A quality saddle is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for every horse rider. It’s important to choose a saddle that is smooth, comfortable, and durable.
When you step into a tack shop for a new saddle, look for one with high quality, excellent craftsmanship, and rider comfort.
Sheridan Saddles are known for their unique features, long-lasting durability, and traditional Western saddle design. In this article, you’ll get a detailed and honest review of Sheridan saddle models to help you in your decision-making process.
About Sheridan Saddle Brand
Sheridan Saddles are highly appreciated for their amazing craftsmanship and handcrafted details, making them ideal for classic Western riders. These saddles are made by Sheridan Buckle Co., a brand known for producing custom gear for both horse and rider.
Sheridan Saddles have received positive reviews across the equestrian world due to their high quality and class. They are especially popular in the Western saddle market for their balanced performance and utility.
While Ernst laid the groundwork with early floral designs, Don King refined the style with detailed circular floral patterns featuring small flowers, leaves, and stems. This design became iconic in custom saddles used for rodeo, collecting, and Western riding.
Detailed Pros and Cons of Sheridan Saddles
✅ Pros
- High-Quality Craftsmanship & Materials
Sheridan Saddles are handcrafted using premium leather and durable saddle components. Their polished hardware ensures long-term durability, capable of withstanding years of regular use. The focus on saddle structure and intricate saddle carving reflects top-tier craftsmanship and a deep tradition of saddle art. - Excellent Fit and Rider Comfort
The deep seat design provides excellent riding comfort and rider balance, regardless of rider size or experience level. It improves riding posture, seat comfort, and overall support for long or intense rides. - Classic Western Design and Style
Sheridan is widely recognized for its traditional Western design and authentic saddle aesthetics. Its detailed floral tooling and Western-style appeal make it a standout choice for riders who value both performance and visual appeal. - Strong Value for Money
While Sheridan is a premium brand requiring a higher investment, its durability, refined features, and long-term usability offer excellent value. Within the Western saddle market, it’s praised for its craftsmanship, performance, and attention to detail. - Positive User Feedback
On platforms like Reddit, Quora, and other equestrian forums, users frequently leave positive reviews about Sheridan Saddles. Feedback often highlights its performance, comfort, and long-lasting durability.
❌ Cons
- Longer Wait Time for Made-to-Order Saddles
Because most Sheridan Saddles are custom-built, there’s typically a longer wait time compared to ready-made saddles. This might not be ideal for buyers needing a saddle quickly or new to custom ordering. - Premium Pricing
Sheridan is a high-end saddle brand, and the price may not fit every rider’s budget. While the cost is justified by its quality and features, casual or beginner riders might find it out of reach. - Seat Depth Might Not Suit Everyone
Although many riders love the secure feel of the deep seat, some smaller or beginner riders may find it takes time to adjust. This could impact initial comfort until proper riding posture is developed. - Customization Requires Patience and Experience
Customization is a strength, but it also requires a good understanding of saddle fit and equine comfort. Riders need to be precise with measurements, and it may not be the best option for those without prior saddle experience.
If you loved our Hailson Saddle Review, don’t miss our Hailson Saddle Review—another great option for comfort and durability!
Sheridan Saddles vs. Other Saddle Brands: Comparison Table
| Feature / Brand | Sheridan Saddles | Circle Y | Billy Cook | Tex Tan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsmanship | Handcrafted, meticulous | Semi-handmade, mass-produced | Handcrafted with good detail | Good quality, some machine work |
| Design Style | Classic Western, intricate carving | Modern & Western hybrid | Traditional Western | Western with modern touch |
| Material Quality | Premium leather, top-tier materials | High quality but varies by model | Strong leather, slightly heavier | Good leather but varies by price |
| Customization Options | Fully customizable, made to order | Limited custom features | Semi-custom | Limited to style and size |
| Fit & Comfort | Deep seat, secure, fits most horses | Comfortable for casual riding | Supportive but can be stiff | Comfortable for short rides |
| Ideal For | Serious riders, barrel racers, ranch | Recreational, trail, show | Ranch, roping, general use | Casual riders, some ranch use |
| Wait Time | Longer (custom build) | Available off the shelf | Medium wait | Ready-made mostly |
| Price Range | 1000$ (Mid-range) | 1500$ (Mid-range) | 1000$ (Mid-range) | 700$ (Budget to mid-range) |
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper care | Moderate to high | High durability | Moderate durability |
| Performance Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🛍️ Should You Buy a Sheridan Saddle?
If you’re a Western rider who values craftsmanship, custom fit, and long-term saddle durability, then yes—Sheridan is absolutely worth the investment.
It offers equestrian comfort, horse compatibility, and high-end performance. It’s especially well-suited for barrel racing, working ranch duties, and trail riding disciplines.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget, need a saddle immediately, or are a casual rider, there are several solid alternatives that still offer good saddle quality and value.
🔁 Sheridan Saddle Alternatives
- Circle Y – Great for trail and show riders who want comfort without a long wait.
- Billy Cook Saddles – Excellent for ranch work or roping, with reliable fit and solid saddle adjustment.
- Tex Tan – Ideal for beginners or casual riders looking for affordability and a classic Western look.
- Reinsman – Known for comfort and mid-range pricing, perfect for trail and general riding.
✅ Final Verdict
Sheridan provides a wide range of saddle options to match different riding preferences and needs. However, if you’re on a limited budget or a beginner looking for a lower-cost option for casual riding, Sheridan may not be the best fit for you.