South Eastern Livestock

Used saddles and kids saddles~~what do I need to know?

OK, I’ve bought my kids a used western saddle that is solid, but aside from taking it to a saddlery, how can I be sure that everything is ok with it? The leathers all look really good with no rot or anything like that. The nearest saddlery is more than 100 miles away from me so I’d like to know how I can inspect it on my own before putting it on a horse.

There are a few obvious things you can look for. Inspect all the leather, especially parts such as stirrup leathers, latigo and such that could potentially give way under pressure.
Check that the saddle tree isn’t cracked or broken. You can put it on it’s nose, and press firmly on the back. Look and listen for any creaky sounds, or a feeling of it “giving” too much. Likewise you can push the right and left side of the saddle together, if it gives too much the tree could be broken.
Feel the wool felt of the saddle carefully to ensure there are no loose nails or hardward that has loosened and will poke your horse once you tighten the cinch. I’ve had that happen once, and it wasn’t visible since the nail was still under the wool, but once you pressed on it you can feel it. Horses did not appreciate that one bit!
I would really recommend you have the saddle properly fitted when you have a chance for you horse. Small saddles are often cheaply made as many people don’t want to pay for quality when their kids will outgrow it so soon. They can be prone to pinching or causing pain more than a bigger saddle, and even a 1/2 hour of pain is miserable for a horse and can explain why some horses are fine for adults (in a large, well made saddle) and horrid for kids in a tiny, pinching saddle.
As for cinch size, often a smaller saddle has a short latigo and you may therefore need a longer cinch. Simply put your large saddle on your horse but don’t tighten the saddle. Measure around their girth from latigo to latigo, then put the small saddle on the horse and compare. It may be that you can use the same cinch, or it may be that you need one a bit longer.

SELLE ITALIA FLITE GEL FLOW SADDLE $0.01

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Rare 1927 Montgomery Ward Horse Harness & Saddle Catalog Page! Great Shape! $0.10

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David Christie – Saddle Up – 7″ 1982 – Ex $0.50

vintage handbag purse satchel saddle retro mod indie pvc faux leather red $0.78

VINTAGE OLD METAL LEATHER WORKING HOLE PUNCH TOOL COBBLER SADDLE MAKER NICE! $0.95

Azure Ray – November (CD, Saddle Creek Records) USED Good Condition $0.99

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Cassadaga by Bright Eyes (CD, Apr-2007, Saddle Creek Records) $0.99

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Digital Ash in a Digital Urn by Bright Eyes (CD, Jan-2005, Saddle Creek Records) $0.99

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6 Horses – Large White w/Purple Mane, Fisher Price Gray w/Saddle, Pink + Dolls $0.99

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One tour master saddle bag-Heavy Duty-Harley-asian-ironhead-luggage $0.99

2005 Honda Goldwing GL1800 GL 1800 right saddle bag w/ lid red dealer take off $0.99

2005 Honda Goldwing GL1800 GL 1800 left saddle bag w/ lid red dealer take off $0.99

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Velo D 2 Mountain Bike Saddle $0.99

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Specialized Pro Ti Mountain Bike Saddle 140mm $0.99

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ORIGINAL PRINTED PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 30,352 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE CLIPS OR DEVICES USED FOR ATTACHING THE SADDLES OF CYCLES AND THE LIKE. [1910] …

The Art of the Western Saddle: A Celebration of Style and Embellishment $26.18 An elegant look at the evolution of saddle design and decoration, lushly illustrated with more than 300 full color photographs and drawings….

Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship: Establishing Respect and Control for English and Western Riders $18.04 Clinton Anderson’s training techniques can achieve amazing results with almost any horse. Now you can learn the program that teaches “everyday people” how to better communicate with their mounts….

M-Wave Bicycle Saddle Bag (Small) $9.89 The M-Wave Small Saddle Bicycle Bag is perfect for holding your keys, MP3 Player, money, or any other small personal item. This durable little bag features rugged straps and Velcro for easy attachment to saddle stem. The zippered compartment ensures your items are secure while reflective tape helps keep you safe!…

Hobson Easyseat Ergonomical Dual Pad Bicycle Saddle $25.81 The Original Easyseat has adjustable (width) pads that move independently while pedaling for superior comfort. Since 1982 – over 800 thousand sold and counting. Although this is our oldest model, the medical benefits it provides you, the rider, is just the same as any one of our higher end products. Simply put, this seat will eliminate all pressure and cycling related pains by placing the riders w…

ISM Adamo Typhoon Saddle $84.99 ISM Adamo Typhoon Saddles feature Typhoon graphics, a black lycra cover and ISM ultra gel. Black Lycra cover with ISM Ultra GelItem SpecificationsColorBlackWeight385gWidth147mmLength225mmRailSteelStyleMen’sClamp StyleStd Rails…

Classic Accessories MotoGear 73707 Motorcycle Saddle Bags $59.54 MotoGear Motorcycle Saddle Bags are a rugged, universal-fit saddle bag cargo system. The heavy-duty UV-resistant ProtekX Extreme fabric shell provides maximum weather and abrasion protection. Heat shield panels on the bottom and sides protect the bags from hot exhaust, while the interior foam panels provide structure and cushion your gear. These saddle bags also feature exterior zippered side pock…

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, the Best Leather Conditioner 8oz Bottle $11.50 LEATHER HONEY LTHR COND 8OZ…

SportRack ABR512 Kayak Saddle $64.99 Flexible saddles confim to various hull shapes…

Winsome Wood Saddle Seat 29-Inch Bar Stool, Black $27.98 One contemporary Saddle Seat 29″ wood counter height stool in black finish. Solid wood construction; designed in the US, produced in Thailand of natural hardwood. Ships ready to assemble with all hardware and tools included. This new style seat is comfortable and sleek….