What do you think of this saddle? link to ebay?

Question

I have a link to ebay saddle here, and I am thinking that the plated silver looks really fake and I shouldn't waste my money and it's too light, what do you think about my fishy find? second opinions are taken happily.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-16-Black-Leather-Western-Show-Horse-Saddle-Tack_W0QQitemZ200235739838QQihZ010QQcategoryZ47295QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 1

The saddle maker isn't listed, so you have no idea where it comes from.  The stitching looks inadequate to handle much wear and tear.  The tree is wood reinforced fiberglass, which is better than just fiberglass.  I prefer a light weight saddle so that's a plus for me.  The silver plating is fine...you can replace it with better if you want to. It is a quarter horse tree so it will fit a horse with a wither, and the skirts are not overly long like some, so it will fit a shorter back.

I used to buy expensive saddles, but I think differently now.  After years of having to buy new ones to fit each horse, and losing money on selling the expensive ones, I buy cheaper ones these days, but I'm not out competing and riding endurance and eventing and all that so my cheaper saddles do me just fine.  If you can contact the seller to find out who the maker is, it might help you decide. If you got this for around a hundred dollars it would be a good buy...even if it didn't work out, you'd be able to sell it and make your money back...it looks to be in good condition.

Answer 2

The best advice I ever received was always buy quality when purchasing a saddle. I know that initial price makes ya wanna throw up.....but when that saddle is still with you 30 years later, its worth it.

Answer 3

It looks like a nice saddle.  About 3 months ago I puchased my saddle from a seller on ebay & I am very please.  Sort of looks like this one you show here.  The silver was nice.  I checked this sellers feedback and it is great.  My thought was I could always resell the saddle if I didn't like it.  I looked every where for a saddle in my area and couldn't find an arab saddle that I could afford.  The only caution that I would give after I did some research was that a lot of people are selling saddles very cheap on ebay and they are made very cheap sometime the tree is made of cardboard and won't last.  You could ask who the maker is of the saddle and research that.  

Also check craigslist.  Sometimes a used saddle is better, doesn't have to be worn in.  New saddles are very stiff.

Hope this has helped!

Answer 4

I say buy it if its light and it looks good for western shows and the light weight takes the stress of off you carrying it and the horse carrying the saddle and you! Buy it

Answer 5

it is to light and it does look like the plated silver is fake. you can find other saddels on ebay im thinking for better quolity!

Hope i helped!

~me

Answer 6

It's chincy. Do not buy it!

Answer 7

Listen to Rosi and others.  You really do get what you pay for.  Go for a slightly used saddle of a reputable brand.  You will be waaay more comfortable, and so will your horse.  You should NOT buy this saddle.

Answer 8

I looks like a very cheap saddle, like;y made in Mexico.  Don't buy it.

Try Craigslist.com for your town.... at least you get to go look.

Answer 9

It's a CHEAPLY made saddle (Probably India).  Don't waste your money.  Look on ebay for a good gently used western saddle.  Remember colour doesn't always make the saddle.

Good American made saddles come from Circle Y, Tex Tan, Billy Cook, Billy Royal, Ozark etc.

Lower end American made saddles:  Big Horn, Simco, Saddle King, etc.

I had a friend who owned several of the made in India saddles and she eventually learned.

Answer 10

so what if the silver is fake? it makes the saddle cheaper and it still looks good.

and too light? its NICE to have light western show saddles.

Answer 11

This is the type of saddle that looks beter in a picture then it does in person.

For me, the last picture is an indication of some made in India type of saddle..look at the fleece..I don't see that many western saddles..but I don't think the fleece should be stitched.  And look at the pimple in the leather by the horn.  And the leather just looks cheap and stiff.  

Yeah...the price will get you all excited...but remember..YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!

And to me..the saddle looks new as does the headstall...I think they are saying used so you think another person thought is was a good saddle.  Or maybe it was used..someone bought it got it and quickly returned it!!

Why not go to a tack store and try, touch, check quality...etc.?

PS~ follow your own instincts...I also think it is a real stinky fishy find.  The silver looks like it is just glued on..look at the horn...and the sellers feedback rating is 96.4...not great in my opinion.  AND..it looks like they added..SOLD AS IS..NO RETURNS...probably because they want to get rid of it for good this time!!

******EDIT******

I'm attaching this link for you to look at some used western saddles.  I'm not affiliated with the store but I did buy my saddle from there and was very satisified with the service I got...via telephone, internet and phone. Shipping is included..and I think she gives a trial period to try them too.  I've never priced western saddles..so I'm not sure of the pricing..but I'm sure the more silver, the more money...so, have you thought of purchasing the silver set seperately and adding to the saddle..just a thought!!

http://www.griffinbrook.com/used_western...