Some of it depends on what kind of trail riding you’re planning on doing. If you just want to hit the trail for a few hours occasionally, you could probably do well with something like a Wintec. If you’re planning on week-long riding trips where you will be riding for several hours every day, you might want a saddle made more specifically for trail or endurance. And, of course, you want something that will be comfortable for both you and your horse.
I have a Tucker Cheyenne (western) saddle that I bought new back in 2002.
It’s very comfortable, though over the years I’ve decided that I really don’t care for riding in a western saddle. Like you, I grew up riding in an English saddle and (to me) the horn just gets in the way and, overall, it’s just kind of bulky.
Tucker does make a wide selection of styles, and I really like the looks of their equitation endurance model. They’re a little pricey, but (IMO) they’re one of the better quality brands.
That Cheyenne saddle I have is also a little too wide for my own horse, though I still use it when riding my boyfriend’s TWH. We just got back from a long weekend camping trip with the horses at Shawnee State Forest (Ohio); lots of gaiting, lots of hills, but it was comfortable for me and the horse. Two thumbs up for the gel-cush seat.
A friend of mine has a Wintec saddle (English) with the changeable gullet system, and she’s very happy with it as a trail saddle. She was also on this past weekend’s camping/riding trip. There are plenty of rings for attaching a cantle bag or water bottle holder, breastcollar, or other items. It’s easy to clean as well, which is a big bonus because the trails in our local park can be very muddy. I think Wintec actually makes an English-style trail/endurance saddle that is very lightweight.
Many online/catalog tack stores have demo programs on their saddles, so you could always try a demo saddle and see how it works for you and your horse.
Happy shopping!!
