New Saddle v.s. a Used One?

I actually prefer new. Not because it smells and looks good, but mostly because I get it from local stores, I can sit in it (I'm horribly picky about how it feel on my butt, so will never buy one over Internet), and I can return it back if something is wrong or it doesn't fit the horse. Used saddles I've seen on consignment around are REALLY crappy (I checked them first, and there was just nothing at all to chose from). And majority of used western ones are those synthetic cheaper ones, english saddles are all in poor condition for the price. I don't mind to try nice used ones from people on local horse forum (because they are fine about you taking it and trying it before paying).

Well, personally I don't care if it's new or used or a demo if it's a Bates b/c I know the CAIR panels won't hold any memory of the past horse(s) that it's been used on. That said I've bought both used, new, and demos, and for the most part prefer the new/demos just so that I can break it in myself and I know I'll take good care of it.

For anyone buying a used wool or foam flocked saddle I always caution my clients to be careful as it can carry a memory of another horse that it may have already molded to, which can cause pressure points on your horse if you're not careful. In those cases, you can always get the saddle reflocked first, then ride in it so that it will mold to your horse (though I still prefer the CAIR).

As for used customs, I refuse to buy one because I feel that if something was custom made properly for a specific horse/rider combination, then it certainly shouldn't fit me/my horse the same way. I'd much rather spend the $ on a Bates - new or used. But then again I'm the Bates fanatic ;)

mls you are absolutely right fit comes first! Looking at my first post it wasn't clear on that - I totally understand buying new to get something you can't find used, especially fit wise. I just wouldn't personally buy new, simply for the sake of buying new. And if I had two equally priced saddles that fit my horse and I equally well, one new one used, I bet most times I would end up picking the used.

kitten_Val, you also have a very good reason for looking at new. Some shops are blessed with great consignment sections - others....not so much.

I usually prefer new to used as well. Something about that smell! Internet can be a bit dicy though, I did find a good source here, I find I can usually beat the price from my local store
Quality Horse Riding Saddles Custom Handmade

they have taken great care of me