I have been shipped 3 saddles, and each arrived totally fine. Buy through a reputable site, with good customer service, and pay through a reputable site (think Ebay and Paypal). This protects you as a buyer from scams and anything getting broken during shipment. Have them ship with tracking, and make sure they insure the package, in case something happens during delivery. Hopefully someone in your part of the world can give local advice, as I am in the US.

 

Totally safe! I've sold & shipped numerous saddles. Both western & English. I've never had one come up with a broken tree. I also primarily buy saddles online - again both western & English. *knock on wood* I haven't had anything show up damaged. Just make sure to buy with something that will give you protection if your saddle does end up damaged. I only use PayPal when buying online as I have protection & can dispute any damaged item.

Doesn't hurt to check with the seller too & see if they're comfortable shipping the saddle (& have experience shipping saddles).

 

I ship my saddle ahead if I'm flying somewhere. I use UPS and have never had a problem.

I also buy used saddles online and haven't any of them arrive damaged.

 

The tree won't be broken in shipping--- if it's broken, it was broken before you bought it. People ship saddles all the time.

 

Saddle makers ship saddles all over the country. If you are concerned have it insured for replacement value.