what is this saddle worth?

Hi everyone!

I'm new here but I'd like to ask a question: I've been borrowing an all-purpose saddle from a friend and she has offered it for me for $400 AUD.
It is:
17"
Black
Made in argentina
Concord
I can't remember how old it is, but its at least 5 years, if not 10.

I really like it and it fits my horse well. Is it worth $400?

Thanks in advance,

As a general rule of thumb, a saddle crafted in Argentina is not worth as much as something made in England.

That said, there are a lot of saddles that you could get that were crafted in England for about the same $$. (probably newer, too)

In my opinion (and without pics) I would estimate that the actual value of the saddle is between $175 AUD and $250 AUD - especially given it's age.

BUT - if it fits your horse and you like it - go for it

Yeah, Argentine leather doesn't have a very good reputation, in general. If the saddle fits your horse well, that's a good selling point. I would look at the saddle with an eye to its quality and level of wear. Specifically:

• Is the leather thick and flexible? When you bend it, does it bend smoothly or do wrinkles appear in the fold (wrinkles=bad). Are there cracks in the leather, anywhere on the saddle (also bad)? Poor quality leather stains more easily than good quality leather. However, if the leather is good, minor stains and scratches are purely cosmetic.
• Is the stitching in good shape? If its rotting, frayed or coming loose, its not the end of the world, but realize you will have to replace it (extra money).
• Is the flocking/stuffing in the saddle in good shape? Flocking should be firm and springy with no loose leather, but not so overstuffed that it is rock-hard. Reflocking a saddle can be a major expense, so keep it in mind when considering a purchase.
• Make sure the billets are also in good shape. Its not unusual to replace billets several times in a saddle's lifetime, but if they are worn out, its another additional expense you will have after purchase.

Anyway...sorry, didn't mean to write a book:P Buying a used saddle is often like buying a used car: you have to gauge not only purchase cost, but maintenance costs in the future and judge whether or not its worth the money.

$400 is not a terrible price for a used saddle, but I would expect it to be in decent repair and of average to good quality.

Yes, its in good condition. The stitching is in good condition but and the leather has surface damage to a small spot on the pommel and wear marks on the lower saddle flap I.e. Where your lower leg rests. The leather feels really nice (although I just oiled it yesterday so that is probably part of the reason). There are no cracks in the leather and it is very thick.

Oh, and the person I'm buying it from bought it new for over $1000 which was probably ten years ago now. She is selling it to me either partially or fully mounted, I'm not sure if she's going to give me a girth or not. The one I'm using is an expensive leather one that she doesn't want to sel.

Its concord, then underneath on the metal label, it says zilco. Heard of this? I didn't notice it before as it was dark when I looked yesterday lol

Eeeh, that is interesting...Zilco is a big name in harnesses, I didn't even know they made saddles. Maybe its not the same company, not sure.

Ed. Mmm...actually, I was digging around and apparently Zilco has some ties with Amerigo. Those are pretty nice saddles...of course, I don't know if they were working together 10 years ago, so who knows? :)