Buying a Used Saddle

Horse saddles come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and materials. You will need one that is correct for the style of riding that you carry out. Whichever saddle you choose, it has to fit both the horse and the rider perfectly, if it doesn’t it could cause health and behaviour problems in the horse and make riding a very uncomfortable experience for you. Buying used horse saddles can save you quite a sizeable amount of money; you have to make sure that choose the correct saddle. If you don’t it will be a waste of money. If you intend to buy used saddles, use this guide and some of the hints and tips that it contains. It will help you learn what to look for and more importantly, what to avoid.

Buying Used Horse Saddles

•    Other than ensuring that the saddle is the correct type for your type of riding, size and fit is the most important aspect of horse saddles. Ensure that there is enough space between the cantle and the swell to sit in comfort. Obviously, a larger sized rider will need a wider fit saddle than a smaller rider will to ensure maximum comfort.

•    It is just as important that the horse has as much comfort as you do. In an ideal world, have the saddle brought to you, or take your horse along to try on any prospective used horse saddles. This way you can ensure whether the saddle will fit or not. This is not always possible so you can use some wire that is flexible enough to bend but strong enough to keep its shape so you can map out the curvature of the horse’s back and apply that to any used saddle you look at. If the saddle doesn’t fit correctly it is a waste of time and money.

•    When buying used horse saddles, it is obviously important to check the condition of it. There are several key places on horse saddles that will need to be inspected. Check and inspect the billets to ensure that they are not cracked nor do they have excessive wear. The panels should be in good condition without any tears or rips. Check that the stuffing is still intact so that the horse will be sufficiently padded. The saddletree should have small amount of flexibility but not enough to allow it to buckle. Like the rest of the saddle, it should be free of cracks and excessive wear and tear.

•    Check the general care that has been given any used horse saddle. If it is clean, has been regularly well oiled and has passed all the inspections outlined in the previous points, the saddle may well be a good deal. If it has failed any of the above checks or doesn’t look like it has been well maintained then don’t part with any money.

Tips & Advice

 •    Some parts of horse saddles can be replaced but consider any extra cost and effort that will be involved in doing so.

•    For those that enjoy trail riding, a Western style saddle is probably a better option than an English style horse saddle which is generally better suited to jumping and other athletic work.

•    Follow your best judgement when buying used horse saddles. If something doesn’t add up or seems too good to be true then it may well be. If you are inexperienced or unsure then take somebody with you who has the relevant experience to buy used saddles.

You can search for and buy used saddles here.