Oakbark color - in or out?

[ReadtheLyric09]

Coming from the dressage world, black is black is black. Although brown is making a strong comeback, we’re not too particular on color. I have a nice Stubben close contact saddle I’m debating selling, but as I’m quite removed from the hunter/jumper scene, I wanted to get some opinions!

Is oakbark (or chestnut) a no-no nowadays? Seems like most riders are using rich, dark brown tack. Would a darkening oil really darken the color after the saddle has been used and conditioned (using Hennig or Passier cream conditioner) for a few years? Or leave that up to potential next owner? Would you expect a lower price on an oakbark colored saddle?

Any insight would be appreciated!

[chestnuthunter]

I don’t think it is a no-no. It will stand out a little, but on some horses it looks really nice. My dark bay goes in this chestnut Bobby’s bridle and a pretty light saddle; he is an A circuit hunter.

I have a belt that is the exact same color, and we always get compliments on his ensemble.

[BAC]

I think the fact that it is a Stubben is more of a handicap than the color, unless it is actually orange, even after years of use. Stubben makes a good quality product for a reasonable price (I had mine for 40+ years) but they are not “in fashion” right now. Some people love them so you just have to wait for the right buyer to come along.

While the dark brown shades seem to be most popular, there are all shades of brown saddles being used, I don’t think you should lower your price just because of the color. I would let the new owner worry about darkening, although it wouldn’t hurt to apply some darkening oil either.

[puzzle]

As others have said, oakbark isn’t your issue unless it is super orange (and then try some darkening oil)… Stubben isn’t too popular however so they don’t tend to move very well.

[ReadtheLyric09]

[QUOTE=BAC;8096867]
I think the fact that it is a Stubben is more of a handicap than the color, unless it is actually orange, even after years of use. Stubben makes a good quality product for a reasonable price (I had mine for 40+ years) but they are not “in fashion” right now. Some people love them so you just have to wait for the right buyer to come along.[/QUOTE]

Here are pictures of the actual saddle. It doesn’t appear orange to me, but I’m rather color blind to all the ranges of brown. I rather like the color, but know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I appreciate the help!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206213055310615&set=a.10200915985287175.1073741826.1391696472&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206213055350616&set=a.10200915985287175.1073741826.1391696472&type=3&theater

[cswoodlandfairy]

That looks like an Artus or its former brother the Camelot. I actually sold one of those through one of the FB pages. I didn’t get very much for it. I think I sold it for about $600 but it did take me almost 6 months to sell it on my own, but eventually the right person came along and snagged it up right away.

I had two Stubbens, my older Artus, and a newer Roxanne and it was hard to sell both. My Artus was the color as yours and that was definitely not the issue, it was more the brand. But both took a couple months to sell, but once you find someone they will jump on it.

Best of luck!

[Hunter_Mom]

DD’s county was that color. It’s now much darker and priced about $200 higher. Light isn’t in right now, and this sport is so about “the look”. Neatsfoot oil made a world of difference.

[Dewey]

That’s a beautiful saddle. It’s shame that people say a well-made saddle like that won’t sell easily because of brand prejudice, and we have threads popping up all the time with people asking for recommendations for cheap new close-contact models. :sigh:

As for the color, you could try oiling it lightly a time or two to see if you could darken it a bit. It wouldn’t hurt. Good luck selling. Someone is going to love it–it just might take some time to find the right buyer.