The choice of this website name is not pure hazard. As I mentioned in my first article, this website was inspired by own experience in finding a second hand saddle. My decision to choose used rather than new was based on a pros and cons list that I decided to share with you. I did a summary chart but don’t stop reading there as I explain each of my points below.
| New Saddle | | Second Hand Saddle | |
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| More choices available | A lot more expensive | Less expensive | Takes more patience to shop |
| More control over quality | Try outs less common | Better quality-price ratio | Seller may be far |
| Custom made possibilities | Not supple leather | Often come with accessories | Chances of repairs |
| Newest models available | Newest models available | More comfortable | Hard to find reviews on older models |
| Some warranties available | Chances of compulsive expenses | Trustful seller | |
| | Easy to try it out | |
| | Shop at the comfort of your home | |
New Saddles Pros
More choices available
Of course, if you buy new, chances are you will have plenty of choices for colours, sizes, materials, brand names and the accessories needed with it such as the stirrups. Still, saddle shops are bigger and more common in some areas than others.
More control of quality
Since it is new, you don’t have to care much about how it was maintained. So the control of maintaining it in good condition is yours.
Custom made possibilities
In some saddles shops, there are some possibilities to make command on demand. You can therefore ask for a wider width or longest skirt for example. This is even truer if you buy from a manufacturer. This option is very interesting for people who have a horse with rare dimensions or are themselves not a “standard” size rider. Particular padding needs can also be fulfilled with this option.
Newest models available
You might have noticed I put this sentence in both pros and cons. Well, this is because it is nice to have the latest model out there but it can also results in a higher cost. Also, as in cars, sometimes the older models were very good and have made their quality proof. Not every saddles shop keeps both newest and older models in store.
Warranties
I am not a fan of warranties but it can secure a buyer…
New Saddles Cons
More expensive
Well, do I really need to explain that one? New saddles are very expensive and accessories like stirrups are often not included. I think it is nonsense to buy a new cheap vinyl saddle at a cost around $500-700 when you can find good leather used one for $800-1000 or even at the same price, depending on models.
Try outs less common
I personally don’t know any store that allows you to borrow a new saddle to try it out on your horse and ride with it. The thing is, even though they can make you sit in it and take your measurements, your saddle needs to fit on your horse as well. And the feeling is really not the same when you ride in a saddle than just try to sit in there as if it were on a horse.
Not supple leather
Leather takes some time to be flexible. When new, it can be uncomfortable for a while. I don’t like vinyl saddle that much as I found it more slippery and those saddles have a tendency to split more than leather ones.
Chances of compulsive expenses
Buying second hand makes you think more about the right choice for you. You might have a good intention to go to a store and just “have a look” to realise you ended up buying a saddle more expensive than expected with new stirrups, new girth or cinch, new saddle pads and why not this new bridle while being at it? Okay, I might be exaggerating (although not that much if you shop like my stepmother!) but the point is you might end up spending more than your needs.
Second Hand Saddles Pros
Less expensive and better quality-price ratio
I don’t think I have to explain why it is less expensive and why I prefer paying less. But I say good quality matters over new materials. And buying second hand helps finding a good quality saddle at a good price. Leather is a very resistant material. It goes through years without trouble if cared for properly. Just make sure the saddle you are aiming to buy is in good condition.
Often come with accessories
Quite a few sellers are selling because they do not ride anymore or because their new horse or discipline needs very different equipment. If it is the case, chances are they will include stirrups, girth or cinch, or even saddle pads in their price. This can be very useful and quite cheap.
More comfortable
When the saddle has been ridden in for a few years, its leather is supple, already shaped and more comfortable.
Trustful seller
When I decided to buy a saddle, I spread the word along to two coaches I know. I still was searching over the net, but I told a lot of persons I was riding with. After a couple of months, my coach told me one of her former student had a good one to sale. Well, it was the perfect fit. As I have confidence in my coach, I knew she was not trying to mislead me and she did not get any benefit from it. So the seller can be a friend of a friend or a relative you trust.
Easy to try it out
Most sellers are fine with lending you the saddle for an hour or two for you to try it out. A large number of sellers are whiling to meet you at your stable to give you a chance to do so. You can then verify it fits both you and your horse and actually have a better feeling of it when riding with it.
Shop at the comfort of your home
This is truer if you shop online. But the point is, you often don’t have to travel different stores and spend gas to find a saddle. Online reviews and pictures can answer most of your questions.
Second Hand Saddles Cons
Takes more patience to shop
Because not every size and model are on sale near you, it takes more patience to shop for the perfect second hand saddle than a new one. But it gives you time to really think about the best purchase for you.
Seller might be far away
If you buy from another state, province or even a different country, there might be delivery fees and trying it out is fairly impossible. It is also a lot more complicated to get in touch with the person if any problem occurs.
Chances of repairs being done
Second hand saddles do sometimes need some repairs. If it does, negotiate with the seller to make him or her pay for it or lower the price so you can fix it on your own.
Hard to find reviews on older models
It can be hard to find reviews or commentaries on models that do not exist anymore. So it can be difficult for you to evaluate fairly the product that is offered. Forums on horse’s topics can be useful for that. Asking riders themselves is often the best reference, although comfort is different from a person to another.
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