How to Buy a Second Hand Saddle: Complete Guide

Buying a second hand saddle can save you hundreds of pounds while still getting a quality piece of equipment for you and your horse. But with prices ranging from £200 to £2,000+, it's essential to know what you're looking for to avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a second hand English saddle. You'll learn how to assess quality, ensure proper fit, negotiate prices, and most importantly—how to buy with confidence.

What you'll learn:

• How to determine your saddle requirements

• Quality checks to perform before buying

• Fitting considerations for horse and rider

• Where to buy safely

• Price expectations and negotiation tips

• Why a trial period is essential

Let's help you find the perfect second hand saddle without the stress or risk.

---

1. Determine Your Saddle Requirements

Before you start browsing listings, get clear on exactly what you need.

Discipline and Riding Style

What type of riding do you do?

• Dressage saddles: Deep seat, long straight flaps for leg position

• Jumping saddles: Forward-cut flaps, flatter seat for two-point position

• General purpose/All-purpose: Versatile for flatwork and jumping

• Eventing saddles: Balanced between dressage and jumping features

Choose a saddle designed for your primary discipline. A jumping saddle won't support proper dressage position, and vice versa.

Your Horse's Build

Key measurements to know:

• Wither height and shape: High, medium, or low withers

• Shoulder angle: Affects gullet width needed

• Back length: Short-backed horses need shorter saddles

• Back shape: Flat, normal, or round back

Consider getting your horse measured by a qualified saddle fitter. Many second hand saddle retailers (including us at Saddles Online) can advise on fit based on photos and measurements.

Your Body Type and Riding Level

Rider considerations:

• Seat size: Typically 16"-18" for adults (measure from pommel to cantle)

• Leg length: Affects flap length needed

• Riding experience: Beginners often benefit from deeper, more supportive seats

Pro tip: If you're between sizes, go larger. A slightly bigger saddle is more comfortable than one that's too small.

Budget Reality Check

Second hand English saddles typically range:

• Entry-level brands: £200-£500

• Mid-range quality brands: £500-£1,200

• Premium brands (Albion, Voltaire, CWD): £1,200-£3,000+

Set a realistic budget that includes potential adjustments (£50-£150 for flocking adjustments).

---

2. Quality Checks: What to Look For

Not all second hand saddles are created equal. Here's how to spot quality and avoid problem saddles.

The Tree (Most Critical)

The tree is the saddle's internal frame—if it's broken, the saddle is worthless.

How to check:

• Flex test: Hold the pommel and cantle, push them together gently. They should have slight give but no clicking, cracking, or excessive movement

• Twist test: Hold pommel and cantle, twist in opposite directions. No creaking or popping sounds

• Visual inspection: Look for asymmetry when placed on a flat surface

• Under the seat: Feel for lumps, bumps, or uneven areas that indicate tree damage

Red flags: Any clicking, cracking sounds, or visible asymmetry means a broken tree. Walk away.

Leather Condition

Quality leather can last decades with proper care, but damaged leather is expensive to repair.

Check for:

• Flexibility: Leather should be supple, not stiff or cracked

• Stitching: All stitching should be intact, especially on billets and stirrup bars

• Cracking: Surface cracks are cosmetic; deep cracks through the leather are structural problems

• Dry rot: Powdery, flaking leather that crumbles when flexed

• Stretching: Overstretched leather around stirrup bars or girth straps

Good news: Minor surface wear, scratches, and scuffs are purely cosmetic and don't affect function. These can actually indicate a well-used but well-maintained saddle.

Panel and Flocking

The panels sit against your horse's back and must be even and well-maintained.

Inspect:

• Symmetry: Both panels should be identical in shape and firmness

• Lumps: Feel for uneven flocking (wool filling) that creates pressure points

• Compression: Overly flat panels need re-flocking (£80-£150)

Note: Reflocking is a routine maintenance task, not a deal-breaker. Factor the cost into your offer if needed.

Billets and Girth Straps

These are critical safety components.

Check:

• All three billets: Should be firmly attached with no tears

• Stitching: Must be intact and tight

• Leather thickness: Thin, stretched billets are a safety risk

Safety first: Replacing billets costs £100-£200. If they're worn, negotiate this into the price or plan to replace immediately.

Stirrup Bars

Test:

• Spring-loaded mechanism should work (safety feature)

• No rust or damage

• Securely attached to the tree

3. Fitting Your Horse

A beautiful saddle is useless if it doesn't fit your horse properly. Poor fit causes pain, behaviour issues, and long-term damage.

The Five Key Fit Points

1. Gullet Width

• Clear channel down the spine (3-4 fingers width)

• No pressure on the spine or withers

• Even contact on both sides of the back

2. Wither Clearance

• 2-3 fingers clearance when mounted

• Saddle shouldn't pinch or sit on top of withers

• Check clearance with rider's weight

3. Shoulder Freedom

• Saddle shouldn't restrict shoulder movement

• Points of the tree should sit behind the shoulder blade

• Watch your horse walk—no interference with movement

4. Panel Contact

• Even contact across the entire panel length

• No bridging (gap in the middle)

• No pressure points at front or back

5. Balance and Position

• Saddle sits level on the horse's back

• Deepest point is in the centre

• Doesn't tip forward or backward when mounted

The Trial Period Solution

Here's the challenge: you can't truly assess fit until your horse is ridden in the saddle for several days. Horses may initially accept a poor-fitting saddle, but problems emerge with regular use.

This is why a trial period is essential.

At Saddles Online, we offer a 5-day trial period on all saddles. This gives you time to:

• Ride multiple times in different conditions

• Have a saddle fitter assess the fit

• Watch for behaviour changes that indicate discomfort

• Ensure your horse moves freely and happily

Red flags during trial:

• Horse resists being saddled

• Behaviour changes under saddle (bucking, rushing, refusing)
  

• Uneven sweat patterns after riding

• Soreness or sensitivity when grooming

A proper trial period protects both you and your horse. Never buy a second hand saddle without the option to return it if the fit isn't right.

4. Fitting the Rider

The saddle must fit you as well as your horse. Poor rider fit affects your position, balance, and effectiveness.

Seat Size

How to check:

• Sit in the saddle

• 4 fingers width (about 10cm) between your body and the pommel

• 4 fingers width between your seat and the cantle

• You shouldn't feel cramped or slide around

Flap Length and Position

• Your knee should sit comfortably in the knee roll

• Flap should end just below your calf muscle

• Forward-cut flaps for jumping, straighter for dressage

Seat Depth and Comfort

• You should sit naturally in the deepest part

• Not fighting to maintain position

• Comfortable for 45+ minute rides

Test ride is essential: Spend at least 20 minutes riding in the saddle. Walk, trot, and canter. Your position should feel balanced and secure without effort.

5. Where to Buy Second Hand Saddles

Where you buy matters as much as what you buy. Different sources offer different levels of protection and risk.

Specialist Second Hand Retailers (Recommended)

Pros:

• Quality-checked inventory

• Expert fitting advice

• Trial periods offered

• Return policies

• Often include basic servicing

Cons:

• Slightly higher prices than private sales

• Limited inventory compared to marketplaces

Best for: Buyers who want confidence and protection, especially first-time buyers.

Private Sellers (Facebook, Preloved, etc.)

Pros:

• Often cheaper prices

• Large selection

• Direct negotiation

Cons:

• No quality guarantees

• No returns or trial periods

• Risk of scams or misrepresented items

• No expert fitting support

• "Sold as seen" - all risk on buyer

Best for: Experienced buyers who know exactly what they're looking for and can assess quality themselves.

Online Marketplaces (eBay, etc.)

Pros:

• Huge selection

• Buyer protection policies

• Easy to compare prices

Cons:

• Can't physically inspect before buying

• Difficult to assess true condition from photos

• Returns can be complicated

• Shipping costs and risks

Our Recommendation

For most buyers, especially those new to buying second hand, a specialist retailer with a trial period offers the best balance of selection, price, and protection. The slightly higher cost is worth the peace of mind and the ability to return if the fit isn't right.

---

6. Pricing and Negotiation

Understanding fair pricing helps you negotiate confidently and avoid overpaying.

What Affects Second Hand Saddle Prices?

Brand reputation:

• Premium brands (Voltaire, CWD, Albion, County) hold value better

• Mid-range brands (Thorowgood, Wintec, Bates) depreciate faster

• Unknown brands have minimal resale value

Age and condition:

• Well-maintained 10-year-old saddles can be excellent value

• Poor condition recent saddles aren't bargains

• Leather quality matters more than age

Market demand:

• Popular sizes (17", 17.5") sell for more

• Unusual sizes may be discounted

• Discipline trends affect prices

Negotiation Tips

When buying from private sellers:

• Point out needed repairs (reflocking, new billets)

• Offer 10-15% below asking price initially

• Be prepared to walk away

• Cash in hand is a strong negotiating tool

When buying from retailers:

• Prices are usually firmer but fair

• Ask about package deals (saddle + accessories)

• End-of-season sales may offer discounts

---

7. The Importance of a Trial Period

This cannot be overstated: always buy with a trial period option.

Why Trial Periods Matter

You cannot fully assess fit in a single viewing. Even experienced riders and fitters need time to evaluate:

• How the horse moves over multiple rides

• Whether any soreness or discomfort develops

• How the saddle performs in different activities

• Whether your position feels consistently balanced

• If any behavior issues emerge

What to Look for During Your Trial

Day 1-2: Initial assessment

• Does the saddle stay in place?

• Is your horse comfortable being saddled?

• Does your position feel natural?

Day 3-4: Deeper evaluation

• Check for any developing soreness

• Evaluate sweat patterns after riding

• Notice any behavior changes

• Have a saddle fitter assess if possible

Day 5: Final decision

• Review all observations

• Compare to your requirements checklist

• Make your keep/return decision

Our 5-Day Trial Promise

At Saddles Online, every saddle comes with a 5-day trial period. If the fit isn't right for you or your horse, return it—no questions asked. This removes the biggest risk from buying second hand and gives you the confidence to find the perfect saddle.

No trial period? Don't buy. The risk is simply too high.

8. Red Flags and Scams to Avoid

Protect yourself from common second hand saddle scams and problem purchases.

Seller Red Flags

Be cautious if:

• Seller refuses to provide detailed photos

• Won't allow you to try the saddle on your horse

• Pressures you to buy immediately

• Price seems too good to be true

• Vague or inconsistent descriptions

• No returns or trial period offered

• Requests unusual payment methods

Product Red Flags

Walk away from:

• Broken or damaged trees (deal-breaker)

• Extensive dry rot or cracking leather

• Mismatched or replaced panels (indicates previous problems)

• Strong musty or mold smell (indicates poor storage)

• Significant asymmetry

• Missing or damaged safety components

Common Scams

"Saddle for sale - shipping only"

• Scammers post fake ads with stock photos

• Request payment before shipping

• Saddle never arrives

Protection: Only buy from established retailers or meet private sellers in person.

"Rare/vintage saddle - great investment"

• Overpriced old saddles marketed as collectibles

• Most old saddles have little value

Protection: Research actual market prices for the brand and model.

"Custom-fitted for your horse"

• Sellers claim saddles are custom-fit without seeing your horse

• Impossible to guarantee fit remotely

Protection: Always insist on a trial period to verify fit.

---

9. After You Buy: Maintenance and Care

Protect your investment with proper care and maintenance.

Immediate Steps

When you bring your saddle home:

1. Professional check: Have a saddler inspect the tree and overall condition

2. Deep clean: Use quality saddle soap and leather conditioner

3. Reflocking if needed: Address any panel irregularities (£80-£150)

4. Replace worn parts: New billets, girth straps if needed

Ongoing Maintenance

Regular care:

• Clean after every ride (wipe down)

• Deep clean weekly

• Condition leather monthly

• Check stitching and billets regularly

• Annual professional inspection

Storage:

• Use a saddle rack or stand

• Keep in dry, temperature-stable environment

• Cover to protect from dust

• Avoid extreme heat or cold

When to Get Professional Help

Schedule a saddle fitter:

• Every 6-12 months for fit checks

• If your horse changes shape (weight gain/loss, muscle development)

• If behavior issues develop

• After any long break from riding

Regular maintenance extends saddle life by decades and maintains resale value if you decide to sell later.

10. Your Second Hand Saddle Buying Checklist

Use this checklist when evaluating any second hand saddle:

Before Viewing

• Determined discipline and saddle type needed

• Know your horse's measurements and back shape

• Know your seat size and leg length

• Set realistic budget

• Confirmed trial period is available

During Inspection

• Tree flex and twist test passed

• Leather is supple, no deep cracks

• Stitching intact on all critical areas

• Panels are symmetrical and even

• Billets and girth straps in good condition

• Stirrup bars function properly

• No musty smell or mold

• Price is fair for condition and brand

Trial Period

• Saddle fits horse (all 5 key points)

• Saddle fits rider comfortably

• Horse shows no discomfort or behavior changes

• Position feels balanced and secure

• Sweat patterns are even

• Professional fitter assessment (if possible)

---

Conclusion: Buy with Confidence

Buying a second hand saddle doesn't have to be stressful or risky. With the right knowledge and a proper trial period, you can find a quality saddle that fits both you and your horse perfectly—while saving hundreds of pounds.

Remember the key principles:

• Know your requirements before you start looking

• Always check the tree condition (non-negotiable)

• Fit matters more than brand or appearance

• Never buy without a trial period

• Choose reputable sellers who stand behind their products

At Saddles Online, we specialise in quality second hand English saddles with 5-day trial periods on every purchase. Browse our current inventory or get in touch for personalised fitting advice.

Ready to find your perfect saddle?

View our current saddle collection or Contact us for fitting advice