| When you're looking for a quality | | | | the leather looks to be of good quality |
| western saddle, a used saddle can be a | | | | (thick, doesn't curl), but looks dried |
| smart choice. The best saddles will last | | | | out, a good cleaning and conditioning |
| a lifetime with proper care. So, like | | | | can do wonders and bring back a lot of |
| luxury cars, a quality used saddle can | | | | its luster.4. Underside Fleece. Expect |
| be more aptly described as | | | | to find a good amount of wear and dirt |
| previously-owned. You can buy a lot more | | | | here, but excessive wear may require |
| saddle for your money in the used | | | | having the fleece replaced which isn't |
| category.But buying used requires close | | | | cheap. Also, uneven wear can be a sign |
| inspection of the saddle prior to | | | | of a badly designed saddle that doesn't |
| buying. A used saddle is bound to have | | | | fit well and should be avoided.5. |
| some wear and some scuffs and scrapes. | | | | Stitching. Check the stitching to make |
| That's to be expected. What you're | | | | sure it's intact. Minor problems can be |
| really looking for are structural | | | | repaired, but a saddle with a lot of |
| problems. The following are the top 7 | | | | rotting and missing stitching should be |
| used saddle inspection tips.1. Saddle | | | | avoided.6. Surface. While a quality |
| Tree. The saddle tree is the foundation | | | | saddle can last a long time, the care it |
| of a saddle, so if it's not solid | | | | receives will impact its lifespan and |
| nothing else matters. To test the tree, | | | | its appearance. Saddles are made to be |
| set the saddle on its fork, nose down. | | | | used and passing on a quality used |
| Press down hard on the cantle and twist, | | | | saddle because of some scratches and |
| looking for bending which is an | | | | scuff marks is a mistake. But, you'll |
| indication of a broken tree. A broken | | | | have to determine what you can live |
| tree is a deal breaker. DO NOT purchase | | | | with.7. Parts Inventory. Do a check to |
| a saddle with a broken tree.2. Leather | | | | see which parts might be missing. Most |
| Quality. High quality leather will be | | | | parts (stirrups, stirrup hobbles, |
| thick, soft, and supple. It has a much | | | | billets, cinches) can be easily replaced |
| longer life, especially if well cared | | | | (and many will prefer their own choices |
| for. Low quality leather will be thin, | | | | anyway), but missing parts should factor |
| often cracked, and will not keep its | | | | into the price.Buying a used saddle can |
| shape. Avoid buying used saddles with | | | | be a very smart choice, IF you carefully |
| low quality leather. There's no bargain | | | | inspect the saddle prior to |
| there.3. Leather Condition. Check | | | | purchase.Beth Stefani is the publisher |
| whether the jockeys and skirts lie flat | | | | of a comprehensive online resource for |
| or curl up. Curling is a sign of either | | | | understanding, choosing, and caring for |
| poor quality leather or leather that is | | | | the western saddle and accessories that |
| used-up. It's pretty much impossible to | | | | are right for you. |
| get curled leather to lie flat again. If | | | | |