Buying a saddle before a horse?

Any opinions on buying a saddle before a horse if you know what type of horse you want to get down the road?

There is a tack swap coming up soon, and I'd like to go. I'm not saying I'm prepping to buy a saddle, but If I find one that will fit my butt, has full QH bars, and is a knock out deal, then I'd think about it.

The lesson horses I ride at the barn take full QH bars, in the future, I'd like to find a large QH for myself. So, it wouldn't be like I would simply be buying the saddle just for it to sit, I'd actually be able to use it during my riding lessons.

Tell me what you think.

I'd probably go and look - chances are the saddle will probably fit when you get your horse; just take into consideration there are equal chances that it won't fit - but if there's one there that you love, why not?

Thats what I think too. And if the saddle doesn't fit my future horse, then there is a pretty good trading program that my instructors and get me into.

It'll cut your costs down, too - if you're able to trade the saddle in

I don't see a problem with buying a saddle before a horse, hey maybe you'll get a horse sooner.I bought a saddle for my paint horse Koda and what did you know it didnt fit, but hey that's ok, It fits my new one Phoraoh.

I don't see any problem with it personally. If it'll be a saddle which is comfortable for you and good price, why not? What I'd advice though is to look for something with enough clearance under pommel (in case you'll have higher withers horse).

I have a tendency of buying the same build horse so my saddles usually fit. If you are looking at a bulldog type of horse with a broad back and roundish withers then the saddle you are talking about, FQH bars and a 7" gullet, would pretty much suit that type horse.

If you come across a great deal with those dimensions, I would buy it. That is an easy saddle to resell.

Thanks everyone! I'll keep my eyes open.

My next question is:

What would someone pay for a decently used saddle?

That my dear, will TOTALLY depend upon the saddle. IMO you get what you pay for. I'd look for brand names in this case. BUT...This is where it get's tricky, Some custom saddles will be made by names you have never heard of. A custom western saddle can cost in the neighborhood of $3000 easily. So don't have too much sticker shock when you see a used saddle for $1500...that could be a screaming deal...OR a screaming scam.

I personally like Tex Tan, Circle Y, Billy Cook (Oklahoma built), Dakota saddlery is a less expensive brand that Bill (Iride) has mentioned several times and I have seen a few in teh stores and I am impressed with the quality Vs. Price. Tho I have never ridden in one.

You will want to take a tape measure!!! Not all seats are the same! You'll also want to learn how to measure the gullet and actually measure it before you buy. Don't take anyone's word on what they have...they're selling it and you need to be a smart shopper.

I like to look for roping saddles. They are usually built to last and with stand the rigors of actually roping. I like barrel saddles tho too. Nothing wrong with a ranch saddle or trail saddle either.

Read this site...top to bottom!!!! And all the pages...You'll want to be armed with as much info as possible!!!!
Western Saddle Seat Size: What Size Am I?

Google what to look for when buying a used saddle. You'll want to know how to check the tree and check the riggin'.

Now...the nitty gritty price detail. Most good saddles (of the brands I posted) run in the neighborhood of $1200 + or - (except the Dakota saddles...they run about half that). TOTALLY depending on what kind/make/model/age and wear you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to as little as $200. It's a buyer's market now IMHO. There are lots of saddles on the market as people are selling off their herds. Especially heading into winter. BE CHOOSEY!!! It's ok to go home without a saddle. Get someone's number if you just aren't sure. IF they still have the saddle after the sale chances are they might take less.

Good Luck Moxie!!!

Amy did a great job of summing it up. There isn't much I can add to that except to be sure the condition of the leather on whatever saddle you consider is supple. Don't believe the seller who says "Oh it just needs to be oiled". It is hard to bring back a dry saddle and sometimes you can't see the damage at first.