Circle Y Saddles, Inc. — America’s Leading Saddle Brand — has handcrafted saddles in the small town of Yoakum, Texas since 1960. Founder Leland Tucker started the company on the belief that the saddle industry could use finer products — and more than 65 years later, every Circle Y saddle is still built by hand in Yoakum, and the brand is today the Official Saddle of PRORODEO. If you want expert craftsmanship and only the finest materials in your saddle, Circle Y is where you look first.
From the very beginning, Circle Y built its reputation on innovation and fine craftsmanship, becoming the standard of quality in the saddle industry. The company was family operated from its founding in 1960 until 2000, and under new ownership from 2003 it rekindled the founder’s commitment to be the world’s leader in product design, innovation, and quality. Circle Y attributes the success of the brand to its family of employees: with a deep sense of community and pride in their work, the Circle Y team boasts a combined total of over 1,500 years of saddle-making experience. Each stitch, cut, and carve is done by craftsmen who build every saddle as if it were their own.
The PRCA chose Circle Y to build the saddles its world-class athletes compete for, and the dedicated PRCA lineup is built to that professional standard: the PRCA 1/4 Tooled Team Roper, PRCA 1/8 Tooled Team Roper, PRCA Bulldogger, and PRCA Calf Roper. These are working rodeo saddles, hand-tooled in Yoakum and available to any rider who wants the same saddle the pros take into the arena.
The Flex2® is Circle Y’s patented saddle tree, engineered to fit a broad selection of horses rather than a single back shape. It combines a rigid ground seat with a dual-bar system that places stability and flexibility exactly where each is needed: high-density bars carry the rider and distribute weight evenly, while low-density bars conform to the horse’s back and allow freedom of movement, so the saddle moves with the horse without losing its structure. The entire tree is finished in a DURAhide coating that adds strength while keeping out moisture and the elements, extending the working life of the saddle — and protecting your investment for years of hard riding.
Today’s Circle Y catalog spans virtually every Western discipline: Barrel, Trail, Roping, Ranch, Mounted Shooting, All Around, Versatility, Breakaway, Training, Youth, and High Horse lines, plus the dedicated Flex2® Trail and Just-B-Natural collections. Trail riders can choose from favorites like the Oakwood Flex2®, Walnut Grove Flex2® Trail, Omaha Flex2®, Greenbrier Flex2®, Topeka Flex2®, Pioneer Flex2®, Salt River Flex2®, Harper Hybrid Flex2®, and Sunflower Flex2® Trail, while gaited-horse riders get purpose-built models in the Alabama, Kentucky, and Virginia Trail Gaiter series. Whatever ride you are on, there is a Circle Y built for it.
Circle Y selects fine-quality materials throughout, from the leather to the silver trim. Their Softee leather is real, full-grain leather with a genuinely broken-in feel, so Softee seat jockeys and fenders arrive ready to ride right out of the box while helping to minimize knee and ankle strain. Many models add an impact-foam seat for cushioning on long rides, EBS Ergo Balance Stirrups that reduce knee and ankle fatigue, and a tunnel skirt design that opens down the middle of the saddle so the horse’s spine gets increased air flow.
A 3-way adjustable in-skirt rigging and multiple tree-width options let you dial in the fit for your horse, and every saddle is backed by Circle Y’s registered factory warranty on the tree, parts, and silver.
"I am thrilled with the effects of the saddle for both Candy and me. The saddle fits her beautifully — several trainers have said that the fit is great for her. What I didn't expect were the benefits for me. My knees no longer feel 'the torque,' since the stirrups are turned. Also, I can ride much longer due to the comfort of the ride. We have been on trail rides where we have been the only pair still ready to go after several hours because we both are comfortable! The bonus is the remarks on the beauty of the leather and the tooling. So, hey, we feel good and we look good! Thank you for the opportunity to purchase the saddle." Bobbie Jo W.
"I love my Circle Y so much I would rather walk than use another brand." Aaron M.
"I have been riding in Circle Y Saddles for over 20 years and love my FLEX 2 Saddle that I have now" Ann Pruitt — InfoHorse.com
Circle Y saddles are designed by those who live it. The Team of Champions — Clay Tryan, Cody Crow, Julie Goodnight, Kelly Kaminski, Kenda Lenseigne, Martha Josey, Sarah Rose McDonald, Sharon Camarillo, and Tammy Fischer — shapes purpose-built designs for every discipline. Barrel racers can ride the same saddles their champions helped design, including the Josey Cash Outlaw, Tammy Fischer Blue Roan, Sarah Rose Coastal Rose and Briar Rose, Kelly Kaminski New Frontier Jolene Barrel, and Kelly Kaminski Swift Flex2®, while clinician Julie Goodnight’s signature trail line carries her fit-first philosophy into every ride.
That champion heritage runs deep: barrel-racing legend Martha Josey has partnered with Circle Y for decades, and world champions like Kelly Kaminski built their careers in these saddles. The tradition continues with today’s arena stars in barrel racing, team roping, and cowboy mounted shooting.
In 2023, Circle Y entered an inspiring new chapter when it was acquired by nearby Kaspar Companies, a fifth-generation, family-owned business led by descendants of the Welhausen family — the same family who founded Tex Tan in 1919, one of the earliest pioneers in American saddlemaking. That legacy came full circle in 2024 when Kaspar Companies and Circle Y proudly repurchased the Tex Tan name, reuniting two historic Yoakum brands under one family and restoring a century-long tradition of Texas saddlemaking excellence.
The same hands-on craftsmanship continues in Yoakum today, where Circle Y is also helping the town renovate the Yoakum Rodeo Arena — standing beside the riders, ranchers, and neighbors who have supported the brand for generations.
Once you sit in a Circle Y, you just don’t want to settle for less. Tack stores throughout the country carry Circle Y because of their tremendous popularity and resale value — and today you can also order your saddle directly from circley.com or use the dealer locator to find an authorized Circle Y dealer near you. Questions about saddle fit, seat size, or choosing the right model? Call and the Circle Y team will help you find the perfect fit for you and your horse!
Per Circle Y Saddles, Inc.: America's Leading Saddle Brand. Celebrated 50 years of saddle making in 2010. Began manufacturing in the small town of Yoakum, Texas, in 1960. Founded by Leland Tucker with a vision to build the finest product possible.
The company was family-operated until 2000. In 2003 under new ownership, Circle Y rekindled its founder's commitment to be the world's leader in product design, innovation, and quality.
Per Circle Y: still located in Yoakum, Texas. In January 2010, Circle Y opened new doors with a relocation to a single building facility from several separate buildings in downtown Yoakum — recognizing greater efficiencies.
Per Circle Y: company attributes the success of the brand to its family of employees. The Circle Y team boasts a combined total of over 1,500 years of experience. Deep sense of community and pride in their work.
Per Circle Y: the current catalog spans every Western discipline, including:
Per Circle Y: saddles and tack are made from the finest leathers available in the industry. Hardware, silver trim, and finishes are of the highest quality. Each saddle is built by experienced craftsmen.
Per Circle Y Saddles, Inc.: order directly online at circley.com, or use the dealer locator to find an authorized Circle Y dealer near you. Phone 800-531-3600, email [email protected]. Pricing varies by saddle style, leather, and customization — confirm current pricing with Circle Y directly.
Every Circle Y saddle is handcrafted in Yoakum, Texas, a small town about two hours east of San Antonio. The company has manufactured there since 1960, and its saddles and trees are built by a team of expert craftsmen with decades of experience. This U.S.-made, hand-built heritage is central to the brand's identity as America's leading saddle brand.
Circle Y was founded in 1960 by Leland Tucker, who believed the saddle industry could use finer products. It grew from a family operation into one of the most distinguished saddle manufacturers in the world. The company celebrated 50 years of saddle making in 2010 and continues to operate from its original Yoakum, Texas home.
The Flex2 is Circle Y's patented saddle tree, engineered to fit a broad selection of horses rather than one back shape. It pairs a rigid ground seat with a dual-bar system: high-density bars provide structural support and even weight distribution, while low-density bars conform to the horse's back and allow freedom of movement. The result is a tree that flexes where the horse needs it while keeping the rider stable and supported.
DURAhide is the protective coating that finishes the Flex2 tree. It adds strength to the tree while keeping out moisture and the elements, which extends the working life of the saddle. Because the tree is the structural heart of any saddle, this coating helps protect a rider's investment over years of use.
Softee leather is Circle Y's real, full-grain leather that arrives with a genuinely broken-in feel. Softee seat jockeys and fenders are ready to ride right out of the box, so there is no long break-in period. The supple feel also helps minimize knee and ankle strain during long rides.
Circle Y builds saddles for nearly every Western discipline: barrel, trail, roping, ranch, mounted shooting, all around, versatility, breakaway, training, and youth, plus dedicated Flex2 Trail, Just-B-Natural, and Trail Gaiter lines for gaited horses. Beyond saddles, the company produces matching tack such as breast collars, headstalls, reins, and show tack.
Circle Y warrants its saddle trees against defects in workmanship and materials for five full years from the date of purchase when used normally for the intended purpose. All other saddle parts are warranted for forty-five days, and saddle silver for one year. The included Warranty Card must be completed and mailed to Circle Y within 30 days to secure coverage, and the warranty is non-transferable.
Weight varies by model, but the popular Omaha Flex2 trail saddle weighs approximately 29 pounds. The Flex2 tree is designed to be lightweight yet sturdy, balancing durability for the rider with a fit that conforms to the horse. Lighter weight makes a real difference on long trail and endurance rides.
The tunnel skirt is open down the middle of the saddle so the horse's spine gets increased air flow. This design reduces friction and pressure points along the back, helping keep the horse comfortable on long outings. It appears on trail models such as the Omaha Flex2.
Yes. Many Circle Y models offer multiple tree-width options and a 3-way adjustable in-skirt rigging so you can tailor the fit to your horse and discipline. Combined with the conforming Flex2 bars, this lets one saddle fit a range of horses as if it were custom-made. Choosing the correct tree width remains important for a proper fit.
EBS Ergo Balance Stirrups are a comfort feature found on many Circle Y Flex2 saddles. They are designed to decrease knee and ankle fatigue while riding by encouraging a more natural, balanced foot position. Paired with an impact-foam seat, they make extended time in the saddle more comfortable.
Current trail favorites include the Oakwood Flex2, Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail, Omaha Flex2, Greenbrier Flex2, Topeka Flex2, Pioneer Flex2, Salt River Flex2, Harper Hybrid Flex2, and Sunflower Flex2 Trail. Gaited-horse riders get purpose-built options in the Alabama, Kentucky, and Virginia Trail Gaiter series. The lineup is deep enough to match almost any trail rider's seat size, color, and budget.
Yes. The Circle Y Team of Champions includes Clay Tryan, Cody Crow, Julie Goodnight, Kelly Kaminski, Kenda Lenseigne, Martha Josey, Sarah Rose McDonald, Sharon Camarillo, and Tammy Fischer. Their signature saddles — like the Josey Cash Outlaw, Kelly Kaminski Swift Flex2, and Julie Goodnight trail line — carry each champion's design input into production models any rider can buy.
Circle Y offers a wide range of seat sizes across its models — barrel saddles run from roughly 10 to 17 inches and trail models from 13 to 18 inches depending on the line. Leather finishes typically include regular oil, heavy oil, walnut, chocolate, antique, chestnut, and black, with suede seat options in many colors. Availability of sizes, widths, and colors varies by specific model.
Circle Y saddles suit the competitive rider, the casual trail enthusiast, and everyone in between. The breadth of the line, from barrel and reining to ranch and gaited, means there is a purpose-built option for most disciplines and rider budgets. The shared Flex2 comfort technology and U.S. handcrafting run through the entire range.
You can buy directly from circley.com or through a wide network of authorized Western tack retailers — use the dealer locator on the Circle Y site to find one near you. Current catalog pricing runs from roughly $2,699 for trail models to $4,699 for the PRCA lineup; confirm current pricing with Circle Y, and confirm the correct tree width and seat size before purchase because fit matters.
Yes. Circle Y is the Official Saddle of PRORODEO, and its dedicated PRCA lineup — the PRCA 1/4 Tooled Team Roper, PRCA 1/8 Tooled Team Roper, PRCA Bulldogger, and PRCA Calf Roper — is built to professional rodeo standard and available to any rider.
In 2023 Circle Y was acquired by Kaspar Companies, a fifth-generation, family-owned Texas business led by descendants of the Welhausen family — the same family who founded Tex Tan in 1919. In 2024 Kaspar and Circle Y repurchased the Tex Tan name, reuniting two historic Yoakum saddle brands. Saddles are still handcrafted in Yoakum, Texas.
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