Among the many names in the Western saddle market, Double T Saddles often stand out because of one simple factor: affordability.

For horse riders who are just getting started or those who need a saddle without draining their bank account, the brand seems like the perfect option. 

But, as with most budget-friendly gear, the big question lingers: are Double T Saddles actually good, or do they compromise too much on quality?

In this article, we’ll take a deep look at the brand to determine whether a Double T saddle might be the right fit for you and your horse – or whether it’s worth saving up for a more premium brand.

Double T Saddles Overview: Brand and Market Position

Double T is among the strongest brands in the Western horse gear sector. It has especially carved out a unique place in the saddle market by focusing on accessibility—a selling point that has endeared the brand to the masses. 

While many saddle makers emphasize premium craftsmanship, heritage, or professional-grade gear, Double T has taken a different approach – creating saddles that are affordable and widely available to riders of all levels. 

This strategy has made them a household name, especially among beginners, casual riders, and families who need saddles that are functional without being prohibitively expensive.

Beyond affordability, the brand banks on sheer variety. Double T produces barrel saddles, trail saddles, roping saddles, show saddles, and even youth saddles designed specifically for younger riders. 

Many of these models are designed with practical details that make them appealing, including padded seats for rider comfort, adjustable stirrups for flexibility, and decorative tooling that gives the saddles a stylish look despite their budget-friendly price tag. 

Their saddles can often be found at prices ranging from a couple of hundred dollars up to the low $700s. This makes them far more affordable than well-known names like Billy Cook or Circle Y, which can easily climb into the thousands. 

In short, Double T Saddles fill an important niche in the Western riding world. They provide riders with an entry point into the sport, eliminating the overwhelming cost barrier. For many, that accessibility outweighs the drawbacks. 

See also: Parts of a Saddle. 

Why Buy Double T Saddles? Advantages of Double T Horse Saddles

From price point to comfort features, Double T saddles deliver a lot for their cost, especially when compared to competitors in the same range. Key benefits include;

Value for Money

Saddles can easily be one of the most expensive purchases in a rider’s tack collection, with many high-end Western saddles ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. 

Double T, by contrast, offers functional saddles for a fraction of that cost – often between $300 and $700. In this way, Double T lowers the barrier to entry and makes horseback riding more inclusive.

Wide Range of Styles

Double T doesn’t just make one type of saddle. It covers a wide spectrum, including trail, roping, barrel racing, show, and youth saddles. 

Each category has models designed with features suited for that discipline. This variety means riders can find a Double T saddle tailored to their specific riding style without needing to shop across multiple brands.

Comfort Features

For a budget brand, Double T surprisingly offers thoughtful comfort elements. Many models feature well-padded seats, suede for enhanced grip, and adjustable stirrups to accommodate riders of different leg lengths. 

The saddle trees are generally shaped to balance rider weight well, which can help both horse and rider enjoy a more comfortable experience. 

Eye-Catching Design Options

Double T Saddles also stand out visually. Riders who want something a little more colorful or flashy often find Double T appealing, since the company isn’t afraid to experiment with bold tooling patterns, painted accents, and modern looks. 

For youth riders in particular, this can be a fun way to feel connected to their gear. 

Positive Customer Feedback

Although critical reviews exist, many verified buyers report that they are more than satisfied with their purchase. On retail sites like Texan Saddles, Double T models consistently receive ratings well above 4 out of 5 stars, with riders praising both the comfort and affordability. 

Many customers also mention the strong customer service they receive from retailers when purchasing Double T saddles.

Accessible for Beginners

Finally, Double T’s greatest strength may be its role as a beginner-friendly brand. For someone who is just dipping their toes into the equestrian world, investing thousands in tack may not make sense. 

Double T offers a low-risk way to start riding with proper equipment, gain experience, and figure out your long-term needs.

Double T Saddle Cons

While Double T Saddles offer plenty of advantages for beginners and budget-conscious riders, it’s equally important to be aware of their limitations. 

Inconsistent Tree Design

Most Double T Saddles fit horses comfortably. Unfortunately, there have been complaints of a few sitting crookedly or putting pressure in the wrong places. 

An ill-fitting tree can cause significant discomfort for the horse and may even lead to long-term back or wither problems. So, carefully check the tree before purchase and test the saddle on your horse before committing to regular use.

Hardware Durability

Another caution concerns the quality of the hardware. Several riders have reported that stirrup buckles have broken, rigging attachments have loosened, or metal fittings have bent under stress. 

These components are critical for rider safety, so a failure can be more than an inconvenience – it can be dangerous. 

Limited Long-Term Durability

Double T Saddles are not generally built for heavy, daily use. Riders who put significant mileage on their saddles – whether through ranch work, competitive events, or long hours of training – often find that Double T models wear out more quickly than higher-end brands. 

So, if you’re looking for a saddle to use for decades, Double T may not be the right investment.

Fit Challenges for Certain Horses

Many riders report that Double T Saddles work reasonably well on broad, average-backed horses, but they struggle to fit horses with high withers, narrow frames, or unusual conformations. 

In these cases, the saddle may sit unevenly, tilt forward, or require extra padding to make it workable. 

Not Ideal for High-Performance Riding

Double T Saddles can get the job done for casual trail riding, beginner lessons, or short-term use. But they aren’t designed with high-performance competition in mind. 

Disciplines such as roping, barrel racing, or endurance riding require higher-quality saddles that can withstand repeated stress, rapid movements, and extended periods without compromising either horse or rider comfort. 

Low Resale Value

Finally, it’s worth noting that Double T Saddles don’t hold their resale value as well as premium brands. Riders who eventually want to upgrade may find it challenging to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment. 

While this may not matter to beginners or those buying a saddle for short-term use, it’s something to consider if you’re hoping to resell it later.

Best Use Cases for Double T Saddles

Although they may not compete with premium brands in terms of craftsmanship or long-term durability, Double T Saddles fill a very real need in the riding community. Common applications include;

Perfect for Beginners

A brand-new rider may not yet know which discipline they want to pursue, or whether horseback riding will become a lifelong hobby. 

Thus, investing thousands of dollars in tack at this stage doesn’t make sense. Double T Saddles give new riders a low-risk entry point, offering them the chance to ride in comfort without the financial pressure of premium equipment.

Ideal for Kids

Kids not only grow quickly but also change their interests frequently. 

Buying a youth saddle from Double T allows families to provide their child with a safe and functional saddle without overspending on gear they might soon outgrow or lose interest in.

Suitable for Light Trail Riding

Trail riders who only saddle up on weekends or during fair-weather months often find Double T Saddles to be a good fit for their lifestyle. While they may not hold up under constant daily use, they’re more than adequate for leisurely outings. 

Many riders even keep them as a go-to choice for camping trips, group rides, or other casual adventures.

Budget-Friendly Backup Saddles

Riders who own a high-quality, competition-ready saddle may hesitate to lend it out to guests or use it in muddy, rugged conditions. A Double T can serve as the backup option – something affordable to keep on hand but functional enough to get the job done. 

This makes it a practical solution for boarding barns, trail guides, or families with multiple riders sharing horses.

Discipline-Specific Flexibility

Double T offers specialized saddles for specific disciplines, including barrel racing and roping. 

While professional riders may find them lacking in precision or durability, casual competitors or riders who simply want to “try out” a discipline often find them useful. 

For example, a rider interested in learning barrel racing might start with a Double T barrel saddle.

Double T Saddles Buying Guide: Tips and Recommendations

If you’re convinced and considering a Double T Saddle, the decision shouldn’t just come down to price. 

While affordability is one of the biggest draws, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind. 

Match the Saddle to Your Riding Needs

Before buying any saddle, ask yourself how you plan to use it. Are you a weekend trail rider? A parent buying for a child who might outgrow the saddle in a year or two? Or a beginner who just wants to get started without overspending? 

Double T Saddles can be a good match for all of these scenarios, but they’re not designed for heavy competition or rigorous daily use. 

If your goals include roping, endurance riding, or professional barrel racing, you may want to look into sturdier brands.

Inspect the Tree and Fit

Since tree consistency can vary, it’s important to check how the saddle fits your horse before committing. 

If you’re purchasing online, try to buy from a retailer that offers returns or exchanges, so you have the flexibility to test the fit. 

Look for even weight distribution across your horse’s back, and make sure the saddle doesn’t pinch the withers or tilt forward. 

Using a proper saddle pad can help fine-tune the fit, but the underlying tree must still sit correctly to keep your horse comfortable.

Check the Hardware

Pay close attention to the stirrup buckles, rigging, and other hardware. Some riders recommend proactively replacing factory-installed stirrup buckles with stronger aftermarket versions. 

While this incurs a slight additional cost, it can make a significant difference in safety and longevity. 

Most importantly, don’t assume that every Double T model will have the same hardware quality. Inspect every unit carefully and make adjustments where needed.

Buy From Trusted Retailers

Not all sellers are equal. Buying from a reputable tack shop or an established online retailer increases the likelihood of obtaining a saddle in good condition with accurate descriptions. It also ensures you have support if something goes wrong. 

Moreover, reputable retailers like Texan Saddles are known for their quick shipping and responsive customer service, which can give you peace of mind when making a purchase.

Be Realistic About Resale

If you plan to upgrade eventually, remember that Double T Saddles don’t hold their resale value as well as higher-end brands. 

This doesn’t mean they aren’t worth buying. It simply means you should view the purchase as a short- to medium-term investment rather than a long-term asset. 

For families with kids or riders looking for a spare saddle, this isn’t usually a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Don’t Be Afraid of Small Upgrades

One of the best things about Double T Saddles is that you can improve them with small, inexpensive upgrades. 

Stronger stirrup buckles, a higher-quality saddle pad, or sturdier rigging attachments can dramatically extend the life of the saddle and improve both safety and comfort.

Think of the base saddle as a starting point, with the option to customize as needed.

Are Double T Saddles Good? Conclusion

The short answer is yes. Double T Saddles are not designed to compete with high-end, heirloom-quality tack – that’s not their purpose. 

Their strength lies in accessibility, variety, and the ability to get more riders in the saddle without draining the budget.

For beginners, casual trail riders, and families with growing children, that affordability can be the difference between riding and not riding at all.