When shopping for a used saddle, knowing what to look for can give you comfort and peace of mind.

Buyer’s how-to

Ensure the used saddle you buy is safe and sound.

Saddles are to horses what gasoline is to cars: You pretty much have to have one to get much use out of the other. And, with the rise in popularity of equine sports over the past two decades, in some areas there seem to be as many tack shops as there are gas stations.

Also similar to the car industry, when buying used, it’s buyer beware. It’s important, especially when looking at used saddles, to check them out thoroughly and to know what you’re looking for.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide you

Buckles and hardware. Be sure to check the buckles used to adjust stirrup length. Usually located under the stirrup fenders, these buckles should be in good condition and secure—not missing, loose or broken. Be especially aware of Blevins buckles, which can slide apart easily when worn, allowing the stirrup to fall off. Also check all breast collar rings, D-rings and conchos for quality and security. The same goes for saddle strings, a feature of some saddles used to secure packs or raincoats. Make sure the leather is ample length, secure and supple.

Latigos and billet straps. Make sure these are in good repair, and pay close attention to their attachments to the saddle. Replace them if you see or suspect any weak areas such as cracked, dry leather or worn nylon. Also, latigos and billets should be replaced if any tears extend from the tongue holes.

Cinches and cinch keepers. Cinches come in many styles, including neoprene, felt/nylon combinations, fleece, and traditional mohair and rayon. Neoprene is “stickier,” allowing the rider to cinch more loosely yet safely secure the saddle. It’s also anti-microbial and anti-fungal (reducing girth itch) and can be cleaned with soap and water. Used neoprene shouldn’t have cracks or tears, and other styles shouldn’t have worn spots, broken strings, or packed hair and dirt. The cinch keeper that attaches the front cinch to the back should be in good condition; if it breaks, the back cinch can swing back into the horse’s flanks, causing him to buck.

Stirrups and stirrup leathers. Make sure the stirrups are appropriate in size and function; it’s a good practice for children to have youth-sized stirrups with a wider base for security. Beware of cheap replacements. Make sure the stirrups match the saddle and are appropriate for the intended event. Also, check the stirrup leathers. They should be adjustable and in good shape.

The tree. This is crucial, as a used saddle can appear perfectly normal yet have a cracked or broken tree. These are incredibly uncomfortable to horses and usually result in sore backs and even poor behavior. The easiest way to check the tree is to stand the saddle up on the horn while pushing down as hard as possible on the cantle. There should be no give or bend in the tree. Also, find out whether the saddle has a wood or fiberglass tree, as fiberglass may not be appropriate for events like roping. Finally, look for a good wool lining to help whisk away sweat, and feel for any uneven places or hard spots in the lining.

Size and performance. Most saddle shops allow a buyer to test ride the saddle before buying it. It needs to fit the rider, event and horse it’ll be used for. To estimate rider fit when a saddle is on the rack, ask the rider to make a fist and then lay their arm lengthwise in the seat. If it’s close to the right size, the distance from swells to cantle should be the same as fist to elbow. Naturally, ride the saddle to see how it feels and if it fits the horse. A reputable dealer should be able to help you properly assess horse fit. Overall, make sure the saddle is attractive, appropriate, and that all leather is in good repair.

Tack tip: Since they slide easier, nylon latigos are often easier for a child to pull tight. However, they can also loosen easier, so pay close attention to the knot or tongue-style attachment to the saddle.

By Doreen Shumpert