7 saddle buying tips

2. Check the stitching on the saddle

The stitching holds the saddle together, so it's very important to the overall strength of the saddle. If the stitching is frayed, you should consider having the saddle restitched.

3. Examine the saddle tree for breakage

The saddle tree is made of wood or sometimes plastic, and it runs the length of the saddle inside the saddle. If the tree is broken, it could hurt the horse. By grabbing the front (pommel) and back (cantle) of the saddle, you can see if there is too much movement.

On an English saddle look for any place where the leather wrinkles. This can indicate that the saddle tree is cracked. Of course, some bend is acceptable because many saddles have a flexible tree.

4. Make sure the saddle fits

Saddle seat size is key for a comfortable ride. On an English saddle, you should be able to fit three finger widths between your seat and the cantle (end) of the saddle seat.

If you are buying an English saddle, check the stirrup leathers for wear against the metal stirrups. Also, check the stirrup leather holes for excess wear. You do not want anything to break while you're riding the horse.

On a Western saddle, check the cinch bar for wear and make sure the cinch is in good working order.

5. Think about horse comfort

Remember, the saddle is not supposed to fit just you; it should fit the horse as well. Be sure to take into account the horse's withers and shape. If the horse is not comfortable with the way the saddle fits, it won't behave well, and riding will not be enjoyable for either of you.

6. Consider used vs. new

A good used saddle is better than a new, poor-quality saddle. If a saddle has poor-quality leather to begin with -- whether new or used -- there is nothing that will make the leather better.

One advantage to a used saddle is that it is already broken in, so the leather is soft. Breaking in a new saddle will take time. But with consistent riding, the leather will soften up in a few months.

Realize that a higher-priced saddle will most likely hold up for more years of wear and, therefore, be less expensive in the long run.

7. Ask for advice

A saddle is a big-ticket item so, if possible, take an experienced person with you when shopping. Other good sources for information include riding teachers, salespeople at the tack store, and other riders.

The only way to be certain a saddle is a good fit for you and your horse is to try it out. It's a good idea to make sure you can return your purchase if, for some reason, the saddle doesn't live up to your expectations.

Photograph: Laurie Potter