saddle Shop are thoroughly inspected, cleaned and oiled. All saddles have a money-back guarantee. The Horse Saddle Shop also has a Trade-in program. Bring them your old saddle, and get a new or used one. I would personally invest in one of those high end used saddles. Your daughter will thank you for it. Thanks for stopping by. Come again.
  
  Reply
David Nelly

That’s a pretty nice discount on the horse saddle there, over $200 off! I never knew that Horses actually need a saddle with specifications in design to handle the weight of the human riding it. I can definitely tell that you know what you’re talking about when it comes to the value of these saddles. I would like to ask, however, If I were on a budget, do you have any recommendations for horse saddles in the cheaper side? The $500-600 range?

Reply
1. Shalisha Alston
  
  Hi David. Thanks for your question. Saddle specification is based on the riding discipline, not just the weight of the rider. And yes, there are a couple of options if you’re on a budget. For starters, you can buy high-quality used saddles. When you buy from a reputable online source such as The Horse Saddle Shop, you’re guaranteed an excellent saddle. They thoroughly inspect, clean, oil the saddles. There’s also a 2-week money-back guarantee. On the other hand, if you want a new saddle, there are some new saddles and saddle brands that charge between $650-$900. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for stopping by, and come back again.
  
  Reply
Femi

The Big Horn Gaited Saddle is obviously a masterpiece. It boasts of beautiful workmanship and quality materials. It’s a quality saddle that is built to last. It’s comfortable, despite not being the lightest. That’s a nice bonus.

Quick question: how does one know the right size to go for, if one were to be interested in purchase, and is the saddle padded? I ask because you mentioned in the review that the Big Horn Gaited Saddle may not be as lightweight as other saddles and I figured that if it is well padded and cushioned, even though it may add to the weight, it would help provide good support, especially on long rides.

Thanks for this review.
Cheers,
Femi.

Reply
1. Shalisha Alston
  
  Hi Femi. Thanks so much for your questions. Yes, this particular saddle is padded. The padding doesn’t add much weight. It’s the tree itself, and the skirt size which partially determines how heavy a saddle is. By the way, this saddle featured in this post only weighs 22 pounds. Considering that saddles range from 14 – 60 pounds in weight, this featured saddle is on the lighter side. Thanks again for stopping by.
  
  Reply
John Stanley

Thanks Shalisha,
For your comprehensive Big Horn Gaited Saddle review. I can see all the features and benefits of this amazing saddle. What is most important for me is to find a saddle that will stand the test of time. And this one is both water resistant and wear resistent once broken in. Can you please explain a bit more how it is wear resistant?
Surely some parts of this saddle would wear out?
Or are you saying that I could use this saddle for 10+ years?
Tanks in advance, John

Reply
1. Shalisha Alston
  
  Hi John. Thanks for your question. Everything, at some point, gets wear and tear. The thing is, with saddles, you’re constantly exposed to the elements as well as having to ride on the saddle. So, the manufacturers don’t promise that you won’t get any wear and tear. What they promise, if you take reasonable care of your saddle, is that you’ll have it for a very long time. Yes, at least 10+ years. I hope I’ve answered your question.
  
  Reply