Where have you bought used saddles from?
I’ve searched on facebook and some tack store websites, but I’m kind of at a lost.
Local consignment store, local network, Facebook. If I knew exactly what saddle I was looking for, I’d shop eBay as well.
What problem(s) are you having?
Just can’t seem to find my size (16.5") and a wide tree. Wasn’t sure if I wasn’t looking in as many places as possible.
You could try Craig’s List as well. Saddles sometimes get posted (I see them in Farm and Garden typically). Just take all the normal precautions given the high percentage of scammers CL attracts.
If you are only looking at tack sites on Facebook, branch out to local sporthorse/discipline groups. They may allow people to post ads.
And try calling consignment shops–I know my local shop’s online list is always outdated and doesn’t reflect the stock actually in the shop.
Pelham Saddlery, Rick’s saddlery, Trumbull Mountain are all on-line and carry a wide range of saddles. I’d go to one of those places before going to ebay, largely because reputable online shops usually allow you to trial a saddle, and they check their saddles for soundness. You’re still stuck paying shipping both ways, but it’s worth it not to be stuck with a saddle that doesn’t work.
Dressage Connections, Middleburg Saddlery. Have you sat in a dressage saddle that size? My saddles range from a 16.5 close contact to a 17.5 dressage, the different seat types change the sizing.
LetItBe
That is a less common seat size so there are not as many as the 17 or larger. But Pelham has several, also Ricks http://www.saddlesource.com/dressage.html
I would stick with a place that offers a trial. Keep in mind a 17 with a deep seat could have the same feel as a 16.5. Best if you can actually go to a shop with a lot of saddles to sit in some and determine you preference of seat depth, knee rolls, etc.
Have you tried putting ads out to your local show associations or other groups?
I have had the best luck getting used saddles from members of groups such as Pony Club or dressage GMOs. I have also bought used saddles from tack shops, but their prices were fairly high and, honestly, before I knew better I once bought a used saddle from a reputable, high-end tack shop that needed a complete reflock.
I just didn’t know better at the time. When I had the saddle fitted by my regular saddle fitter, he pointed out that the flocking was hard, had lumps, and actually didn’t fit either me or my horse that well, even though it had been sold to me in person by the tack shop’s saddle fitter after she had watched me ride my horse in it.
If I know the make, model, and tree size, I’ve had good luck on eBay. I got my Prestige and CWD on there for half of their marketable prices, and the sellers were just awesome.
I live in hunterland, so consignment store and tack shops typically don’t have a large selection.
http://www.trumbullmtn.com/store/demo-and-used-saddles/used-dressage-saddles/seat-sizes-15-5-to-16/
Trumbull is always my first choice- last I knew their shipping for trials was reasonable, and from a seller’s perspective their communication has been great. They’ve been wonderful about calling me when someone makes an offer which I appreciate.
I’d say Trumbull Mountain or Pelham Saddlery. And second that a 17 with a deeper seat would probably also work. (We had a woman at my last barn who was 4’10" and maybe 95 pounds, who fit just fine into a 17 with short flap. She really couldn’t have gone any smaller in that particular saddle.)
I have bought from Stubben, Middleburg Tack Exchange, highendusedsaddles, Maryland Tack Exchange. Sold through the last two. Good experiences with all.
http://www.trumbullmtn.com/store/demo-and-used-saddles/used-dressage-saddles/
They are my first choice always. You just can’t beat the customer service from both Jay and Rich, and their trial and shipping policies are really good.
https://www.fine-used-saddles.com/saddles/pc/home.asp
Patricia is wonderful to work with and the detailed photos and descriptions there are never any unpleasant surprises.
Check out www.hastilowusa.com.
I have gotten three great quality used saddles from them. They have qualified saddle fitters on staff (from the Society of Master Saddlers–UK) and if you don’t live near an area they personally service (VA,PA, MD, Del.–maybe more, I don’t know) they will have you make tracings, etc. of your horse’s back to get the best fit and ship to you. I have had great success with their fitting of saddles. They also sell new and custom made saddles.
re: fine-used-saddles…she currently has 3 that she says ride like a 16.5 - 16.75.
one is a giacomini that has been there for awhile…very similar to lauriche. she will work off tracings too to see if one of her saddles might work.
don’t know what your budget is, but she also has a henning…
