The Best Used Saddles - Is Secondhand Better Than Brand New?

Even if you buy a secondhand saddle, a saddle is still one of the most important and expensive pieces of equipment you will need as horse owners or loaners who ride.

Used saddles are often thought of as being second-best to brand new, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, there are many benefits to shopping for a secondhand saddle. Not only can you find some amazing deals on quality equipment, but you can also try a secondhand dressage saddle before you buy and get a sense of what style and size work best.

If you're buying a new or used saddle, you may ride it or at least sit in it while it's on a fencing rail or saddle horse to see if it's appropriate. Used saddles for sale UK are now available in a variety of leathers, sizes, shapes, models, and brands, resulting in a plethora of options. You must also determine whether to buy a nice secondhand saddle or a new one.

The pros of buying a used saddle 

Considering your budget, you can usually get a higher-quality saddle.

Considering your budget will also allow you to get a secondhand dressage saddle, which may have certain features that are not available on new models.

You can try out the used saddle before you buy it to see if it is comfortable. We want to make buying a secondhand dressage saddle as easy and accessible as possible, so we offer a variety of payment options. You can pay for your saddle in full at the time of purchase, or you can pay in instalments with Klarna. We're sure you'll be happy with your Cavaletti dressage saddle with whichever payment option you choose!

A wider selection of brands is available.

You'll be able to have a wide selection of used saddles for sale UK that you can choose from, as well as a variety of secondhand dressage saddles.

The used saddle may already come with stirrups, girths, and other necessary equipment.

 It's a better deal than purchasing a new one.

You won't face the sharp depreciation in original value that a new saddle would, and you'll often be able to regain some or most of your money if you take better care of the saddle.

You can avoid the delays that come with the manufacture and innovation of quality saddles.

It minimizes the risk of ending up with an inappropriate saddle. You'll have a better idea of what you're looking for in a used saddle than you would if you were buying new.

You can try out the saddle you're thinking about buying.

When purchasing a new saddle, it's common to test trial saddles that aren't the same size or type of saddle you'll get. When your new saddle arrives and the fit and feel aren't what you were anticipating, it can be distressing.

Remember to test drive your second-hand saddle 

Cavaletti offers saddle trials on all of our saddles before you make a purchase so that you can be sure it is the perfect saddle for both you and your horse. Our saddle fitters are some of the best in the industry and are more than happy to help you find the perfect saddle for your needs ranging from the secondhand saddle to new ones.

We offer a wide range of used saddles for sale UK / secondhand dressage saddles, so you're sure to find something that's perfect for you. Plus, all of our saddles come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can be sure that you're making the right decision, Terms and Conditions apply.

Customers in the United Kingdom can only use the trial service. Selected saddle goods are available for a 14-day "trial" period; these saddles may be new or used, depending on the product ordered. 

So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit us today and find your perfect saddle!

Shopping tips when looking for a used saddle online 

Side views 

When looking for used saddles online it can be tricky to tell what the quality is like without seeing it in person. A good tip is to check out the photos and look for side views of the saddle. This will give you a good idea of how the used saddle looks from different angles.

Seat

Another important factor to consider when shopping for used saddles online is seat size. Most used saddles will have a label with the seat size, but if not you can usually tell by looking at the photos or ask the seller to measure. 

Front and back views 

When looking at used saddles online or in person, make sure to check out both the front and back views. This will give you a good idea of the condition of the used saddle and whether or not it is suitable for your needs.

Underneath

When looking at used saddles, it is also important to check out the underneath of it. This will give you a good idea of the condition of the used saddle and whether or not it needs to be cleaned or repaired before use.

Under the flaps

Another important area to check on used saddles is under the flaps. This is where you will find the serial number which can be used to track the used saddle's history. This is also a good place to look for any signs of wear and tear.

More key points when looking for a used saddle online 

Check Saddle Size

When looking for a secondhand saddle, use a tape measure and double-check the seat size. From the back of the cantle to the pommel, English saddles are measured inches all over the seat. English saddles are available in full and half sizes. The back of the cantle is measured to the horn, or the hole just in front of the horn.

Inspect The Tree 

A new saddle's tree should be OK, but an older saddle's tree may be damaged or broken, rendering the saddle worthless. A horse's back might be pinched or injured by a broken tree. Run your hand down the back of a used saddle to check the tree. Check the form of the saddle by holding it up. When you spin it over and over in your hands, does it keep its shape? After that, pull on the pommel, cantle, and panels of the saddle. Pass on this secondhand saddle if the straps are loose or creak, as the tree may be damaged/broken.

Check For Wear

Examine the entire secondhand saddle. Used saddles may show indications of worn, notably on the seating and leg sections, but saddles with serious marks, flaws, or rips should be avoided. Examine the panels on used English saddles' leg flaps. Panels and blocks are manufactured with foam or wool, or a combination of these materials, which can degrade over time. You can change them, but if they are in bad shape, you might want to negotiate for a secondhand saddle.

Examine Stitches And Buckles 

Both new and secondhand saddle should have their stitches and buckles securely fastened. Check that all of the buckles are secure and functional. Examine the stitching on the saddle with your hands. Look for any missing or loose stitches. Both of these symptoms could indicate a faulty saddle. Check the girth or cinch buckles on old saddles in particular, since they commonly wear out and can be a safety issue.

The decision of whether to buy a new or secondhand saddle is vital. You may be able to purchase a higher quality saddle for less money by purchasing a secondhand dressage saddle rather than a new one.

Purchasing a used saddle can be a great way to get a high-quality saddle at a fraction of the price. However, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are getting a used saddle that is in good condition and will fit both you and your horse.

When you're ready to buy a used saddle, following these tips will help you find the perfect used saddle for your needs. Cavaletti offers saddle trials on all of our used saddles so that you can be sure it is the perfect saddle for both you and your horse. You will not lose the depreciation from the new purchase, and there is also a trial or return time. So, if the saddle isn't right for you, you can return it.

Cavaletti offers a wide range of used saddles, so be sure to check us out!