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