There are lots of used western saddles out there for sale. With the Internet everyone is putting their used tack online to get rid of it, posting on eBay, Craigslist and even Kijiji. Anyone buying a saddle online will have to be a lot more careful about what they are buying to make sure they are getting a fair buy. There are a few things to look out for when deciding to buy a used western saddle online.
The first thing is to be clear on what condition the saddle is in. People don't always have the same idea of the condition of the equipment they are selling as to what you have when buying. So be sure you know what the condition is of any used tack especially used saddles. This isn't just for the look of the saddle. Safety is a real concern with used equipment. Things like the rigging can be damaged and result in your saddle not being safe.
Ask for photos. Photos are going to tell the whole story about the saddle you plan to buy. Ask the seller to send you as many photos as they can of different sides and angles including close ups. Again have them take detailed pictures of the rigging and other key components.
You should also have the seller send you a photo of any manufacturers brands or labels. You will know everything you need to compare different saddles you find for sale. You can do a search on Google for that specific brand and size and see exactly what the going price is for that particular type of saddle in various conditions. This is a great way to do a lot of looking without having to manually search for the saddles. Google will bring up a list of that brand and size for you to see.
Make sure the price includes everything you see in the photos you are sent. Does the sale include things like stirrups, girths, blankets or any other things shown in the photo. Chances are they will be but be sure before you commit to buy. Also find out about shipping. We all know how heavy a saddle can be so make sure you know how much it will cost to ship. Many websites will offer free ground shipping but you are unlikely to find anyone selling their used western saddle privately. In some cases shipping could be hundreds of dollars. If the seller knows the saddles weight and your postal code they can get an estimate for you.
Finally ask if there are any interesting story about the saddle, This is especially true for older saddles where they could have been owned by some interesting people or were used in a historical event. Chances are there isn't but it is always good to ask the person selling a used western saddle about any stories associated with it. Even it the story isn't about a great event or person in history it is still important to know of any special times the previous owner may have had in that saddle.
Buying a used western saddle online isn't tricky but there are a few things you do differently then buying on in person. Use the information above to help you find a great "new" saddle.
Simon C Dawson is a stable operator in British Columbia Canada and helps people find used western saddles. Visit his site dedicated to teaching about the ways you can find used western saddles. http://findusedwesternsaddles.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_C_Dawson
