What is a used saddle worth?

Question

I have a Longhorn Roping Saddle. Not sure what the seat measures at, but it is very comfy and roomy! Anyway, I am looking to get a new one and was told that I could put it on consignment at the feed store here in town. This saddle is dark brown, the only repairs needed is some stitching on the seat and the stirrups need to be repaired/replaced. The saddle is probably about 30-35 years old according to my sister and the saddle shop here. No one has told me what price to ask for it. I use the saddle regularly, but I just want a new one. The tree is good, no other problems than stated. I will not be letting my new girth go with it. I am also including the bridle, it matches the straps and dressage, brown and black. I keep the saddle soft, clean it with saddle soap every 3 months and oil it 1-2 times a month. Any ideas what I should ask for it? I dont want to try to rip anybody off, or be ripped off either.

Answer 1

I've seen saddles listed on Ebay.. as long as you listed it to the best of your ability (told all it's flaws, etc) the person that bid it up would be paying what they thought it was worth. Shipping is a bugger for saddles though because they are so big and heavy.

A lot would also depend on the brand. My husband just bought an old name brand (Circle T perhaps?) for $150 and it needed work done on it. Size would be another factor. I'm sure if you browsed some Ebay listings they would give you an idea of where to measure to figure out what size it would be. Then check out the completed listings and see what a saddle similar to yours has sold for.

Answer 2

Since it is so well taken care of, I would ask at least $200 (if not more). Longhorn saddles are pretty decent saddles (close to being high-end) which means you can ask more for one in good condition. You could probably get around $300 or $350 for the saddle and bridle.

Answer 3

Without inspecting your saddle in person, I can only give a very rough estimate, but as a vague guess I would say maybe $500 to $750 IF it has a rawhide tree in good shape and the leather overall is good other than the damage you mention. If this sounds like your saddle, I would put $800 negotiable on it and take best offer over $500.  But depending on where you live, my estimates may be too high.  Find out what the average buyer there is paying for a comparable-quality, new saddle, deduct condition compared to yours and you should get an idea.  If this is a very good saddle it might be worth the money but you also might not be able to get what its worth.  Sometimes an older heavy duty saddle, is better than a lighter-duty newer one - but it can be hard to convince folks of this.  And if the saddle market is as bad as the horse market right now...

If the saddle does not have a rawhide tree, I would say up to $375 at most.  Less in either case if it needs new fleece or has any weak wear-points that could cause concerns.  I'd want to check the rigging to the dees, the stirrup-leathers and such.  Finally, if the tree is not wide or extra-wide, I would dock my price for that.  

The link below is for a new saddle in the same style and brand, but I would never pay their asking price because I don't like the tree type.  You might get lucky and be able to get more than the values I've offered as a guideline.  

Hope this is helpful to you.  

Edited to add:  That should have read, if the saddle does not have a rawhide-bound, hardwood tree.  

Personally; I'd rather have a good old comfy saddle like yours might be, than a newer one that wasn't as well made.  If this saddle has some life left in it, it might be worthwhile to fix it up and keep it, instead.  

Another point I forgot; what is the original hardware made of?  If its rusting, that's something to think about.  If its got stainless steel or brass hardware, its probably a very nice old saddle.  You could repair; perhaps re-cover the seat or even the whole top end if you wanted to, for much less than some new saddles cost.  

If you have never had a brand-new saddle, and you do a lot of riding, it can be....a real pain in the knees to break in new stirrup-leathers.  

Knowing what you do when you ride (do you rope in this saddle, or just trail or pleasure ride)?  and what the new saddle you want looks like, would give me more to go on.

I've added a link below to a nice website with some further information for you on choosing a saddle, the page has links with a wealth of additional material as well.  

Good luck whatever you decide to do!