How to - Buy a used saddle off the internet


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Buying a Used Saddle

I bought my first saddle off of the internet this winter (2006). It is a used, older Broken Horn saddle. I wrote out a checklist of all the things I needed to know about the saddle, as well as the things I would be inspecting the second it got into my hands so I would not miss anything.

I bought the saddle from TackTrader.com and like eBay you really have no guarantee that your purchase will go smooth. So proceed cautionsly. I first sent an email asking some questions, the answers came back promptly and were detailed. I then sent an offer (right away), with my phone numbers for the owner to contact me for more information.

The owner called me at work the next morning. She had another offer but mine was highest, so I had first dibs. We chatted and I went through my "list" (below) with her. I also spoke with her at length about her horses and showing, to get a feel of whether she was a trustworthy soul. After a nice long chat, I decided to go through with the deal. The owner was not internet savvy so I was stuck with sending a check. I made a mistake and sent a cashier's check via regular snail mail, then fretted for 5 days till she got it. In the future I will do the following when making an online private purchase:

Push for Paypal
If not Paypal, then send a PERSONAL check (so I can verify funds)
Send the personal check CERTIFIED mail

Used saddle purchase checklist:

Check whether skirts are even front to rear
check all hardware especially screws and rigging
Check wool lining
Check all stitching
Check for lumps under skirts
Check for cracks and wear in the leather
Look for cuts and discolorations in the leather
Ask about its care, and determine whether it was oiled and what oil was used if possible
Check all straps
Check Dees and Stirrups to see whether they are cracked
Check silver for looseness and wear
Check rig catchers

Note: if buying via the Internet, ask for detailed images and interview the person over the phone regarding these things, do not just trust email. I recommend a phone conversation to gauge their reaction to your questions more accurately than trusting an email response.

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