I currently ride in a barrel saddle (deep seat, high cantle), but I don’t love it. I feel like I am perched up off the horse and I can’t really feel whats going on underneath me. I am looking into getting a trail saddle, and I was wondering what the best brands were, or which ones you all would recommend. I would be looking for a used one, in the 600$ or less range. Thanks!
I was looking all over the place for a saddle and eventually I settled on a old Amish saddle. Maybe your tack store has one? It might need a lot of oil or a few things fixed but, once you get into saddle fitting those things seem minor. I’m not to good with all the name brands but I really like my Amish saddle. Hope this helped a little bit.
I did see a synthetic Wintec for around $400 the other day. Some people love Wintec some people hate them, so personal choice.
I like my Abetta saddle. I also use a sheepskin saddle cover. I know what you mean about feeling perched and the Abetta feels as good as possible in that respect without being an English saddle. Price and weight are both good since it’s synthetic.
I will second this. I’ve been around the mulberry bush with trail saddle: Tuckers, Aussies…by far my favorite and now entering its 8th year of continuous use is an Abetta Cordura Endurance Trail saddle. Lightweight, comfortable for my horse and me both, washes off with a hose. Tough and comfy = I love it.
I think the easiest answer to your question is the best trail saddle is one that fits you and the horse, and that you are comfortable in. I trail ride in Martin Ranch Cutter saddles. Mine are a fairly flat seat that I feel allow me the freedom of movement I like when in the saddle, plus are close contact with a really supple fender so I can use my legs as well.
I have a very nice Circle Y trail saddle with a lovely gel seat, but I hate it. It makes me feel stuck in the deep seat of the saddle like I can’t get out of it.
Find what works for you and your horse!
Another vote for Abetta. Endurance Saddle. I just bought a new one from Horseloverz. It was $427 US.
I love it and so does my Arab mare. I replaced the western fenders and stirrups with English ones. Which makes it even lighter. It’s awesome.
if you are interested in the Abetta, PM me!
Those with Abetta…does anyone have the Arab tree? If so, would it fit a barrel of a horse with a fairly flat back and level topline? And do you have the model with the more padded seat or the regular seat?
To answer the OP, your question will have many answers. What one person loves, another hates. I’ve generally heard good things about Fabtrons.
I have the Abetta trail saddle with the arab tree and extra padded seat and it fits my wide, table-top Haffie great! It’s super, super comfortable. If you are interested in an Abetta, PM me. I’m selling mine, as I never use it, and ride in my jumper saddle all the time. I’ve only used it a handful of times. Can come with endurance CoolBack pad and WoolBack endurance girth.
Whatever fits you and your horse and is comfortable 
If you can ask to sit in some different saddles. Have friends that have saddles you like the look of? See if you can do a lap or two in one. What are your likes, dislikes, must haves, and no ways?
