Life on the Trail
Stories, tips, and history from the western lifestyle – from saddles and oilskins to Stetsons and beyond.
“The trail isn’t just a path through the land – it’s a journey through stories, gear, and grit.”
Fresh from the Trail
The newest ride in our journal — stay updated with the latest from Life on the Trail.
Trail Ranger Wide Fit (Full Review)
"I have fitted the saddle on various horses and I have come to the conclusion that the Trail Ranger Wide Fit basically fits any riding horse when using different thickness saddle pads"Field-Tested Across Different Horses and RidersWhen it comes to a versatile trail...
Trail Style
From felt hats to denim and oilskins — discover the gear that keeps you comfortable and looking sharp on the trail.
That Time Our Stetson Hats Were Featured In Glamour Magazine
Back in 2016 we looked much different. When people came to the shop they said things like " oh, so this is just a hobby? " and boy were they right, we started out small, we ran the business in our spare time, putting time and effort into something...
What You Need to Know About Oilskins: Tough Gear for Rough Country
When you're chasing sunrises on the trail, fixing fences in the rain, or just living life close to the land, you need outerwear that holds up. That’s where oilskins come in — time-tested, hard-wearing, and made to handle the wild.Oilskin is a durable cotton fabric...
How to Care for Your Felt Hat
A good felt hat isn’t just a statement — it’s part of your story. Whether it’s been through dust storms, long rides, or just Sunday strolls through town, looking after it means it'll ride with you for years to come. Here's how to keep it in shape — no fuss, no...
Hat Sizing Guide
Why Measuring Your Head is ImportantA stylish, perfectly fitting hat speaks loud about your style and confidence. Most high-quality hats come in a range of sizes, but it can be tricky to know which hat is best for you. Read on and learn how to measure your head...
In the Saddle
Guides, insights, and stories about the saddles and tack that connect rider and horse.
Trail Ranger Wide Fit (Full Review)
"I have fitted the saddle on various horses and I have come to the conclusion that the Trail Ranger Wide Fit basically fits any riding horse when using different thickness saddle pads"Field-Tested Across Different Horses and RidersWhen it comes to a versatile trail...
Real vs. Fake Leather: How to Tell the Difference at Home
When you’re buying a saddle, boots, or any leather gear, you want the real deal. Nothing beats the strength, smell, and character of genuine leather. But with so many shiny finishes and convincing synthetics on the market, it can be tough to tell if what you’re...
Myth vs Fact: Are Western Saddles Too Heavy for Horses?
MYTH: Western saddles are heavy and put too much pressure on a horse’s back. FACT: A Western saddle that fits well actually puts less pressure on your horse than many lighter saddles—because it distributes weight more effectively. Let’s break it down.When riders talk...
How to care for your Western Saddle.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WESTERN SADDLE To prolong the life of the leather and fittings the following guideline should be used to care for the saddle. 1. Keep it Clean. If your saddle is dirty or greasy, scrub it with a stiff stubble brush with a soap specially made for...
What seat size should I buy?
Western saddle sizes: How to measure your western saddle Finding a Western saddle that fits both you and your horse can be a challenging task. The most important thing to remember is that you are not only purchasing a saddle for yourself, but for your horse as well....
Fitting a saddle for the horse
WESTERN SADDLE FITTING FITTING A SADDLE FOR THE HORSE All saddle makers have their own tree designs and styles and therefore a saddle should be selected to fit the horse and the rider as comfortably as possible. What follows are a few hints to use when fitting a...
About Trailsaddles.co.za
The journey of Trailsaddles.co.za begins in 2007 with the inheritance of a family farm in Vrede, Freestate. Mario van Niekerk, the founder of Trailsaddles.co.za, wanted to turn the farm (which has been rented out to other farmers for the past several years) to a working farm that the whole family could enjoy and spend weekends at. The first order of business was getting horses on the farm. The second order of business was getting tack, and not just any tack, comfortable, safe and well-fitting western tack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shop Online
Explore the same quality hats, saddles, boots, and oilskins we write about — all available online at shop.trailsaddles.co.za or in store in Pretoria.