Used Saddles

Buying used saddles is a great way to save some money while getting a product that has been previously tested. When you buy a preowned saddle you can get the input of the previous user as to the quality and performance of that saddle.

There are some things you should watch out for when buying a saddle. It used to be that a saddle was made for a specific horse and adjusted periodically, and would often stay with the horse through many owners, but that is no longer the case. However, the size of the saddle must be appropriate for the horse that it is intended for, as well as the rider.

Buying a previously owned saddle that does not fit the horse or the rider is no bargain as it will cause discomfort and likely not be used. If a saddle is too loose or too tight on a horse it can cause soreness for the horse. A saddle that has a too narrow or too wide seat, or stirrups that are not the right length for the rider, can cause back or knee problems.

The condition of the saddle is also important. Check for areas of wear, stains, and other damage. If the saddle has been repaired, attempt to find out what the original damage was and if it was repaired by someone qualified to complete these repairs.