Second hand saddles - where to start

[amylou_84]

Im going to be buying a second hand saddle at some point and i am looking on eBay. Any other suggestions for where to look.

I know i am after a cob saddle. What makes do you suggest? Also when looking at adverts what are some good things to look out for or avoid?

[JustJas]

Do you know exactly what size saddle your horse is in a certain make and model? If not I would avoid ebay. You also do not know if the tree is still intact and girth straps are ok.
I have sold a wintec on ebay to a very happy buyer but conversly have actually bought a duff saddle that fits no horse as it turned out to be an import.

If you do not know how to check a saddle's integrity (and I am sure you do) avoid second hand that is not through a classified you need a pro trader- you get full consumer rights then.

When buying a saddle look for a well known make. I have found some reall bargains going round saddlerys that are selling of discontinued Thorowgoods- We have bought over the hyears as KIzzy cob changed shape both dressage ad endurance saddles for under £200. Many saddlers sell second hand saddles and part exs.

[doris]

Im going to be buying a second hand saddle at some point and i am looking on eBay. Any other suggestions for where to look.

I know i am after a cob saddle. What makes do you suggest? Also when looking at adverts what are some good things to look out for or avoid?

How do you know it will fit? It might be better to go to a saddlers and have someone fit one for you and your horse. Might save you money in the long run.

[amylou_84]

Im going to get a saddler to fit it. Im just looking around. The saddler is going to look out for a second hand one for me too. But i find something suitable i am going to contact them and see what they think.
Dont worry im not going to go buying any old thing and stick it on the horse! :D

[Thistle]

I have bought saddles succcessfully on ebay but you really do need to have some idea of the make, size and type you need. Could you get a saddler to bring some saddles for you to try so that they can tell you what size and type suits your horse? You could then look for the one you want. You will need to know the seat size you need and how wide the saddle needs to be. The measurement most traders use is the width from D to D, but in reality this doesn't tell you about the shape of the tree, it's just a very rough guide. In addition to this you could end up with a saddle that has a broken tree or that needs major repair to make it useable, which can be expensive.

If you do know exactly what you want then look on ebay by all means but I would only buy from a seller with very good feedback (99%+) and one who will take it back if it doesn't fit (unless you are happy to sell it on yourself).

It is really hard to recommend makes without knowing what your horse needs. The synthetic makers like Thoroughgood and Wintec do make 'cob' versions of their saddles but again it doesn't mean they would necessarily fit your horse.

I hope you don't think I am being negative but it really is a minefield buying a second hand saddle!

[lachlanandmarcu]

A good starting point would be a Thorowgood cob saddle if the horse in q is a flat backed cob, one that is wider than your horse but with the fish to narrow the gullet as required. You could probably pick one up for £50-80 secondhand and if it doesnt fit resell it easily as they are popular.

Not a Wintec unless your pone is a very odd shape :)

[jowyles]

I second justjas, and I also got a thorogood selecta (jumpign dressage gp) for £189 from frogpool manor a coupld of months ago some bargains to be had like that!

[baybabe]

sometimes saddlers sell second hand saddles cheap that someone has swapped, that way you can try them on your horse/pony before you buy they might also exchange on your old saddle.:)