Need Advice Re Saddle Trial Issue

[TheDBYC]

As the title states, I need the advice of the COTH hive brain. Took a saddle out on trial from a consignment store for an independent saddle fitter to evaluate. During the test ride with the fitter, the small, movable thigh block under one flap ripped apart. I nearly had a heart attack! Never had anything like that happen with a saddle, let alone one I don’t own. It looks like what happened is that the billet guard was missing on that side and the far billet rubbed against the thigh block. The velcro holding the block was much stronger than the coated foam block itself, and the block ripped lengthwise, leaving the bottom portion still velcroed to the underflap.

We may not be keeping the saddle for reasons unrelated to this. This is not a cheap saddle, either, in the $2500 range. There’s no contract stating that the saddle must be returned in xyz condition, but I wouldn’t feel right not pointing out the damaged, now unusable part to the store if we do return it & offering to pay for it. Help! What’s the protocol here? Has anyone ever even had anything like this happen to them or do we just have the worlds’ worst luck?

[wsmoak]

As I understand it the part that is damaged is removable, one of the blocks that stick onto velcro attached to the saddle? So it’s replaceable and nothing is wrong with the saddle itself?

I don’t see a huge issue here, just be honest about what happened. You even have a witness.

I would not necessarily offer to pay for the damage. Let them ask and negotiate from there.

[TheDBYC]

Yup. It’s a small, replaceable part. No damage to the saddle flap itself .

[sheltona01]

Just talk to shop. I have had saddles damaged before and I rarely make someone pay for it unless it was an obvious mistake on the rider’s part. Each place has their own policy.

[TheDBYC]

Good to know, thank you!