June 11, 2006

By: Sandra Geldart
Website: http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com

Tips on buying used saddles

When purchasing used saddles, price cannot be the only, or even the most important consideration. Used saddles must be checked for safety as excessive wear and neglect can greatly affect the value and safety. Quite often a cheap used saddle can cost a lot more than you planned if you have to send it out for repairs. Always have someone experienced check out any used saddle to ensure it is safe.

With used western saddles, the fleece lining must be checked for any holes or signs of wear, this may need to be replaced and can be very expensive. Used saddles billets, latigos and cinch need to be examined for signs of stretching, brittleness or cracking. Quite often damaged billets are the first warning signs of wear in a saddle.

Used english saddles need to be checked under the panels, again paying close attention to the billets to check for cracking, brittleness, and any stretching of the holes. The edges of the seat need to be examined carefully. Tm he sides of the seat can split from wear and tear and the seat is very costly to replace.

Have someone knowledgeable check the tree when purchasing used saddles to make sure the tree is in good shape to avoid injuring your horses back. Lastly and most importantly have the saddle fitted by an expert to your specific horse to ensure suitability. No saddle is a bargain if you can’t use it.

About The Author:

Sandra Geldart is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com.  With a degree in Equine Science Technology, Sandra brings you 27 years experience working with horses including showing horses and barrel racing.