Where to Find Used Western Saddles
I'm a huge fan of buying saddles used. I'd rather ride a high quality, used saddle than a shiny, new, low quality saddle any day. Since a high quality saddle doesn't come cheap, often the only way they fit into the budget is to buy them "previously owned."
Below is a list of some of the best places to find quality used western saddles:
Ebay - It may sound like blasphemy to say that Ebay is a great source of quality used western saddles, but it is. They have a huge selection of all types and brands, with quite a few gems showing up consistently.
Eclectic Horsman - Both their website and their print magazine usually contain some real gems. Nothing but the best here. As I write this they have a Steve Mecum, a McCall Lady Wade, and a Dale Harwood listed for sale.
Flat Creek Saddle Shop - One of the finest collection of quality western saddles for sale. Small selection of used saddles, but only quality. Located in beautiful (but now, grossly "hip and trendy" Jackson, Wyoming, or more famously known as Jackson Hole). The folks here are very knowledgeable and will help you choose the right saddle.
J.M. Capriola - Small selection, but nothing but the best from this legendary saddle maker.
HorseSaddleShop - Smallish selection, but good ones pop up from time to time.
Three Forks Saddlery - This shop, located outside of Bozeman, Montana, is in my own backyard, so I know it's a good 'un. They have more used saddles for sale than they list on their site, so feel free to give them a call.
TackTrader - Good selection of brand name, production saddles.
EquineHits - Not a huge selection, but worth taking a look. A gem shows up every now and then.
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Hall of Fame, Saddle Buying by Saddle Sense
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Comments on Where to Find Used Western Saddles »
I have have a quarter horse, not registered and a mix of (probably)areab, he's gained weight,on purpose, and my saddle is no longer useable..I need to find someone who can bring some (wesrtern, saddles….looking for a way to accomodate shoulders which look narrower than mine..but are sorta' wide in the chest…PLUS a high withers…I can't ride him until I can find a saddle..HELP!
Wrightrob,
You're on the right track. To really get a sense of what fits and doesn't fit your horse, you really need to try a bunch of saddles on him. If you have a tack shop nearby, you could trailer your horse over and try a bunch on there. Or else, I'd beg everyone you run into to borrow their saddle for a few minutes and try it on your horse.
There a are a variety of saddle fitting "tools" out there, but I think the best way to really understand saddle fit is to try on saddles and then run through the saddle fit checks on this page:
http://www.western-saddle-guide.com/fitting-the-horse.html