Tack & ClothingHorse Tack & Equipment

How Much Does A Horse Saddle Cost? Saddle Price Guide

In this article...

Ever wondered how much a horse saddle really costs? It's not just about the initial investment! Discover the hidden costs of owning a saddle, from extra equipment to maintenance costs.

Trying to figure out the cost to buy a saddle? Whether it’s for you, a new horse, or a horse you are leasing, there is more to the cost of a saddle than just buying the saddle itself.

Keep reading to find out:

  • The different saddle cost ranges based on:
    • Saddle quality
    • Types of saddles
    • Saddle brands
  • The extra equipment you’ll need to buy for the saddle; which you’ll have to factor into the cost and 
  • The other upfront costs associated with your saddle
  • The saddles upkeep costs

Horse saddles can range in price greatly depending on the type of saddle, brand, materials and craftsmanship quality. When you are looking to purchase a saddle you can usually expect to get what you pay for. 

The average cost of a horse saddle is around $500. However, the price range for different saddles varies greatly, from $100 for a cheap saddle to $8000 or more for a high end or custom made saddle.

Saddle Cost Based On Saddle Quality

$100-$500 is considered an inexpensive saddle. It will be made of lower quality leather or a synthetic material. The crafting of these saddles will be done with less care and attention to detail. Often these saddles are difficult to fit on horses and are uncomfortable for both horse and rider. Inexpensive saddles commonly put the rider in awkward or incorrect riding positions. The chair seat is one example of an incorrect riding position.

$500-$2000 is considered to be a mid-priced saddle. It will be of low to good quality leather or synthetic material. These saddles are created more structurally sound with higher quality fit for both horse and rider. Some english saddles offer systems where you can change the width sizing of the saddle to be able to fit different horses or be able to change with your horse; as the shape of your horse changes due to age or fitness level. These saddles typically fit most horses and can be somewhat comfortable to pretty comfortable. However horses that are difficult to fit may need a higher quality or custom made saddle.

$2000-$8000+ is considered to be a high end saddle. It will be of good to amazing quality leather. The craftsmanship will be good to the utmost quality, care and attention to detail. These saddles either offer several sizes for horse and rider or are custom tailored to fit horse and rider. Some of these saddles have brand specific saddle fitters that can come and help you choose the right saddle and fit for you and your horse. These saddles are comfortable, balanced and can make riding feel like a dream. Custom saddles are ideal for the difficult to fit horse.

Saddle Price RangeInexpensive Saddle $100-$500Mid-Priced Saddle $500-$2000High End Saddle $2000-$8000+
Saddle QualityLow Quality stiffer leather sometimes you may find defects in saddle or uneven flocking.Mid Level quality leather can lean low to good. These saddles are put together better with more care than cheap saddles but you can sometimes still find defects.High End quality with nice leather, attention to detail is very high. The chance of defect is very low but possible. 
Saddle FitMany times can be a poor fit on horses and often puts rider in an incorrect riding positionTypically fit most horses. Hard to fit horses may need a higher end saddle. Some saddles are decently balanced for rider while others still put rider in awkward positionCustom saddles create the best fit on horses. High end saddles tend to fit horses better because of more attention to detail. But not always the case.
Saddle ComfortThese saddles tend to be uncomfortable more times than not for both horse and rider. Stiff leather and hard seats.It can go 50/50 with mid level saddles. You can find saddles that range from stiffer and uncomfortable to more supple and comfortable.Most high end saddles are very comfortable for the rider and often for the horses is fitted properly. 

Now you have an idea of saddle price based on quality and what the quality level may bring, I just want to bring up one more point here. 

It is possible to find a decent saddle that fits the horse and rider and is at a lower price point. And it is possible that a higher priced saddle is uncomfortable for the horse and rider or the leather isn’t the quality that you would expect. 

So what I am trying to say is that you shouldn’t buy a saddle just based on the price and supposed quality level. You should give saddles a chance and check out the quality in person, try it on your horse, check the fit, ride in it and see how you and your horse like it.

Saddle Cost Based On Type Of Saddle

These are numbers so you can get an idea of what different types of saddles cost. I searched around the internet looking at a bunch of different saddle types and wrote down the prices I saw for the low end and for the high end of each type of saddle. 

So you may find one of these saddle types more or less, slightly out of the price ranges I have listed below. Let me know in the comments if you find a type of saddle that is listed more or less than what I have provided below and I will check it out and update this list.

All the saddles listed below are based on new saddles, not used saddles. I just wanted to clarify that.

ENGLISH SADDLES $99-$8190

Close Contact Saddle $270- $6490

Dressage Saddle $189- $8190

Cross Country Saddle $1300- $6900

All Purpose Saddle $99- $4490

Synthetic English Saddle $227- $1400

Endurance Saddle $227- $4250

Australian Stock Saddle $295- $2500

Exercise Saddle For Race Horses $60- $390

Treeless Saddle $90- $2500

WESTERN SADDLES $189- $8250

Saddle, Cowboy, Western, Horses, Ranch, Rodeo, Nature

Reining Saddle $699- 4,700

Barrel Racing Saddle $275- $3900

Cutting Saddle $579- $4500

Roping Saddles $419- $5200

Show Saddles $369- $8250

Trail Saddle $180-  $4945

Ranch Saddle $449- $3900

Flexible Tree Saddles $499- $2800

Synthetic Western Saddles $179- $770

Saddle Cost Based On English Saddle Brands

Horse, Saddle, Riding, Equine, Equestrian

Here is a list of english saddle brands I have put together, with price ranges of their most inexpensive saddle to their most expensive saddle. I wrote down prices also based on new saddles.

If there is a saddle brand I missed that you love and think should be added to this list, let me know down in the comments.

Arena $1299

Amerigo $2995-$6200

Albion $2995- $6494

Antares $2,880- $5199

Bates $1435- $4045

Crosby $1489- $3499

Collegiate $429- $1699

Camelot $625

CWD Saddles $5450- $8200

Dover $700- $1750

Henri De Rivel $270- $1995

Kincade $175- $447

M Toulouse $999- $2600

Ovation $1195- $2400

Pessoa $1399- $3950

Prestige $2994- $6535 

Passier $2695- $3249

Stubben $2335- $5500

Schleese $3995- $8190

Tad Coffin $6495

Tekna $395- $1095

Wintec $345-$1795

Voltaire $5400+

Saddle Cost Based On Western Saddle Brands

Here is a list of western saddle brands. I am more experienced with english saddles though I have a Circle Y Saddle, which is super comfy. These prices are also based on new saddles with the cheapest saddle to the most expensive for each western saddle brand.

Abetta $392- $950

American Saddlery $710-$1186

Big Horse Saddles $652- $1699

Billy Cooks Saddles $1990- $2590

Circle Y Saddles $1970- $3370

Crates Saddles $1995-$2395

Dakota Saddles $898- $1626

Double J Saddles $1495- $8973

Fabtron Saddles $525- $1567

High Horse Saddles $870- $1450

King Series Saddles $270- $488

Martin Saddlery $3180- $4250

Reinsman Saddles $2850- $3840

Royal King Saddles $297- $649

Schleese $4295- $4945

Silver Royal Saddles $517- $1,158

South Bend Saddles $637- $1804

Tex Tan Saddles $1720- $3050

Tucker Saddles $1950- $2465

Wintec Western Saddles $441- $469

Cost Of Extra Equipment For Saddle 

Stirrup, Boot, Horse, Equestrian, Equine, Horseback

All saddles have equipment that are not included with the purchase.

So unless you buy a saddle package that includes the extra needed equipment or you already have the extra equipment, you are going to have to factor in the costs for the extra equipment that you’ll need for your saddle.

A Western Saddle Will Need

  • Cinch (a western equivalent to an english saddle’s girth) $14- $180
  • Saddle blanket or western saddle pad $18- $450

An English Saddle Will Need

  • Stirrups $12- $500
  • Stirrup leathers $15- $265
  • Girth $10- $330
  • Saddle pad $10- $430

Optional Equipment

  • Breastplate (western or english) $55- $350
  • Grab Strap (english) $6- $50
  • Correction pad or Half Pad (english) $20- $300

Other Upfront Saddle Costs

Some other costs associated with your saddle when you first get it would be getting your saddle fitted by a qualified saddle fitter. This is not a requirement but it is extremely recommended unless you are experienced and have a good eye for fitting saddles or know someone else that is. 

The saddle fit is so important for your horse’s comfort. An improperly fitting saddle will cause back pain and possibly other issues as well. Many behavioral issues under saddle are caused by discomfort from the saddle. So it is worth it to make sure you have a saddle that fits you and your horse and that you are both comfortable with.

Cost for saddle fitting typically ranges at $75-$250.

 Then you will want to consider buying a saddle cover or saddle bag to protect your saddle from dirt, debris, mold and scratches. You don’t need one, but you are investing a good chunk of money into your saddle so it makes sense to protect it with a cover or bag.

Saddle bag or cover cost ranges $10- $250

 If you don’t have a saddle rack or saddle stand to store your saddle you’ll want to buy one. Keeping your saddle on a saddle stand or saddle rack with help to keep the saddle from warping or changing shape. 

Saddle Stand $25- $2000

Saddle Rack $15- $350

Putting a saddle on the ground temporarily pommel first with the cantle leaning against a wall is ok. But it may get dirty and scratches on the front or top of the cantle. 

Definitely don’t put the saddle on the ground like you would on the horse’s back. This will put pressure on the tree which can damage the saddle and it will cause the saddle flaps to bend and warp.

Also if the saddle’s tree breaks you should not use the saddle for riding.

Upkeep Saddle Costs

Other costs associated with your saddle would be the upkeep costs, such as 

  • Leather cleaner and conditioner $10- $100 per container
  • Sponges $5-10 for a pack
  • Getting saddle refitted when the horse changes shape $75-$250
  • Getting saddle repaired, such as re-flocking, new billet straps, covering up holes and more $50-$500
  • New stirrup leathers, stirrups, and girth when they are starting to get worn out. Refer to the section above “Cost Of Extra Equipment For The Saddle”

These upkeep costs will help keep your saddle lasting a long time as well as help to keep you safe and the horse comfortable.

Do you ride another discipline aside from the saddles shown in this post? If you would find it helpful to list another saddle type, let us know down in the comments.

Cheers, Kacey

Join The Joyful Equestrian Newsletter

If you're intrigued by the equestrian lifestyle and eager to learn more, join our newsletter! You'll receive updates on new blog posts, journal entries, free printables, and much more.

Disclaimer Notice: Please be aware that horseback riding and related equestrian activities carry inherent risks. The advice and experiences shared on this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional training or advice. Ensure your safety and that of your horse by wearing appropriate gear, practicing safe horse handling, and consulting with certified equestrian professionals. Remember, each horse is unique, and techniques may vary accordingly. Always prioritize safety, respect, and patience in your equestrian endeavors.

Kacey Cleary Administrator
Kacey has been an equestrian since 1998. She was a working student at several eventing and dressage barns. She has owned horses, leased horses, and trained horses. Kacey received an A.S. in Equine Industries from UMass Amherst, where she rode on the dressage team. She was certified with the ARIA and is licensed to teach riding in MA. She has been a barn manager and has run her own horse farm.
follow me