Anyone have insight into the lack of interest in used Hulsebos saddles?
This post is not an advert to sell mine; I am trying to understand the used saddle market.
I have marketed my saddle since my horse outgrew it and am puzzled by the lack of interest. Based on my research, It is priced to the market.
Is the saddle market that competitive? Is it product quality? Is a new Hulsebos saddle so attractively priced that used Hulsebos saddles can’t compete?
Only a hulsebos enthusiast will buy it simply because they are not a widely known brand. And seeing as most if not all of Jans clients can trade used saddles directly with him most won’t buy a used saddle off of the internet unless he has told you your horse needs a specific model and he doesn’t have it on hand or what he has is not in the buyers price range.
As a side note I love Jan’s saddles and his service.
I love my Hulsebos and I know a couple other people with them that also love them. Mine is an older one but it’s extremely comfortable and has worn well.
I know that Jan has caused issues with at least once used saddle shop over his saddles that caused them to stop selling them. But I don’t know anymore details as to the specific issue.
Agree with Tanny - they just aren’t that well known. I tried to sell one for a friend and got zero interest - even on eBay, even at a really low price. You just have to find the right buyer - which can take a while.
FWIW, I’ll offer that, as someone who has been saddle shopping for a used saddle for year or more, it became too challenging and expensive to trial, fit, and try to evaluate a used saddle. After paying the shipping for a few trials and having each not work out, I decided it was just easier and more cost effective to buy new.
I suggest you contact Tilsa at Hulsebos. They usually buy back their saddles for a very fair price. I traded in two saddles against new ones but do believe they also buy them back if you dont want a different one of theirs. They are great saddles and they send a rep out to refit the saddles twice a year and they are in many many states now.
They haven’t answered my emails (I sent two). The saddles have little resale value and that is one of the many reasons I wouldn’t recommend purchasing one. Riding my WB4 Hulsebos was a PAINFUL experience in my private area. During medium and extended trots the cantle of the saddle would come up off of the horse’s back, causing me to pitch forward. The saddle would not stay centered on the horse. I took a horse in for a veterinary evaluation and the veterinarian wrote in the exam notes how poorly the saddle was fitted. The Hulsebos girth started peeling within 60 days of use. The saddle flaps have a design flaw where the flap is attached under the seat, there is a “wrinkle” on both flaps and the flap is awkwardly situated. There are so many nice saddles on the market but not these, I have had terrible luck with this brand.
I’ve seen them on eBay when I’ve been saddle shopping and have been interested, but honestly, I’ve never ridden in one and I don’t know enough about them to even have the foggiest idea of which one or what size would fit me or my horse. I wish I did know more because the people who do like them seem to REALLY like them and the quality seems good.
Just contact them, and see if you can take part in one of their fittings, possibly as an auditor.
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