Value of Horse Saddles?

[EddieWalker]

Ten years ago we took in some horses from a couple that my wife knew from working at the Hospital. He had been in a bad accident and couldn't take care of them anymore. I had no idea what a mistake this was, but it also motivated me to get a lot of things done on the land that I probably never would of done. Create pastures, fencing and everything involved in having livestock. In hindsite, it was probably a good thing.

Along with the horses they gave us their saddles and tack. The original plan was for my wife to ride them. Her best childhood memories where when she lived in Arizona and took riding lessons. But then cancer showed up and it never happened.

We've been storing those saddles since then and there is no reason to keep them. We have two thoughts. Give them away or sell them. From the pictures, can anybody tell if they are worth the effort and headache of trying to sell them? If we were to sell them, I would post it on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. I don't like either of those places and I hate the idea of strangers coming here to buy things. But I will if it's worth the effort. I'm just don't know anything about buying or selling them.

As you can see in the pictures, my garage is packed with stuff and we are on a mission to clean it out, get it organized and get both of our vehicles in there before winter hits. One way or another, the saddles have to go.

Thank you

 

[ponytug]

Ten years ago we took in some horses from a couple that my wife knew from working at the Hospital. He had been in a bad accident and couldn't take care of them anymore. I had no idea what a mistake this was, but it also motivated me to get a lot of things done on the land that I probably never would of done. Create pastures, fencing and everything involved in having livestock. In hindsite, it was probably a good thing.

Along with the horses they gave us their saddles and tack. The original plan was for my wife to ride them. Her best childhood memories where when she lived in Arizona and took riding lessons. But then cancer showed up and it never happened.

We've been storing those saddles since then and there is no reason to keep them. We have two thoughts. Give them away or sell them. From the pictures, can anybody tell if they are worth the effort and headache of trying to sell them? If we were to sell them, I would post it on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. I don't like either of those places and I hate the idea of strangers coming here to buy things. But I will if it's worth the effort. I'm just don't know anything about buying or selling them.

As you can see in the pictures, my garage is packed with stuff and we are on a mission to clean it out, get it organized and get both of our vehicles in there before winter hits. One way or another, the saddles have to go.

Thank you

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They look like fairly utilitarian saddles from here, but it would help value them if you can find a maker's stamp, or plate, often toward the rear of the saddle seat, or under a forward flap.

If don't get good offers on CL/FB, have you thought about giving to a local riding school? Schools are always trying to fit saddles to riders and having a selection helps, a lot.

I tend to think of saddle fitting as shoe fitting squared, as you have to fit the horse, and then you have to fit the rider, and then there's the issue of the saddle needs to fit the intended use, riding, roping, endurance, jumping...

All the best,

Peter

 

[oldnslo]

Since these have been stored for ten years is there any concern for dry rot in the leather or stitching?

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't see any rot or issues with the saddles. I also don't see any sign that they have ever been used. The leather under them looks brand new. The bottom one is dirtier from sitting, which I don't understand. It may have been that way when we got them.

If the value isn't there to make it worthwhile selling them, I know a guy who has a daughter that teaches riding to kids. My wife knows a Nurse that she used to work with that is also involved with teaching kids to ride, so that's another option.

I hate the thought of giving away money if it's there, but I also hate the idea of dealing with people coming here that we don't know. I'm sure it will be a hassle to sell them, and that's another good reason to give them away.

 

[oldnslo]

My neighbor is a semi retired horse trainer and he said a good new saddle for pole bending or barrel racing is over $2000 and potentially over $3000. No clue on what those saddles are nor their value.

Been sitting ten years so is their any value to you vs donating them to a worthy cause?

 

[ultrarunner]

Only a casual observer here…

Some horses are difficult to match so some are very specific.

I remember looking at 2 new saddles and they looked the same to me…

It was then pointed out one was crafted by a master American saddle maker with silver embelishments.

The other was imported of low grade leather and sold for a tenth of the price of the quality saddle.

I have two saddles given to me… with the thought of maybe one day…

Having a makers mark is a good start if advertising…

Expect to be asked detailed questions and then possibly a fitting.

One of the local barns closed and donated a lot to a non-profit and did get the benefit from the donation…

I agree about having strangers showing up… many local police stations have exchange zones because it was getting that bad.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ya, saddles are a crapshoot. The saddle i had for years fit my QH perfectly, but was rubbing my fjords back. I had to purchase a new one , custom fitted to horse.

Still have the old one, not worth selling. I’ll probably donate it to riding club in the future. Always housed in heated tack room. Still great shape.

I dont ride much any more….back cant take it. Now i mostly drive my horses in assorted carriages.

 

[Tinhack]

I don't know but those saddles look homemade or perhaps by a local shop. They aren't for roping or barrels--They don't have the straps for it.

On a side note: There's some parade riders down here that have over $20k in their saddles. They are a work of art with lots of silver and gold.

 

[scootr]

I doubt they are hand made. They have the mark of factory assembly.
FWIW, I was a saddle maker in one of my careers.
Search CL and see what similar saddles are listed for. $100-200 here locally
Or go to the feed or tack store and see what they have used... they may even take them on commission.
As for leather condition, leather needs oil and these have had none for a long time. This can lead to failure in the stirrup and cinch straps, both critical safety points.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I am in the same boat, as I'm trying to sell a Dakota saddle for an elderly neighbor. I contacted a dealer, sent many pictures and he gave me an estimate of $450, selling new for $1050. I posted for $400 and crickets. people in area are selling saddles for $50 to $150. Not an area of wealth...