A Guide To Purchasing A Show Saddle

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372 – October, 2014

By Loren Hitchcock

You’ve purchased your dream horse, and your show clothing is impeccable. You’re ready to hit the ring! Not so fast… what about that saddle? Have you ever stopped to consider all of the important factors that come into play when purchasing a saddle? These include not only your budget, but also current trends, sizing for the rider and horse, and resale potential. Some might say that a show saddle is the second most important purchase, next to your partner in the ring. The Equine Chronicle has teamed up with some of the top saddle makers in the country to help buyers navigate the process of purchasing your first show saddle.

When you set out to buy your perfect horse, the first thing you probably considered was how much you could afford to spend. Odds are, you tried to stay within the parameters of that budget. Your saddle budget is no different. Dale Chavez of Dale Chavez Saddlery explains why it’s important not to let your eyes betray your pocketbook. “Most people come to me with a budget, and we go from there,” he says. “Don’t spend beyond your means.” If you can’t afford a $10,000 saddle, don’t even look at saddles in that price range. Also, consider buying used over new. Used saddles often hold their value just as well as a new model, but come with a lower price tag. “Used saddles can start as low as $1,500 and still look nice,” says Phil Harris of Harris Leather and Silverworks. “We try to keep an inventory of nice used saddles on hand.” Jeff Habighorst of Blue Ribbon Custom Tack says a lot of factors play into the initial purchase of a saddle. “Some people start out spending around $3,000, while others can start out spending much more,” he says. “Trainers also play a role in what people spend. Some trainers give a minimum of what they want, and clients can choose to go up from there. When selecting a saddle, first-time saddle buyers should consider how long they plan on competing.”

Whether buying new or used, the amount of return on the initial investment is often determined by how well you take care of your saddle. Keeping it covered when not in use is a simple way to make sure the leather and silver stays in good shape. Invest in a cover that zips all the way around the saddle rather than one that just sits on top of the saddle. Invest in high quality leather oil and clean your saddle regularly. Also, there are many products on the market that will help keep the saddle’s silver as shiny as possible. Select a quality silver polish that won’t harm your saddle’s silver or cause it to tarnish quickly.

Along with budget, the fit of the saddle for both the horse and rider is very important to consider. A saddle will sit differently on various breeds of horses, and discipline is an important factor that comes into play. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all situation. “Breed clarification is important when considering a saddle,” Chavez says. “I work with every breed and discipline, including pleasure horses, reiners, working cow horses, and cutting horses.” Chavez works to fit the saddle to both the rider and the horse. “It’s important to sit on the saddle before you buy it,” he says. “There are many things to consider, such as the inseam of the rider, the weight of the rider, and what helps the rider sit best in the saddle.”

The age of the rider is important to consider as well. If buying for a youth competitor, growing room may need to be factored into the purchase decision. “There’s a fine line between buying too big and buying to fit,” Harris says. “If you get the saddle seat large enough for growing room, in the years to come, it could make for an uncomfortable ride right now. It also doesn’t position them properly, if the seat is too big. It’s kind of like buying big shoes for your child, stuffing the toes with paper, and hoping they grow into them. It’s not a good plan. On the other hand, you do need to allow for some growing room.” However, you must also recognize that the saddle will need to be upgraded as the rider grows. “We put in extra padding that you can remove as the youth rider grows or trade-in is an option,” Habighorst says.

Fit for an amateur rider is just as important as selecting the right size seat for a youth rider. “If you’ve ever seen a rider that’s pitched forward in the saddle, that’s a sign their seat is too small,” Harris says. “Adults must have room to accommodate the thigh, between the cantle and swell of the saddle.” Also, don’t assume that two people of similar size can share the same saddle. “Two people can be of the same weight and height and ride in two different saddles,” Habighorst says. “We are all different.”

Another basic tip is to always sit in the saddle before purchasing it. “Beware of online saddle sales too,” Chavez says. Online saddle sales are a good way for scammers to take advantage of first-time buyers. Beware of anyone who wants the full purchase price provided up front before you are allowed to try the saddle or before they will ship it. Many saddles have a number that registers them with the saddle maker. If you aren’t buying directly from the maker, request the number for the saddle. Call the maker and verify that the number actually belongs to a saddle that was in production. With private sales, remember to buy smart. If a deal seems too good to be true, odds are it might be. It’s always smarter to do your research than risk being taken advantage of with a big purchase.

The horse show industry is like many others in that fashion plays a role with constantly changing trends. Show saddles are certainly not immune to this ebb and flow. First-time saddle buyers should be aware of trends before purchasing. “There are a lot of trends in the showing industry,” Harris says. “It is a constantly moving target. I believe the buyer of a new saddle doesn’t have quite as much to worry about as someone who buys a used saddle. The new saddles that are in stock are usually on the edge of what’s in style, which gives the buyer a cushion in their decision. The buyer of a used saddle should consider the age and style much more closely, because that particular saddle’s style may be on the way out.”

One big trend we’ve seen a lot in the past five years is black points on a saddle or saddles that are dyed completely black. If you like this trend, a used saddle can easily be dyed black. “I have saddles with black or brown alligator trim that have sold well in recent years,” Chavez says. “Everybody wants to be different,” Habighorst agrees. “I don’t think we’ll be getting away from this trend anytime soon. We have endless requests for different things and customers who ask us to tweak something that we’ve done before. Everybody may not love it, but there will always be somebody that will.”

As mentioned before, proper maintenance plays a big part in getting the most return on your initial investment. Other factors include brand, original purchase price, and what’s current in style when trying to put the saddle back on the market. “Saddles are kind of like cars,” Habighorst says. “Cars depreciate when you drive them off the lot. Once someone rides in a saddle, it becomes used. I recommend that first-time buyers buy a quality saddle that will hold its value. Certain brands are in higher demand than others. If there’s not a market for a particular brand, the resale value will be a lot lower.” Also, how you intend to use the saddle will affect its resale value.

“A saddle can be ten years old but look brand new if it’s only used at a few shows,” Habighorst says. “The rider that hauled for a High Point title might have a saddle that looks ten years old and it may only be a year old, because the leather darkens when you use it.” Chavez says his clients generally see a good return on their initial investment with his saddles. “My saddles are reasonably priced,” he says. “I can add anything that a rider wants, from a silver horn to a silver wrap. It all depends on the rider’s price point.” Harris also remarks on how his saddles hold their value. “I can say that a buyer will lose less, percentage-wise, on their Harris saddle than any other item,” he says. “The saddle will lose the least compared to trucks, trailers, horses, and show clothing. Harris saddles have a reputation of holding their value very well.”

If you’re considering buying a saddle, be sure to do some research first. Keep your budget in mind, and don’t spend beyond your means. If you have a trainer, ask them for advice on what brand and type of saddle you should purchase. Put careful consideration into how long you think you may be competing, because a show saddle is a big investment. Think honestly about the level at which you currently show and where you see your show career headed in the future. “I see so many people who get to the bigger shows and realize that the saddle they have bought is not what they need,” Harris says. “Visit shows and determine the level at which you plan to compete, and purchase your saddle to fit that level.” Also, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to build a long-lasting relationship with your saddle maker. Reach out to the company you are interested in purchasing from to get more ideas and advice.

 

The Equine Chronicle would like to thank the following company representatives for their help and input with this article:

 

Phil Harris – Harris Leather and Silverworks has been a family tradition for over forty years. They can create your one-of-a-kind ride including show halters, saddles, and everything in between. Harris sponsors shows like the NSBA World Championship, Reichert Celebration, and All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Feel free to visit them online, in their show room, or at a show near you. Visit www.harrisleather.com for more information.

 

Dale Chavez – Dale Chavez has been crafting saddles for 42 years. He fits almost every breed and has a wide selection of saddles to choose from. His saddles have served as trophy saddles for both the Palomino Horse Breeders of America World Championship Show and the Pony of the Americas Congress. He was also recently asked to come speak at Monty Roberts’ ranch. Please visit www.dalechavezsaddles.com for more information.

 

Jeff Habighorst – Blue Ribbon Custom Tack has been in business since 1973. Relying on family tradition, this company offers a wide range of custom tack to fit your horse show needs. Blue Ribbon Custom Tack can be found at shows all over the country including the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Please visit www.blueribboncustomtack.com for more information.