To the County people

[Chestnut24]

Hi there,

I am looking for a used saddle for my newish horse, since my pretty Prestige Meredith in 16" just isn’t fitting us. I would have the chance to try a County Innovation in 17". The seller indicated she doesn’t know how old it is, since she bought it two years ago as a demo from her saddler. In the photo, it seems to have a number imprinted in the flap, ‘6’ above the leg block behind. I would upload the photo but can’t figure out how. Might that indicate the saddle is from 2006?

If yes, I would pass on it.

Thanks a lot!

[Bristol_Bay]

It’s super easy to upload a photo. Just tap the upload icon and choose your image.

[Chestnut24]

Oh my, that was indeed easy…

[sheltona01]

No that is not the year. Not sure what it means, but it some marker fir county. They use to have the first (I think, might be last) numbers in the serial number was the year.

[JenEM]

THIS.

I’ll have to double check on mine when I go to the barn later to see where exactly it’s stamped, but there should be a longer serial number with an indicator of date of manufacture.

I wouldn’t be put off by a 2006 County the way I would be by a French brand–the leather is much longer wearing and they’re wool flocked, not foam, so just reflock (which you’ll want to do for your horse anyway) and you’d be good to go.

[Bristol_Bay]

Does the seller include pictures like the third and fourth pictures in this ad?

County Competitor Seat Size 17.5" Black Leather 4 USED Excellent Dress

[Chestnut24]

No, but thank you, I will ask the seller about that!

[Equibrit]

You will find detailed pics here for reference;

https://www.highlinetack.com/product/17-5-county-custom-innovation-2020/

Think the 6 must mean flap type.

[Demerara_Stables]

Not sure where to find the year (I can check tomorrow), but I own two Solutions - a 2017 and 2016, and they have many, many more years in them.

They both have the flocking adjusted regularly but the leather (full buffalo) is holding up beautifully. I’d have a fitter check the tree to be sure it’s not twisted but other than that there shouldn’t be any issues.

[Chestnut24]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the responses.
I got this pic of the serial code, any conjectures on the production year?

[sheltona01]

I would guess 2011 so 12/13 years old.

[goodhors]

We were told the single number on a County is the tree size. Our saddle is pretty old, in excellent condition because it has not been used a lot. At the time of purchase (used), a 4 was their biggest tree width. Fits our Cleveland Bay Partbreds very well, with their muscled shoulders and good height withers.

I later heard they had added a #5 tree a few years later, making that their widest tree.

Perhaps you can call them with the serial number, the 6, and get details about this particular saddle as to age and tree width.

Husband loves his County saddle, it has wonderful smooth leather, very well made.

[Bristol_Bay]

You also need the picture of the flap that has the specs stamped on it.

Example

[Equibrit]

From County website;

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

County Saddlery - Serial Number lookups:

The only relevant numbers for you in the serial number are the first four.

The first two numbers indicate the year the saddle was made.
The next two numbers indicate the month the saddle was made.

The third and fourth numbers indicate the month the saddle was made.

Therefore, a serial number starting with 0212 indicates that the saddle was made in Dec. 2002.

(SR denotes skid row panels)
there are 6 available flaps for an off the rack saddle.
**
The Innovation Saddles are available in the following sizes & colors:**
Seat Size: 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5
Tree Sizes: N, M, W, XW, XXW, Custom
Flap Lengths: Standard, Short, Long
Flap Positions: Standard or Forward
Billet Lengths: Short
Knee Rolls & Calf Rolls: Standard / Standard
Padded Flap: Standard Smooth Hide
Leather Colors: Black or Brown
Leather Prints: Dollar, Jumbo, Smooth, Bull Hide