Checking over a secondhand saddle?

[kit279]

I've been loaned a close contact jumping saddle to try on my little grey horse but would like to check the saddle over myself before getting the saddle fitter out. Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for? So far, I've given the tree a hefty shove in most directions and it looks to be sound enough but any advice most welcome.

 

[Donkeymad]

Check underneath the saddle for any lumps or bumps (within the flocking), check all the stitching, check the stirrup bars. Look across the seat of the saddle for any creasing, which may indicate tree damage.

 

[Kallibear]

Biggest thing you need to look for is any twisting of the tree. It's really really common as most people sit squint and the saddle twists over time. Easiest way to do it is to rest the pommel on your toes and sight down it from above. The tree should be symetrical and the centre of the pommel and cantle perfectly in line.

Also look at the panel attatchment. View from behind the panels should be attatched centrally (loads of saddles have the panals set on squint) and they should be the same size and shape. As most horses aren't quite symetrical, one will almost definfitly be more compacted than the other. It's easily fixed with reflocking but not if the panles themselves are uneven. Also look at the panels from the front and check the panels have been stitched in straight. Plenty of saddles have one points pocket lower than the other.

Turn the saddle over and check the panels are the same shape and size. If the saddle has flocking. lumps and bumps can be corrected. If however the saddle is foam panels (quite likely in a CC saddle), there is little you can do about asymetry and lumps or holes.