Hi, I picked up two used saddles, one is a nice Carroll Saddle Company the other I haven't been able to find a makers mark anywhere. There is the owners name on the back behind the seat. I believe it was a custom saddle. Sheepskin fleece. Any idea what the Carroll saddle may be worth ? Thanks for any info, great forum 🙂
No idea what the Carroll is worth but it has all the features I love in a trail saddle!
I don't know who made the second one, but it has the rigging really far back, I don't think I've seen any like that before, almost a center-fire rigging? Heck, almost beyond center-fire. Not too many people would make them like that, I don't think. That might be a distinguishing feature to help you find the maker. Maybe start looking for barrel saddles with center-fire type rigging?
@boots If it really is a mule saddle (and it sure looks like one), those things are rare as hen's teeth in our area and don't sell cheap. Mule tack is uncommon and brings a premium price here.
Thanks for your help on the unmarked saddle !
I live in Upstate NY where riding mules are pretty uncommon, or maybe that's why it's a 'custom' saddle... Would Ebay be my best bet to market them , as they are both pretty uncommon ?
Ebay or FB marketplace. I'd get them to a saddlemaker/saddle shop first though - because you're going to be asked questions about them that you will need to know. And if one or both are mule saddles? You need to know that for certain. A saddlemaker could tell you exactly what you've got.
Likewise. I've not seen one in person - at least not off a mule. I know they're made different in some very important ways (The rigging, the tree) to accommodate the build of a mule.
PS: OP.
The Carroll Saddle was made by Jack Carroll. He was a legendary saddle maker. I wouldn't attempt to put a value on it myself because I have no idea the year it was made or how it would fit a modern horse. Before you take any old offer for it, please, please, get it valuated by a knowledgeable saddlesmith. Some of these older saddles are priceless, some aren't worth much at all. A story told me by Tony at ML Leddy's in Fort Worth - A man brought in an old Leddy saddle, wanted them to research in their ledgers the serial number. Turns out it was originally owned by Roy Rogers. That dude had it refurbed at Ft. Worth, listed on ebay and sold it for an astonishing amount of dough to a saddle collector who was also a football player for the Dallas Cowboys.
Thanks, for that info . I did some digging and found that Jack Carroll met with the famous horse trainer Ed Connell from California in the '60s and they started making a saddles and equipment together, which is the style I believe I have. It's a ranch 'working' saddle... I didn't see a serial # on it when I conditioned it , but will check again. Any clues as to where ?? The company is no longer in business so I'm not sure I'd be able to trace an owner. As far as saddle makers, lol,
Up here in the Rochester, NY area they are as rare as a riding mule 🙂 99% of tack shops are English, without traveling 90+ miles and even then you may only get a 'big-box' store... online sales have killed the little guy around here... 😞
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!