Western Saddles: 7 Inspection Tips For Buying Used
When you're looking for a quality western saddle, a used saddle can be a smart choice. The best saddles will last a lifetime with proper care. So, like luxury cars, a quality used saddle can be more aptly described as previously-owned. You can buy a lot more saddle for your money in the used category.
But buying used requires close inspection of the saddle prior to buying. A used saddle is bound to have some wear and some scuffs and scrapes. That's to be expected. What you're really looking for are structural problems. The following are the top 7 used saddle inspection tips.
1. Saddle Tree. The saddle tree is the foundation of a saddle, so if it's not solid nothing else matters. To test the tree, set the saddle on its fork, nose down. Press down hard on the cantle and twist, looking for bending which is an indication of a broken tree. A broken tree is a deal breaker. DO NOT purchase a saddle with a broken tree.
2. Leather Quality. High quality leather will be thick, soft, and supple. It has a much longer life, especially if well cared for. Low quality leather will be thin, often cracked, and will not keep its shape. Avoid buying used saddles with low quality leather. There's no bargain there.
3. Leather Condition. Check whether the jockeys and skirts lie flat or curl up. Curling is a sign of either poor quality leather or leather that is used-up. It's pretty much impossible to get curled leather to lie flat again. If the leather looks to be of good quality (thick, doesn't curl), but looks dried out, a good cleaning and conditioning can do wonders and bring back a lot of its luster.4. Underside Fleece. Expect to find a good amount of wear and dirt here, but excessive wear may require having the fleece replaced which isn't cheap. Also, uneven wear can be a sign of a badly designed saddle that doesn't fit well and should be avoided.
5. Stitching. Check the stitching to make sure it's intact. Minor problems can be repaired, but a saddle with a lot of rotting and missing stitching should be avoided.
6. Surface. While a quality saddle can last a long time, the care it receives will impact its lifespan and its appearance. Saddles are made to be used and passing on a quality used saddle because of some scratches and scuff marks is a mistake. But, you'll have to determine what you can live with.
7. Parts Inventory. Do a check to see which parts might be missing. Most parts (stirrups, stirrup hobbles, billets, cinches) can be easily replaced (and many will prefer their own choices anyway), but missing parts should factor into the price.
Buying a used saddle can be a very smart choice, IF you carefully inspect the saddle prior to purchase.
Beth Stefani is the publisher of http://www.western-saddle-guide.com, a comprehensive online resource for understanding, choosing, and caring for the western saddle and accessories that are right for you.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Break in or educate your horse?
When you hear someone say they are breaking-in a horse what comes to mind? Do you think of cowboys b - Possible Solution for the Vice of Weaving for Stalled Horses
Unfortunately not every horse owner has the luxury of allowing their horses the benefit of unlimited - Casa-Ben-Nova
Ben arrived in the village with my sister who had just come to live on the hilltop on the opposite s - Facts About Horses
Depending on breed, management and environment, the domestic horse today has a life expectancy of 25 - Horseshoeing Sheared Heels - The Fix
My last discussions I identified sheared heels and the associated risks, if you missed that article - What Is the Coggins' Test?
The Coggins' test is for a serious equine virus called equine infectious anemia (EIA). There is no v - Understanding The Signs Of Horse Health To Protect Your Animal
As any pet is cared for within the home, the care for horses is very much the same; ensuring the pro - If You Love Horses - What You Need is INSPIRATION
If you love horses, own horses, ride horses, anything horses what you want is to understand these wo - Western Saddles: 10 Most Common Replacement Parts
With proper care, quality western saddles will last a lifetime. There are, however, a number of  - Helpful Thoughts on Owning and Boarding Your First Horse
Having a horse is fun, but a major responsibility, so be thorough on your research of barns to board
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Greg Melikov?s Horses to Watch - Edition 82
AQUEDUCTLookin’ Swell: Raced sixth, more than 3½ lengths behind after a half-mile, adva - The 10 Rules for Horse Betting
The 10 Rules for Horse BettingRule 1 Money ManagementThis is the most important rule of a - Does Gelding Improve Behavior?
Stallions are very dominant by nature, and full of energy. Nipping, rearing, prancing, calling and o - Horses - Farriers - Shoeing And The Joy Of Being A Farrier
First off, on the humorous side let's just clear something up right now. Shoeing horses is very ardu - Western Saddles: 10 Most Common Replacement Parts
With proper care, quality western saddles will last a lifetime. There are, however, a number of  - Facts About Horses
Depending on breed, management and environment, the domestic horse today has a life expectancy of 25 - Break in or educate your horse?
When you hear someone say they are breaking-in a horse what comes to mind? Do you think of cowboys b - What Is the Coggins' Test?
The Coggins' test is for a serious equine virus called equine infectious anemia (EIA). There is no v - If You Love Horses - What You Need is INSPIRATION
If you love horses, own horses, ride horses, anything horses what you want is to understand these wo - Understanding The Signs Of Horse Health To Protect Your Animal
As any pet is cared for within the home, the care for horses is very much the same; ensuring the pro