YOU’RE on the look out for a new saddle or bridle for your horse but can’t stretch to buying new at the moment. A well looked after saddle or bridle can be a very good buy when you’re watching the pennies but you have to know what to consider before making the purchase. Whether it’s online market places, the local equestrian car boot sale or on a social media post, you need to be switched on to what you’re looking for and looking at. The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and British Horse Society (BHS) have shared some easy-to-follow advice.

Buy from a trusted source

If you’re opting to buy second-hand, we’d recommend that you start your search with your local saddlery shop or SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter. They will often have a stock of second-hand saddles which will have undergone a series of safety checks. Also, whether you’re buying new or second-hand having the saddle correctly fitted is essential for the safety and comfort of you and your horse.

A saddle that has been used on another horse will have adapted and settled into their shape. A SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter will spot any areas which need to be re-flocked or adjusted to ensure the best possible fit on your horse.

Do your checks if buying privately

If you chose to buy a second-hand saddle privately, where possible we would highly recommend getting a qualified saddler to check it over before parting with your money. It may cost you a little bit extra, but this is money well spent to ensure the saddle is safe to use.

Once purchased, always have the saddle fitted by a SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter. What appears to be a cheap saddle can work out to be very expensive if it’s damaged or doesn’t fit and causes discomfort to your horse.

Essential checks

We would always suggest seeing the saddle before buying – here are four essential checks to make:

First impressions

Assess the overall appearance of the saddle. If it’s been well looked after the leather should feel firm but supple. Creases or ripples in a saddle seat could be a sign of a weakened or broken tree (the frame on which the saddle is built).

Look for signs of wear and damage

Check for areas of wear on the saddle - girth straps are the most likely place to find cracked and worn leather, and check for fraying of the webs that girth straps are attached to. Scratches, scuffing and damage to the pommel and cantle may indicate that a saddle has been dropped or damaged in a fall. If you see signs of repair, ask the seller why and when this was done.

Check the tree

A saddle that has a damaged tree shouldn’t be used. You can check the tree isn’t broken by holding the saddle lengthwise with the pommel against your thigh. Grip the cantle and gently pull it towards you. A sound tree will flex a little, but an excessive amount of give suggests a broken tree.

Look out for rot

Make sure to check for signs of loose or rotting stitching on the girth straps and d-rings.

Buying without seeing

This route isn’t something we would recommend but if you do choose to do this ask the seller to send you clear photographs of the saddle from all angles, including the underside and the panels. It’s worth asking the seller if they will take the product back and refund your money if it’s not suitable.

Other second-hand items of tack

The same advice should be followed for any items of second-hand tack that you buy. Whether it’s a bridle, stirrup leathers or a girth, be vigilant and check it over thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear. Adverts stating an item, especially a bridle, using phrases like ‘soft as butter’ usually mean the leather is poor quality or has been over oiled.

Also, remember to check all buckles and fastenings – in particular the billets and hooks on bridles. If adjustment holes on straps or the holes on billets and hooks are stretched don’t buy the bridle as potentially it isn’t safe to use.

Be confident in what you are looking for and don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions. If you’re in any doubt at all, don’t buy it.