Arguably, your saddle is the most important investment you will ever make when it comes to riding your horse. Just consider the mind-blowing issues you need to take into consideration when choosing and fitting your saddle. It is both a science and an art. Does it fit my purpose – my horse – me? What happens when my horse changes body shape through training? We have known many an experienced rider whose saddle cost more than her horse.
So the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used saddle should be taken into consideration. The following will arm you with enough information to make the right decision, for you and your horse to be happy.
Advantages of purchasing a used saddle
1 Cost. Of course a used saddle (even if only been used a few times) will be a fraction of the cost of a new one – unless the saddle brand is very sought after, then they tend to keep their value better.
2 Broken in. A used saddle will have had the ‘newness’ ridden out of it – ie the leather will have had time to mature, and hopefully will have been cleaned and treated with leather preparation to keep it in good condition. The saddle panel flocking will have had time to settle and ‘bed in’.
3 Model availability. Saddlers are changing or updating their models, normally annually, to bring out new ranges, update technology, change materials, link to ‘famous’ riders to boost the model’s branding, etc. However, it has to be said that in some cases, not all changes are for the good. For example, maybe the leather industry goes through a tough time and the quality of leather is compromised. Fashion changes – one day high knee blocks are in… and then they are out! (Thank you Project Runway!)
4 Choice. It makes sense to have more than one saddle if you are a rider who enjoys several disciplines – who trail rides, loves dressage, show jumping, hunter-pace, etc. In which case, to have a saddle to meet the purpose is by far the better choice, and by buying used saddles, this doesn’t hurt the purse quite as much, and affords a much better ride.
So, you now have your wallet in hand, but hold your horses…. there are some disadvantages of buying a used saddle to consider.
1 Cost. Research your market before buying any used saddle to gain a general idea of average market value. Remember, when people are selling their beloved saddles, they know how much they bought it for, and often over-estimate its true market value. Check average prices by looking on Ebay, HorseClicks, Tack Trader, Craigs List, equine consignor websites such as Good Apple Equine Consignment, Fine Used Saddles, etc.
2 Trial. NEVER BUY A SADDLE WITHOUT THE OPTION TO TRY THE SADDLE FIRST! Unless you are prepared to ‘flip’ it (ie., sell it on), because it was a risk worth taking, never purchase a saddle without your having physically seen it, sat in it and fitted it to your horse, and finally ridden in it. This cannot be emphasized enough. And any reputable seller or consignment store will allow you to do this with pleasure, as they understand that both you and your horse need to be happy.
3. Broken in. Saddles are similar to shoes in that they are very personal to their owners. Everyone leaves their individual imprints on their shoes and their saddles. Some riders sit lopsided (many riders sit lopsided!), many horses are developed more on the left than the right and vice versa. Each horse shape is unique and each rider’s physical attributes are unique and the chances are that their combination has affected your prospective saddle in one way or another.
4. History. The risk in buying a used saddle is that one never fully knows what has happened to that saddle in its lifetime. Has it been dropped, rolled on, twisted, abused, well cared for, temperature controlled, etc. So, when buying a used saddle get it very carefully checked over physically. Check the tree is sound (or get an expert to check it for you), check the stitching on the billets, panels, blocks, etc. is sound (serious safety issue here!), and also check to see whether the leather has been well cared for or not. If the leather is dry and stiff, chances are that the leather has lost some or all of its fat content and it will crack under duress. Check also for scratches, worn areas, etc. Check also that the saddle is straight when viewed from back to front.
In summary, a used saddle is a great investment, but as with most things, go into the store with your eyes open and your wallet temporarily closed!