Buying a saddle

[Aniseed]

In the past I have only ever bought saddles from tack shops which is pretty straight forward. However this time I am after something a bit more unusual and have managed to find one second hand and at a good price but it is the other side of the country. Have seen photos and it looks like exactly what I'm after.

How is it best to deal with a transaction like this. Is it ok to do a bank transfer and get the saddle posted? In this case I am spending a lot of money befeore I have even seen it. Or do I drive to pick it up and pay by cash making sure I get a receipt?

Just want to make sure I don't end up with a pile of rubbish!

 

[foraday]

Unless you have a 'reputable company' that is selling you your 2nd hand one and you aren't getting one off ebay I would personally go pick it up, inspect the saddle and check it over and if happy with it part with the cash!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Gosh! I'd be very hesitant to pay my dosh out without seeing the goods. You don't say who the vendor is? Is it a private individual or a business?

Personally, ehmmm, I'd be inclined to sit down and have a think, coz you don't know whether this particular saddle is gonna fit your horse really do you? It migiht seem like a good idea, and an unusual saddle perhaps, but you don't want something that's gonna give your horse a problem.

So - (this is just me) I'd be inclined to see what's available nearer you in the first instance, and personally I'd want a saddle fitter to come out and check it anyway, if I was buying a new saddle. You can't be too careful.