Your Horse is supported by our audience and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it worksHorse riding requires a saddle and it is likely to be the most expensive item of tack that you find yourself buying, with prices ranging from the hundreds up to well into the thousands. Choosing the best one for you and your horse is critical, because it must fit, and be comfortable for, you both.There are plenty of saddles out there to choose from, and whether you opt for a brand new model or a second-hand one, youll be spoilt for choice. Employing the services of a saddle fitter is ideal, as they will visit your yard to measure your horse and have a selection of saddles for you to try. Before this, it helps to know the kind of styles you like and have an idea of what you might be able to buy within your budget. Thats where Your Horse comes in!How we testOur testing team is made up of horse owners who ride regularly and take part in a range of activities, from hacking to grassroots-level competing. Each rider used their saddle for at least a year, so that they could get a really thorough idea of what it is like. Your Horseis not paid to test these products, so you can be sure the reviews youre reading are honest and without bias. We advise all saddles are professionally fitted by an SMS-registered saddle fitter.Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle with CAIRLength of test: over 10 yearsAbout the saddle: A quality saddle with a supportive seat, and the added comfort and grip of its supple and durable leather-look material. After a big day of riding simply hose it off. Soft panels mould in and around the horses muscles and hug their conformation. Tester Aimi Clark, editor of Your Horse Online who owns/rides ex-racehorses, says: I am a big fan of this saddle and Ive owned three in the last 20 years or so, using them on different horses, mostly Thoroughbreds but originally on a Danish Warmblood.The latter used the saddle in a medium-wide gullet, and when he died the saddle sat unused until my family bought a little ex-racehorse who proved tricky to find a saddle for. In the end, my Wintec, now with a narrow gullet inside (I changed it myself its fiddly, but straightforward to do), came back into commission.What I love best about this saddle is its versatility. Its affordable, easy to look after, smart enough to do low-level competitions in, and comfortable for long rides, jumping and fast work. My top tip when cleaning it is to wipe it off with water only first, before using any synthetic-specific product, otherwise it can look greasy.I go hacking for miles and when I hunted regularly, I didnt have to worry about this saddle getting wet in the rain or scratched by low branches. Even after all this time it is in good condition; the only sign of wear and tear is a small chip of material missing from the point of cantle, which doesnt affect its use. Id say its been a very good investment!RRP 629. Easy to find second hand or to buy new from a local stockistThorowgood T4 Cob GP SaddleLength of test: 3 yearsAbout the saddle: This all-round saddle has been designed to suit the rounder build of a cob-type horse. It offers close contact to avoid that perched-on-top feeling and the medium depth seat is ideal for a range of activities. Four girthing options maximise the saddles stability, and the suede-effect seat covering and knee pads are non-slip and comfortable.Tester Lisa Johnson says: Many Arabs lack wither, a bit like cobs, and so this style of saddle really suits my Anglo Arab. Its useful that if your horse changes shape the saddle can be easily adjusted thanks to its changeable gullet system. The soft suede-effect seat and knee rolls makes this saddle hugely comfortable to ride in, as well as offering good security. I did, however, find that the cut of this saddle can push your lower leg position forward. The leather-look synthetic material is really easy to care for just wipe it over with a damp sponge and youre done.RRP 595Buy NowAlbion K2 GP SaddleLength of test: 12 monthsAbout the saddle: Designed for riders looking for a comfortable, high quality, all-round saddle thats suitable for all major disciplines. Offers comfort for both horse and rider and numerous fitting options, including Adjusta-Tree technology. Supports a secure, supportive seat and leg position.Your Horses tester Nicola Tym says: From new this saddle has fitted my horse well and been hugely comfortable for me too. My horse doesnt have any particular conformational quirks, and the fits been good from day one. The GP style means I can use this saddle for all disciplines. Its great for both hacking and jumping, and I find it easy to maintain a correct and secure position when riding. The saddle has always been very comfortable to ride in and the leather is easy to care for. With regular conditioning, its still in excellent condition.RRP 2,215Buy NowBates Dressage Saddle with CairLength of test: 5 yearsAbout the saddle: Features a deep seat with a narrow waist and broad sitting area for greater support for the rider, plus an adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar and Flexibloc systemtoensure an optimal dressage position. Includes the Easy Change Fit Solution andCair Cushion Systemfor a customisable fitand comfortable cushioning.Your Horses tester Fiona Scott says: Its great that the fit of this saddle can be altered if your horse changes shape, thanks to its Easy-Change Fit Solution, which ensures its comfortable year-round. The position of the stirrup bars on this saddle is set back a little, which Ive found puts my leg into the correct position. Its very comfortable to ride in and a big plus for me is that it makes me feel secure, but not restricted. After five years of use there are no signs of wear on this saddle, but Ive always made sure its cleaned and conditioned regularly to keep the leather looking good.RRP 1,799Buy NowIdeal Impala Pro Jump SaddleLength of test: 2 yearsAbout the saddle: A single flap close-contact saddle. The tree has a flat rake cantle for a more open seat making it ideal for cross-country riding. It also has a free-swinging girthing system allowing greater flexibility when fitting.Your Horses tester Rebecca Bullock says: This saddle is hugely comfortable for me, and my horse works very well under it too. This could, in part, be due to the single flap design, which definitely gives a closer feel with your horse. I have long legs and the forward cut of this saddle means I can ride with shorter stirrups comfortably (the flaps were made more forward cut for me). I always feel secure in it. In addition, I find the flatter seat gives me room to move, especially when riding cross-country.This saddle is easy to care for and the leather always cleans up nicely.RRP 2,495Buy NowGFS Monarch DressageLength of test: 3 yearsAbout the saddle: Suitable for all levels of dressage to help the rider improve their seat and leg position. It has a comfortable and balanced seat with a supportive block and extra padding on the knee. Built on a lightweight, flexible tree with an easy fit gullet system so the saddle can be easily adjusted.Your Horses tester Louise Haydon says: Being able to change the gullet in this saddle means that if my horse changes shape the saddle can be altered to fit him. Ive found it also allows my horse good freedom of movement. The shape of the knee roll and seat helps me sit comfortably and in the correct position. This also gives me a feeling of security when Im riding. The leather cleans easily and after applying conditioner it comes up looking like new with very little effort. Youd never think it was three years old.RRP around 800-1000. Buy second-hand from somewhere like The Saddle BankKent & Masters S-Series Dressage SaddleLength of test: 1 yearAbout the saddle: The low profile panel design of this saddle offers the rider a closer contact with their horse and good stability. It has moveable under-flap thigh blocks, which can be repositioned as required. A changeable gullet bar enables the saddle to be adjusted if your horse changes shape.Your Horses tester Kate Ingram says: The changeable gullet of this saddle is great, especially if you have a young horse whos changing shape, as it makes adjusting the fit far easier. I also think that my horse finds it comfortable, giving him freedom to move, as he goes well in it. I find this saddle really comfortable to ride in too, and I like the fact you can move the knee roll to suit you and support your leg where you need it. After a year of use there are no signs of wear on this saddle and, when its cleaned, the leather cleans well and comes up looking like new.RRP 872Buy NowHeather Moffett Flexee Finesse Dressage SaddleLength of test: one yearAbout the saddle: This saddle is built on a leather tree, a very old method of making a flexible saddle. Its ergonomically designed to allow the rider to sit in the correct ear/shoulder/hip/heel alignment. The Finesse synthetic material is almost indistinguishable from real soft hide. Your Horses tester Lucy Harvey says: This saddle offers a versatile fit due to its flexible tree, and my horse has always found it comfortable. The design really does help to put you in the correct riding position and its very comfortable. It is worth noting that the holes on this saddles girth straps are quite small, so it can be difficult to adjust your girth. As the manufacturer says, the material looks like leather but is actually synthetic, which is easier to care for. A quick wipe over with a damp cloth and it comes up looking like new.Buy NowRelated contentEssential guide to buying a saddleHow to make sure youre not buying a stolen saddleSMS saddle fitter shows you how to check the fit of a saddle *VIDEO*We have tried and tested these bridles for fit, value and performanceThe post This is what our testers think of these saddles after riding in them for at least 12 months appeared first on Your Horse.