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Buying Online

2K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  Piaffe 
#1 ·
I'm in desperate need for a new saddle, but when I looked in the local tack shop, there wasn't much to pick from that would fit my mare and it all was well over $1000 for a leather saddle. So I took to looking online. Note, I'm not %100 sure on saddle measurements at this moment but I am going to double check before I order anything)

This one I found:
King Series Charleston Saddle Package - Statelinetack.com
Which I like because the gullet is larger and if it doesn't fit, there is a lot of extra stuff to sell with the saddle so higher odds of getting my money back. I also know of several people who ride a lot of different horses with a lot of different people, so I'm not worried about selling it. Just I haven't heard the brand before and it doesn't say seat size.

Then this one:
Fast Turn Western Barrel Saddle Med Oil - Statelinetack.com I really like this one, but I'm not sure it'll fit my mare. Semi QH bars seems like it might be small for my broad, flat backed mare. But a big time barrel racer lives in my building and would be able to help advertise it if I want to sell it. As of right now, today, this one is my favorite.

This one I was hoping for a deeper seat than the saddle I have now, but If it actually is that nice and fits, I'll take it for $400.
King Lancaster Show/Trail Sdl w/Silver - Statelinetack.com

So my question is, are any of these saddles worth it? Its dealing through State line, which I've never done before, but I assume I can send it back if it's faulty. And I think I can re-sell, but I just want to ask around for people who have more experience saddle shopping and shopping online.
Good idea? Or bad idea and don't buy a saddle here?
 
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#2 ·
The short answer to your question is "No" they are not worth the money. They are typically Asian imports with trees that are so-so. The leather is usually stiff like cardboard.

As for reselling the saddle, you will take a beating on the price if you can sell it at all.

Lastly, a semi QH bar will most likely not fit a wide, flat backed horse.
 
#4 ·
True ... those packages are aimed at beginners who really have no experience or a very limited budget. In those instances, they should buy a good brand saddle, used.

There will always be people who swear by those saddles, but a knowledgeable horseman will swear at them.
 
#5 ·
Some websites offer "test rides" with their saddles for sale. You can order it, see if it fits, and ride in it before you buy. That might help you with buying online, yet still being sure you know what you're getting.

I'd send you links to sites, but unfortunately, I only know websites that sell english tack. Good luck!
 
#6 ·
The middle saddle is American Saddlery, I'm going to guess its American made, no?? The website is very American.
I figured it was cheap because its a smaller barrel saddle. I've noticed there a smaller barrel saddles everywhere right now.
I no nothing about brand names. I can tell good quality in person, but pictures and just names, I suck.
 
#7 ·
The danger of buying on-line (whether it's expensive or cheap saddle) is that there is a very good possibility it won't fit your horse. So unless you find a deal to die for (meaning you can re-sell it no problem if it doesn't fit) or you know for sure this saddle will fit (tried same model borrowed from friend) it's better to look for the place, which allows trials and returns.

Now back to your saddle choices. King series is a junk. I don't know about the 2nd one you posted - in principle $500 while still on cheap side, it's not cheapy-cheapy, and I don't know the brand, so that one could be rather decent. I'd look into Corriente saddles: https://corrientesaddleco.com/Home_Page.php They have very good prices on very decent saddles.
 
#8 ·
Val is right about the Corriente saddles. I've owned one, and I know several others here have as well. It is a very surprisingly well made saddle. The only problems with them is that they are heavy (~45lb), and the tree only comes in a FQH.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Your BEST bet out of those three is the Middle saddle. If it's American Saddlery then they aren't bad, not to mention it has all 5 star reviews.

However, It would be better if you got used. I got my favorite brand of barrel saddles(normally 750$) lightly used for 325$ off of ebay and I love it!
 
#10 ·
Wow wasted valuable time looking at those saddles haha. I measured her yesterday with actual wire and measuring tape, not just eyeballing it. I'm looking for a gullet at around 7 1/2 inches.

I don't buy much online, but wouldn't buying from an online store be safer than buying from someone on ebay?
 
#11 ·
I don't buy much online, but wouldn't buying from an online store be safer than buying from someone on ebay?
Absolutely. You can always go with the respected place like valleyvet.com, horse.com, smartpack, dover, etc. etc. etc. Just look for feedback around the internet on the store you want to use. I buy from 3 or 4 internet stores all the time, and all of them allow returns. I also want to comment that some of those stores sell on eBay as well (I know for sure valleyvet did while back).
 
#12 ·
I have had some really good luck with ebay. Its all about checking feedback and knowing what is too good to be true. If there is a Circle Y show saddle and it is selling for under $500, its probably a scam. If you get to the auction early enough, ask tons of questions.

For a FQHB saddle of good quality cheap, I would go with a used Tex-Tan. They usually carry a FQHB of around 7- 7 1/2 gullet. Very comfortable, good leather and durable.

I think this one is a pretty nice saddle for the money...and while it doesnt state that it is FQHB is sure looks like a 7"+ gullet. Very nice Tex Tan saddle! Great condition. Vintage! - eBay (item 220685702355 end time Oct-25-10 13:06:10 PDT)

heres another! OLD VINTAGE TEX TAN HEREFORD WORKING SADDLE 14" NR*** - eBay (item 270651902002 end time Oct-26-10 18:45:10 PDT)
 
#13 ·
I have had some really good luck with ebay. Its all about checking feedback and knowing what is too good to be true. If there is a Circle Y show saddle and it is selling for under $500, its probably a scam. If you get to the auction early enough, ask tons of questions.
Corino, did they allow returns? Too many ebay sellers don't allow returns, especially for so "stupid" reason as it doesn't fit your horse (or your own butt). I don't have problem with ebay given the seller has lots of feedback and it's 98%+ positive, but I just found returns are often an issue.
 
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