If you are looking for a western saddle that stands out in the show ring, there are 5 high-end options available which are the most expensive you can buy. 

Each horse saddle is handcrafted in the USA using top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Each saddles is known for its exquisite design, attention to detail, and superior performance. Whether you are a serious competitor or a trail rider, these saddles are sure to impress. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these 5 saddles and what sets them apart from the rest.

Most Expensive Western Saddles

The most expensive horse saddles are usually made of high-quality materials, like top-grain leather and metals, which are hand-crafted by skilled artisans. These saddles often incorporate innovative design features that improve comfort and performance. Advanced tree technology, shock-absorbing materials, and custom-fit options improve your riding experience. 

Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle

Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle

The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle is a popular choice for western show riders and is handcrafted in the USA using high-quality materials such as premium leather, silver, and Swarovski crystals. It features a deep seat, tooling patterns, and intricate silver accents. 

The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle can cost upwards of $10,000.

The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle is a high-end western show saddle that is known for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials. It is handcrafted in the USA by Dale Chavez, a master saddle maker who has been making saddles for over 40 years.

Quality Construction

The saddle features a deep seat that provides the rider with comfort and stability during long rides and competitions. The seat is also designed to keep the rider in the correct position while performing various maneuvers.

Premium Materials

The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle is made from premium leather that is both durable and supple, providing the rider with a comfortable and secure grip. The saddle is adorned with silver and Swarovski crystals that are carefully hand-placed by skilled artisans. The silver is not just for decoration, but also adds weight to the saddle, helping it to stay in place during competition.

The saddle also features tooling patterns that are carefully carved into the leather using traditional techniques. The tooling adds depth and texture to the saddle, making it a true work of art.

Customizable Design

One of the most unique features of the Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle is its customizable design. Each saddle is made to order, allowing the rider to select their preferred seat size, color, and tooling pattern. This ensures that each saddle is one-of-a-kind and perfectly suited to the rider's needs.

Summary

The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle is a top-of-the-line western show saddle that is designed for serious competitors who demand the very best. Its high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and customizable design make it a true investment piece for any serious western rider.

Harris Silver Show Saddle

Harris Silver Show Saddle

The Harris Silver Show Saddle is another popular choice for western show riders and is handcrafted in the USA using high-quality materials such as premium leather and sterling silver. It features a deep seat, tooling patterns, and intricate silver accents. 

The Harris Silver Show Saddle can cost upwards of $15,000.

The Harris Silver Show Saddle is a high-end western show saddle manufactured by the Harris Leather & Silverworks company, which has been in business since 1960. The saddle is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and luxurious materials.

Maximum Performance

The Harris Silver Show Saddle is designed to provide maximum comfort and performance for both the rider and the horse. It features a deep seat and a narrow twist to help the rider maintain a correct position, while the tree is made of high-quality materials to ensure durability and strength.

Decoration

The saddle is also highly decorated, with intricate silver designs covering the saddle's skirt, cantle, pommel, and stirrups. The silver work is hand-engraved and can take up to 200 hours to complete, making each saddle a unique piece of art.

Variety

The Harris Silver Show Saddle is available in a variety of sizes and colors to fit different horses and riders. However, due to its high-end nature and luxurious materials, it is also one of the most expensive show saddles on the market.

Summary

Due to its exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious materials, the Harris Silver Show Saddle is one of the most expensive saddles in the world. It is highly sought after by horse enthusiasts and collectors, and it has won numerous awards for its beauty and quality.

Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle

Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle

The Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle is a popular choice for western riders who compete in cowhorse events and is handcrafted in the USA using high-quality materials such as premium leather and stainless steel. It features a deep seat, roughout leather, and tooling patterns. 

The Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle can cost upwards of $5,000.


High Quality Design

Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle is a high-quality western saddle designed specifically for use in cow horse events, such as cutting, reining, and working cow horse competitions. Bob's Custom Saddles is a reputable manufacturer of western saddles based in the United States, and the Cowhorse Saddle is one of their most popular models.

The Cowhorse Saddle is designed with the needs of both the rider and the horse in mind. It features a comfortable seat, close contact design, and a low profile to help the rider maintain balance and stability during quick and agile movements. The saddle also has a traditional horn and a high cantle to provide the rider with additional support and security.

Saddle Tree

The tree of the Cowhorse Saddle is made of high-quality materials and is designed to distribute the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back. The saddle also has a variety of rigging options to allow the rider to customize the fit and balance of the saddle to their specific needs.

Top Quality Materials


The Cowhorse Saddle is made of top-quality materials, including premium leather, and is handcrafted by skilled artisans. It is also highly customizable, with a wide range of options for seat size, leather color, tooling, and silver accents.

Summary

The Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle is a top-of-the-line western saddle that is designed to provide both the rider and the horse with comfort, balance, and performance in cow horse events.

Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle

Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle

The Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is a popular choice for western riders who enjoy trail riding and is handcrafted in the USA using high-quality materials such as premium leather and stainless steel. It features a deep seat, flexible tree design, and tooling patterns. 

The Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle can cost upwards of $3,000.


Designed For Comfort

The Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is a western-style trail saddle designed for long hours of comfortable riding. Circle Y is a well-known manufacturer of western saddles, and the Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is one of their most popular models.

Flex2 Saddle Tree

One of the key features of the Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is its Flex2 tree. This tree is designed to flex and move with the horse's movement, providing a more comfortable ride for both the horse and rider. The Flex2 tree is made of a combination of wood and fiberglass, making it both lightweight and strong.

The saddle also features a soft, padded seat and a high cantle for added support and security. The stirrups are positioned to allow for a more natural leg position, reducing strain on the rider's knees and ankles. The saddle also has multiple rigging options, allowing the rider to customize the fit and balance of the saddle to their specific needs.

Tooling and Accents

In addition to its functional features, the Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is also beautiful. It has a classic western look and a variety of tooling and silver accent options. The saddle is available in a range of sizes to fit different horses and riders.

Summary

The Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle is a high-quality western trail saddle designed for comfort, performance, and durability. Its Flex2 tree and other features make it a popular choice among trail riders who want a saddle that can keep up with their long hours of riding.

Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle

Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle

The Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle is a popular choice for western riders who compete in barrel racing and is handcrafted in the USA using high-quality materials such as premium leather and stainless steel. It features a deep seat, roughout leather, and tooling patterns. 

The Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle can cost upwards of $3,500.


Barrel Racing Design

The Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle is a western-style saddle designed specifically for barrel racing, a popular rodeo event that involves horse and rider racing through a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Martin Saddlery is a reputable manufacturer of western saddles based in the United States, and the Barrel Saddle is one of their most popular models.

The Barrel Saddle is designed to be lightweight and close-contact, allowing the rider to make quick and agile movements during barrel racing. It features a deep seat and a high cantle for added support and security, as well as a low profile horn for easier maneuverability around the barrels.

Rigging Options

The tree of the Barrel Saddle is made of high-quality materials and is designed to distribute the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back. The saddle also has a variety of rigging options to allow the rider to customize the fit and balance of the saddle to their specific needs.

The Barrel Saddle is made of top-quality materials, including premium leather, and is handcrafted by skilled artisans. It is also highly customizable, with a wide range of options for seat size, leather color, tooling, and silver accents.

Summary

The Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle is a top-of-the-line western saddle that is designed to provide both the rider and the horse with comfort, balance, and performance in barrel racing events. Its lightweight design and other features make it a popular choice among barrel racers who want a saddle that can help them achieve their best performance.

Final Thoughts

Western show saddles are more than just a piece of equipment for horse and rider. They are works of art that require expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Dale Chavez Custom Show Saddle, Harris Silver Show Saddle, Bob's Custom Saddles Cowhorse Saddle, Circle Y Flex2 Pioneer Trail Saddle, and Martin Saddlery Barrel Saddle are just a few examples of the high-quality western saddles available on the market. 

These saddles are designed to provide comfort, balance, and performance for both the horse and rider. While they may come with a hefty price tag, they are investments that serious riders are willing to make in order to achieve success in their competitions and enjoy their riding experiences to the fullest.


Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.