I tried Tucker saddles at an event and absolutely loved it for a trail saddle. However, I want to start a young horse next and am looking at other brands for a young horse saddle. I looked at Circle Y’s other options and saw two models from their High Horse line which looked very similar design to Tucker, but with less expensive materials. I’m mainly looking for information or experiences with the 6863 Little River, but also interested in the 6862 Big Springs. Both are shorter skirt length with trail features and a comfortable seat. I’m not buying until I find a horse to fit to, but looking at different models out there. Thanks for sharing any experiences.
I have a High Horse saddle by Circle Y and love it for the lighter weight and comfort it gives me trail riding. I don’t ride endurance distances but I do ride for several hours at a time. I’ve not ridden in either of the two models you are specifically looking for so I can’t give feedback on them. I’ve had several regular Circle Y saddles that I liked a lot but they did not fit my current horse well so I had to make a change. I’ve also owned a Tucker endurance saddle and while I agree it was super comfortable, I felt it suspended me up higher on top of my horse than I preferred (I felt perched). The Tucker fit my gelding well but I liked the closeness I felt with the High Horse better. Good luck on your saddle fit journey. It really is a personal one based on you and your horse’s comfort.
The Little River will sit just like the Tucker River Plantation. I had one for a few years (the Tucker I mean) and it puts you in a chair seat and doesn’t have a ton of low back support b/c of the sorta low cantle. That other one is a bucket you’d be hard pressed to fall out of, so that’s better back support but a little more confining if you prefer a more open seat.
Circle Y quality is consistent and it will be made of good leather.
