Mold Spots on Circle Y Saddle

How big of a deal is this mold on the saddle? I really want to make an offer on it, but don't want to end up with a deteriorating saddle. Thanks for any insight in advance :)

Are you sure that these are mold spots? Mold or mildew is usually white/grayish. These spots look more like a discoloration to me.
If it is mold (I really doubt it) you can use a leather conditioner that contains a fungicide and is Ph neutral to kill the fungus. If it's not a show saddle go a step further and spray it with athlete-foot-spray if you want to make sure

PS: love your bucksin mare! :)

Thank you :) Well I guess no, I am not sure, but this is what the ad stated... " It also has some slight mold damage on both jockeys in the back where they meet the cantle. There is also some damage on the left hand side of the cantle from?? Unfortunately this saddle was in this condition when I purchased it, however I have used it for the past 2 years with absolutely no issues (I don't show,I used it for trail riding and arena work). Structurally it is fine, just cosmetic imperfections."

You can wipe it down with white vinegar and then condition the leather with olive oil. That would help darken the leather so the spots don't show, if it is mildew.

Thanks for the suggestions! If it is in fact mold, is it worth buying a saddle with this problem, even if it's a good deal? What problems can it cause down the road?

It shouldn't be a big deal, more cosmetic than anything. Once you clean it good with the vinegar, that should kill the mold. Store it inside in a climate controlled room so it doesn't get all damp from humidity and you should be fine.

If the seller is honest than it sounds to me as if the saddle might have had mold at one time, but if she is using it for years and the spots were always dark, then the saddle is already mold free. If the spores are once killed they will not damage the saddle any further, and since you are aware of this possible problem and can treat it I don't think it's a no-no. If possible check the saddle out, smell on it - if it doesn't smell moldy go for it!

I've cleaning up old saddles for a little while now. My favorite thing to do is cleaning the ones that have been left to collect dust. So I've seen alot, but that is not mildew or mold. You have a stain in the leather. It may or probably wont(saying that bc it's really really dark). You can try to darken the saddle (olive oil will not darken leather-unless it is very very dry-then the leather is actually lighter than it originally was, and adding olive oil brings the color back it USED to have)... BUT for anything like that to work, you will have to go AROUND the stain, otherwise it will darken also, and still be darker than the surrounding leather. I wouldnt worry about it really. It is in a hidden area, it doesnt effect the function or soundness of the saddle.

Mildew and mildew is whitish and sometimes even has a green tint, AND it have a rough texture. You can scrape it off with a fingernail. Mold will sometimes be black. But it still has a grimy rough texture.

Oh! I think I know what it is after a second look. That is probably the horse's sweat coming from the back of the leather (suede or roughed out side), and showing through on the smooth side. Still it's a stain, very hard to remove, and not worth the trouble....

Alrighty thank you everyone! I decided to go ahead and make an offer, so I'll let yall know if I get it!